Nothing will spruce up your kitchen faster than a new pre-formed countertop. A pre-formed countertop comes with backsplash and rounded front edge and it’s available in any length. Bring your sketch and measurements with you. Once you find that perfect counter you’ll need to install it. Here’s how to install a countertop in no time at all.
Here’s what you will need:
1. Your pre-formed countertop sections
2. Install hardware which includes end cap, end splash, and bolts
3. Tools – putty knife, drill, bits, flashlight, tape measure, wrenches, handsaw, jigsaw, wrench, file, scribe, caulking gun, sander, iron, rubber mallet
4. Wood glue
5. 6” C clamps
6. Caulking gun
7. Heat tape
Now you’re ready to get started. Plan a full day for the install and make sure you have a helper.
1. Start by preparing your area. Shut off your water then disconnect the pipes and remove the existing sink. If you have a cook top that needs to be removed refer to the manufacturer’s directions. Remove screws that hold the cabinets and counters together. Cut away the existing caulking.
2. Now remove the old countertop.
3. It’s time to start to cut your new countertop sections to the correct lengths. If the end butts up against a wall leave a little extra so that you can get the proper wall fit. Pencil your cut line and then verify your line using a square.
4. After you have verified your cut use a fine tooth handsaw to make the cut. Always cut on the down stroke to avoid chipping. You can use a circular saw with a finishing blade if you like.
5. Your freshly cut laminate is going to be very sharp so you will need to use a sanding block or smooth file to take the edge off.
6. Place your countertop upside down and begin to glue the wood strips to the back edge and the ends until it is the same thickness as the factory front.
7. Set your clothing iron to medium heat so that you can apply your laminate caps. If it buts an end you will want to apply sealant to the end of the counter and then screw it on. If it butts a wall you will want to attach a square corner and splash with screws.
8. Make any cutouts you have to such as where the sink will go or the taps. Make sure your follow the appliance manufacturer’s installation instructions. Usually your cutouts are done after the countertop is in place. But sometimes it is done prior to install.
9. Now you’ll join the L and U shaped tops and apply a bead of sealant where the two sections butt up. Use bolts to join the two pieces. Use your rubber mallet to tap align the two pieces. Once the bolts are sucked tight and the sections are aligned you’ll apply your sealant.
10. Position the counter up against the wall so that it is hanging over the front edge of the cabinet. Make sure it is equal all along. Set a scriber to the widest gap from the backsplash and the wall.
11. Put the metal point against the wall and the pencil on the top. Now move the pencil along the wall and make a parallel line.
12. Use your block plane or belt sander to remove the scribe edge.
13. Apply a bead of sealant along the backsplash.
14. Reinstall all your fixtures and appliances. It’s easier to get all your plumbing and faucets for the sink in place prior to dropping the sink into place. If you are installing a cook top put head conduct aluminum tape along the edge.
That’s it. Now that you know how to install a countertop you can give your kitchen an affordable face lift!
