Laminate counter tops.

[J. Ed taylor]

I used Formica 180FX in 3466 Antique Mascarello and it doesn't show in the Gem Lock stock list. However, Gem Lock looks like great product, any idea of cost per stick?

[Lloyd McKinlay]

I used Formica 180FX in 3466 Antique Mascarello and it doesn't show in the Gem Lock stock list. However, Gem Lock looks like great product, any idea of cost per stick?

One of the benefits of the contrasting color of the solid surface will tend to conceal any minor imperfection when you flush cut the counter top edge, especially if the solid surface is a dark variety. They were suppliers when I was in business so I only vaguely remember wholesale prices, which I'm certain have increased. Not cheap, but it really does look good. I still have several sticks (mistake when we ordered) that I will use when I finally redo the laundry room.

Give them a call, they were always very helpful with any questions we had. Let us know what you decide.

[J. Ed taylor]

I went with BevelEdge ogee. Here's the final result:

[Bill White]

I guess it bears asking. Why not just use post-formed tops with an integrated edge of your choice?
Bill

[J. Ed taylor]

I guess it bears asking. Why not just use post-formed tops with an integrated edge of your choice?
Bill

I don't have those long ugly miters in the corners. I built the substrate in place with glued butt joints and underlying cleats. The formica is butt jointed at inconspicuous places where possible, like under the cooktop. One has to hunt my joints to find them. In addition to the long miters post-formed tops generally have the attached backsplash which makes it a problem if the wall is not straight. I scribed the formica to the wall then used tile backsplash which could follow any wall irregularities.

[Mark W Pugh]

Consider a hardwood edge. Easy to trim after laminate is glued down.

[scott vroom]

Is this counter located in a wet area (i.e., kitchen sink)?

[J. Ed taylor]

Is this counter located in a wet area (i.e., kitchen sink)?

My son had one edged in oak (not even laminate over) that held up well (even in sink area). I chose not to use either hardwood or a contrasting edge as that would serve to emphasize that it was laminate.

[keith micinski]

Just to throw this out there,I just finished an investment property and put the same ogee edged counter tops in stock from Lowes. The premade counter top was 10 foot one way and 6 the other with a Pre mitered corner it took a total of 10 minutes to install it and it cost 145 dollars. To by just the sheets of laminate would have cost me more then that. I don't know know how they make those Pre made counters so cheap but it is an incredible value and laminates have come a Long way. I haven't had a single person look at them and think they were anything other then some kind of stone.

[Mel Fulks]

I agree post form is a good value . I have pointedly asked cabinet snobs why a wood top with an up charge for a rounded edge is good,but a laminate top where the rounded edge is less money than a square edge is not good. Never gotten a sensible answer. If you can't admire something because it is reasonably priced, you might run out of money. I have learned from the same guys that they think a 6 foot tv is good and a 2 inch tv is good, but a 19 inch tv is no good.

[J. Ed taylor]

I considered using post-formed tops with some custom cuts, such as cutting off the backsplash so that I could scribe and fit to the wall then adding a tile backsplash. I also considered some special cuts to preserve the edging and use simple 24" butt joints. I think there's some great and economical possibilities there and simple butt joints would be no more noticeable than if in granite. In the end I chose to laminate myself due to my longest run being 152". My wife is more than happy with the near invisible and waterproof joints.