If you’re looking for new ways to repurpose old furniture or you’re interested in building new furniture for your home, you can use laminate flooring to create a custom table top that will complement your décor. Creating a laminate flooring table top is an easy process, and you can do it using an existing table or to create your own custom piece. Whichever method you choose, this DIY project is easy and fun, and it’s a great way to use flooring materials in a fresh new way.
Order Samples Before You Begin
Unless you recently had leftover material from flooring installation, it’s a good idea to order a few different samples of laminate flooring before you start your project. Grab several different colors and styles so you can determine which one will work best for your needs. Laminate flooring comes in a wide range of designs and finishes, so you’ll want to see samples in real life before you dive in and start the process. Some laminate comes in narrow planks, while others are much wider. Test out the colors in different lighting and look at the finish to make sure it can hold up well to lots of use. Depending on the purpose of your new table, you want to be sure that the laminate is durable and water-resistant.
It’s a good idea to test your laminate flooring sample before you use it to make your table top. Look for things like strength and durability, how well it resists spills, and what it looks like in different light. By ordering a few samples in advance, you can easily find out which laminate flooring will work for your needs. Most retailers will send you several samples either free of charge or for a small fee. Do your homework and try out a few various colors and finishes so you can decide which one to purchase when you make the final product. Today’s laminate products are better than ever before. Thanks to new manufacturing techniques, you’ll find a wider array of textures, colors, and styles to make your table look stunning.
Refinish an Existing Table or Go Custom
If you have an old table that needs a refresh, a laminate flooring table top can make it look brand new again. All you’ll need to do is prep the existing table and then apply the laminate using an adhesive to refinish it. We’ll discuss the supplies you need for your project later. If you’re planning to create a brand-new custom table, you can also use laminate flooring. This method will require a bit more legwork and time, but it’s also a fantastic DIY project to try if you’re interested in making custom furniture for your home. Consider something with a gorgeous textured finish that will add beauty to any room while being extremely durable at the same time. Either way you choose to go, applying the laminate gives your table the perfect finishing touch.
Other Uses for Laminate Flooring in the Home
Laminate flooring works well as a surface for a wide range of other items in your home, too. You probably already know that laminate works beautifully for kitchen countertops. Instead of spending money on solid stone, consider a stunning wood-look laminate flooring to create the look of butcher block. Carry that same look over to your kitchen island, too. Since laminate is very durable and resists stains, it’s also a perfect choice to refinish a work desk or craft table. You can also use it to refinish a child’s play table so they’ll have a beautiful, reliable surface to play on that lasts for years.
Supplies and Equipment Needed
Once you’ve decided whether you plan to refinish an existing table or make a custom table, you’ve ordered your samples and made a decision, it’s time to gather all of your supplies and equipment. Make sure you have everything you need before you begin to make your laminate flooring table top. Whether it’s a table, kitchen countertops, or work surface or craft desk, each DIY project requires the same basic items. You will need:
Worksurface
If you’re starting from scratch, build your table or counters first before applying the laminate. If you’re refinishing your furniture, then you already have your piece ready to be covered with laminate.
Your Flooring
Once you’ve chosen your laminate based on your samples, make sure you have enough to complete the project at one time. Most laminate is sold by the box, and it’s marked with the total amount of square footage included per box. Measure your project and purchase enough laminate to cover it, along with a bit extra in case you make a mistake.
A Saw or Utility Knife
You’ll need to cut each plank of laminate to fit, so use a saw or utility knife to cut each piece after you measure it. Some laminate can be cut with the knife and then snapped off, while thicker laminate may require a miter saw.
Adhesive and Clamps
When you start to apply the laminate flooring table top, make sure you do so using a strong adhesive. Even if the laminate is a click-lock style, the laminate ensures that the entire thing stays securely in place. After each piece is added to the table, use clamps to hold everything down securely. Allow the adhesive to fully dry before you remove the clamps and use your new table.
Trim
You can use cut pieces of the same laminate to surround the table border for a uniform look. However, if your table is thin, you can also use matching trim pieces to give it an elevated look. Whichever option you choose, you’ll need to cut each piece of trim to size and then apply it with the adhesive and clamps using the same method as listed above.
Using laminate flooring to refinish or build furniture is easy and fun. This versatile material can give anything in your home a whole new along with a new life. From bars to kitchen counters and desks, try making your own laminate flooring table top and see how creative you can be!