How To Install Kitchen Countertops

Your kitchen is generally considered the most important room of your home. This is because it is the centre of the home; the place where the family talk about the day’s events and bond over food and drink.

Such an important room deserves to be remodeled but this is an expensive job. Studies suggest that the average cost of a kitchen remodel is $17,000.

Fortunately, you don’t need to remodel the entire kitchen; you can use the services of a commercial joinery firm and replace the doors and countertops.

This is a much simpler task and one that anyone with some basic DIY skills can master.

Replacing The Countertops

The first stage is to remove your old countertops. To do this you’ll need to look inside your current cupboards and upwards. There will probably be several screws dotted round the underneath of the countertops. Unscrewing these should allow you to remove the old counter tops; leaving the top of the cupboards exposed.

Create A Template

Now you’ll need to create a template of the new countertop. It is important to be very accurate when doing this. You’ll need to make sure you allow for any angles in your walls.

This template can then be laid on the new countertop, allowing you to cut the exact shape.

It is worth noting that if you get custom countertops the supplier will probably do this for you. If they have relied on your measurements it is important to check everything is correct before you attempt to fit your counter tops.

Consider Your Appliances

Once you have the countertop ready to install you may need to cut a hole for the sink or the stove. Again you’ll need to create a template and mark it very carefully on the countertop.

It is important to tape the countertop before you cut as this will prevent the edge from chipping.

Take your time with this stage, you need the hoe to be the right size and in the right place.

One the hole is right you should fit the sink; it is much easier to do this before the countertop is in place.

You may also need to drill a second hole in the countertop to allow for the faucet.

It is vital that you add sealant to the countertop before you slide the sink into position. This will stop the water from getting under the sink and damaging the wood.

Put The Countertop In Place

You can now put the countertop on top of your cupboards; it is important to ensure it is fully supported and that approximately an inch is overhanging.

The countertops can be screwed into position from underneath. This should be done at the front and the rear of the cupboards to ensure they are secure.

It is important to consider any joins between countertops. It is possible to use joiners to hide the gap between counter tops. A better way of doing this is to use a dedicated jig and join the countertops from underneath. This will completely hide the gap but it is a skill that needs to be practiced to get it right. You may need professional assistance with this stage.

Finally you can step back and admire your handiwork!