h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

How do i install and trim formica on a countertop?

call the local lowes or 84 lumber store call them and ask...but if i find out...i will get back with you.

Measure it really carefully
Go away for a few hours. Measure it really carefully again. Get the place you're buying from to cut it to that measurement. You may have to pay slightly more for it, but believe me, it's worth it. The stuff is a bugger to cut.
Prepare clean dry suface. Spread glue carefully and up to the edges. Put it where it's supposed to go and put heavy weights on it Go away for another few hours while you consider what to do about the edges
The main point here is fit it before you stick it. It is impossible to trim it afterwards.

well..that sounds about like i heard...measure it very carefully....many times over until you get the same measurement thrice.

Well, did it work or did I put you off?

There are special router bits for trimming it at the edge of the counter. I haven't heard of anyone doing it by hand, though I suppose a file might work.

When I was a teenager (in the dark ages) my father made two fitted kitchens from scratch. I still have the scar on one finger where the router slipped. He put a rubber strip round the tops in the first kitchen and thin strips of formica along the edges of the second. The first had panelled doors on hinges(!!), the second sliding doors. Neither, of course had rounded edges on the counter tops, I assume they have to be steam pressed professionally.