Laundry Countertop

Materials:

measuring tape
circular saw
safety glasses
dust mask
oak plywood for counters
1/2-inch plywood
2x6s
1x4s
2x4s
trim pieces
cabinet doors
pneumatic nailer
2-inch screws
screw gun
level
drill with paddle bit
jigsaw
miter saw
finishing nails
drop cloth
water-based stain
3-inch paintbrush
towels
small notched trowel
countertop adhesive
tiles
plastic spacers
grout
grout bag
wet saw (available for rental at home stores)
sponge

1. Measure the laundry room (figure A). Measure the depth of the washer and dryer to determine the depth of the counter top. Leave about six inches for the water hose connections and the dryer vent. Measure for the height of the counter leaving about an inch between the counter and the appliances.

2. Remove the washer and dryer from the room. Rip the first piece of plywood to length. Cut the two side pieces of the cabinet from this piece of oak plywood. Cut a 2x6 to the desired lengths and attach the lumber to the base of the cabinet. These will serve as supports for the bottom shelve of the cabinet.

4. Since the countertop will cover any holes you knock in the wall, use a hammer and nail to locate wall studs. Or use a stud finder, it's up to you. Attach the cabinet to the wall with 2-inch screws, securing the screws into the studs (figure C).

5. Make a mark at the location for your nailer and draw a level line across the length of the wall. Set the 1x4 nailer onto the wall, lining it up with the level line and secure it to the wall with 2-inch screws driven trough the nailer and into the studs (figure D).

6. Secure three 2x4s to another nailer and then secure this assembly to the wall and on top of the base cabinet to serve as your countertop framing (figure E). This support system will bear the weight of the countertop.

7. Cut the 1/2-inch plywood to the size using a circular saw. Remember to wear safety goggles and a dust mask whenever sawing lumber. Set the plywood on top of the countertop framing. Secure the plywood using 1-1/2 inch screws, driving them through the countertop and into the 2x4 framing (figure F).

8. Mark the location for the sink cutout. Drill an opening inside the cutout with a drill and paddle bit, then cut out the opening with a jigsaw.

10. Throw down a drop cloth and apply stain, starting from the inside of the cabinet. Wipe off excess stain with a towel.

11. Spread adhesive on the countertop using a small notched trowel. Draw a line and begin setting tiles into adhesive, using plastic spacers to keep them evenly spaced. Use a slight twisting motion to seat tiles into adhesive (figure H).

12. Use a wet saw to cut tiles to fit. Keep the reservoir in the saw full and change the water occasionally to get rid of sediment that could clog the circulating pump.

13. Mix the grout according to the manufacturers directions, use a mixing paddle and a drill to make mixing easier. Fill the bag and apply the grout to the grout lines (figure I). Use the trowel to force the grout into the grout lines. Remove excess grout.

14. After the grout begins to cure, take a wet sponge and wipe across the surface to remove any of the excess grout along the edge of the tiles and to clean up the countertop.

15. Install the new sink and faucet and attach the doors to the front of the cabinet.