How
to install kitchen counter top
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We'll show you five
techniques for a great looking countertop installation.
Buy the countertops premade, then install them yourself
by following our foolproof step-by-step instructions.
We'll walk you through everything you need to know
to improve the look and feel of your kitchen with
new countertops.
Special tools make all the difference :
• A belt sander with an 80-grit belt is a must for
removing material along the backside of the backsplash
.
• You also need a scribing tool to make accurate marks
along irregular walls.
• A 10-in. mill file and a smaller half-round file
will help you get perfect fits for end caps
• Besides these special tools, a 10-point or finer
handsaw, drill, jigsaw, masking tape and tape measure
are all you need.
Measure along the finished edge :
Measure the hollow space under your new countertop
for the correct build-up height. Your manufacturer
can supply build-up strips or you can cut them yourself.
Our measurement was 3/4 in., so we used 1x2s as build-up
strips.
Before ordering new countertops, you'll need to make
accurate measurements of your cabinet layout. A word
of warning here: If you have a U-shaped kitchen with
two large miters and have never installed countertops
before, you may want to hire a pro. Configurations
like this require you to scribe three walls at one
time. But if you have only one inside corner as we
did, the project is well within the skill level of
the average do-it-yourselfer.
Make a sketch and then, starting from the back walls,
measure the exact lengths from the walls to the edge
of each run of cabinets. Add 3/4 in. to the length
of each section to allow for overhangs. Allow an extra
inch to protrude into a freestanding range space.
You’ll trim it off later for an exact fit Order a
laminate end cap. If you need to butt the countertop
into a side panel like a pantry or refrigerator cabinet,
add an extra 1 in. for notching . This will give a
more finished look than a straight cut. Also measure
the depth of your base cabinets. Standard laminate
tops are 25 in. deep. Check to make sure you'll have
at least 1/2-in. overhang beyond all the drawer fronts.
Once you complete your measurements, take your drawing
to your countertop supplier and discuss your plan
to make sure you've covered all the bases. If you
don't have a home center near you or your lumberyard
doesn't provide this service, check the Yellow Pages
under “Countertops.” When you place your order, ask
about delivery to your home. In most cases, the odd
shapes are unwieldy and won't rest securely on top
of the family car.
Measure at Least Twice to Locate the Sink
:
You can get into trouble here if you don't think through
three important steps:
• Center the sink over the sink base cabinet.
• Set the sink back far enough to clear the cabinet
front.
• Cut the hole smaller than your sink's rim.
For most stainless steel sinks, it's safe to flip
the sink over and trace around it and then make another
line 1/2 in. inside the trace line. The exception
here is an asymmetrical shape where the left side
is different from the right side. Check this carefully,
especially if you're reinstalling your old sink and
no longer have the original template (most new sinks
come with a full-size template). If you're installing
a cast iron enameled sink, you should make an even
smaller cutout, leaving more countertop to support
the weight of the sink. Usually most cast iron sinks
will allow you to cut inside the traced perimeter
at least 1 in. Once you've traced the outline, draw
another line inside the first, drill your holes ,
then flip the countertop over, transfer the lines
and cut out the top.
Tighten the miter bolts :
Make sure the miter is flush on top as you tighten
the bolts. Once the bolts are tight and the top is
flush, slide the countertop into the corner and examine
the fit along each wall.
Use a handsaw to cut the countertop :
Trim the end of the countertop with a sharp 10-tooth-per-inch
handsaw. First apply masking tape over the edge and
then mark the cutoff line with a pencil. Cut 1/16
in. outside the mark and then belt-sand to the line.
Next, glue (use carpenter's glue) and clamp a buildup
strip onto the underside of the top and flush with
the edge
Good Care Means No Harsh Cleaners :
To get the most life from your new countertops, follow
these simple rules:
• Never use the countertop as a cutting board.
• Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners. Instead,
use products like Fantastic, Formula 409 or Pine-Sol
applied with a soft cotton cloth.
• Avoid setting anything hotter than 140 degrees F.
on your countertops. You could burn the laminate or
break the glue bond below
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