Wondering How To Install Countertops – Read This

Wondering How To Install Countertops?

Do you know how to install countertops? Do you want to save money for the remodeling costs? Countertops are essential to any kitchen or bathroom, providing functionality and aesthetics.

Nothing beats the sparkle and sheen of a brand-new countertop, and for many homeowners, it’s a worthwhile kitchen or bathroom renovation. Fresh surfaces and a complementary backsplash can revitalize places throughout your house.

This comprehensive guide will take you through installing countertops, ensuring a successful and visually appealing result.

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials
Choosing the Right Countertop Material
Measuring and Planning
Install Laminate Countertops – Easy Steps
Is Laminate Right for You?
Takeaways

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before diving into the installation process, ensure you have all the required tools and materials ready. These may include:

Measuring tape
Level
Pencil
Circular saw or jigsaw
Router
Clamps
Drill and screws
Silicone caulk
Countertop adhesive
Seam filler (for certain materials)
Milter Bolts
Laminate countertop
Smooth file
Block plane
Belt sander
Sealant
Contact adhesive
Clamps
Wood glue
Sandpaper
Rubber mallet
Hammer
Safety glasses
Masking tape
Adjustable wrench
Screwdriver
Level
Compass
Caulk gun

Choosing the Right Countertop Material

Selecting the appropriate countertop material is crucial for your project’s success. Replacing your old countertops needs careful planning.

Consider factors such as budget, durability, maintenance, and appearance. Some popular options include:

Each material has unique characteristics. So choose the one that best fits your needs and style.

According to Angi, laminated countertops may cost around $800, and $1650 to install new ones. This type of countertop is one of the most affordable options.

Measuring and Planning

Before installing countertops, you need to measure and plan everything first. Accurate measurements are crucial for a successful installation. Measure the dimensions of the countertop area carefully, considering any cutouts for sinks and cooktops.

Before ordering your new prefab countertops, take precise measurements. With accurate measurements, you can plan the layout and design to optimize the use of the countertop space.

First, determine the depth of your cabinet. 23-3/4 inches is the usual depth. To ensure accuracy, measure the depth from the back wall. If you want a touch of overhang, add 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches to the measurement.

Next, determine the present height of your backsplash. Any outlets and window trim must be clear of your new laminate kitchen counters. It should also cover unfinished sections unless you intend to restore and repaint the wall area.

Finally, use a square and a level to determine whether your walls are straight. A small bow is OK. Your laminate countertops will be trimmed to fit. In some circumstances, a custom top may be required. Check to see if the walls meet at 90-degree angles.

You must finish this right to order your counters from a trusted countertop supplier like MacLaren Kitchen & Bath.

Install Countertops – Easy Steps

DIY countertop installation requires precision. DIY countertop installation is ideal if you are handy. Remove cabinet drawers and doors and switch off the kitchen’s power before installing the countertop.

Here is the comprehensive guide to installing new laminate countertops.

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Take out the sink, range, garbage disposal, and drain trap. Disconnect the area’s water supply and drain lines. Remove the sink brackets and lift the sink out.

Step 2: Remove Old/Existing Countertops

The sealant should be cut along the backsplash. Remove the countertop corners, bolts, and screws that hold the cabinets together from beneath. You may also need to cut the glue in some circumstances. Check to see if your dishwasher is attached to the underside of the counter.

Pull on the old top gently; it should come off in one piece. You can order your countertop using the measurement of the old one.

Step 3: Measure the countertop

If you have the proper tools, you can cut the countertop yourself. Using a fine-tooth blade, cut the new countertop. It is to length the backside. With a file, smooth the rough edges in only one direction.

But it’s best to leave it to professionals and just give them the measurement. Just wait for the delivery and have it installed easily.

How to Cut Countertops

To avoid harm, wear safety goggles and appropriate protection.
Place the countertop on a solid surface.
Clamps are used to secure the countertop.
To prevent chipping, run masking tape along the cutting area.
Using a tape measure, determine the desired length.
Draw a straight cutting line across the tape using a pencil and a square leg.
Cut carefully after aligning the inside edge of your circular saw blade with the line.
After cutting, sand or file the surface to guarantee a smooth finish.

Step 4: Install the drawers

Make sure the cabinet drawers clear the front border of your new countertop. If not, install buildup strips beneath the countertop. These strips are included in particular. You can also create your own out of 1-inch-by-2-inch lumber.

Hold them against the cabinets, drill pilot holes, then secure the strips with nails or short wood screws every 2 feet, staying 2 inches from the ends.

Step 5: Fit Check

Run a piece of tape measure along the backsplash to mark the top of the backsplash. Install the countertop. Tighten the miter bolts and get the mitered corner as tight as possible.

Install the countertops and check the fit. Make your you got a tight fit. If you find a gap along the wall, measure the width and draw a line along the back edge with a compass.

Remove the new countertop and sand the countertop’s edge using a belt sander for the most excellent fit. Adjust the fit if necessary. You’ll most likely notice a gap in the wall. Set a compass to the biggest gap and write a line down the back edge.

Remove the new countertop and use a belt sander to sand to the line. File any burrs away from the surfaces in a single direction. Recheck the fit and make any necessary modifications.

Step 6: Install Return Splashes

Finish the ends of the counter where it overhangs and where it meets the walls by adding end trim. Stick the piece on, place a damp cloth over it, then push with an iron if you have an iron-on end to cover exposed edges. Trimming and filing are both options for the edges.

Step 7: Do Cutout Templates

Use the old countertop as a template to cut out a space for a sink and range top that is already there. Use the template included in the package when installing a new sink or range top.

Set your sink or range top upside-down on top of the new countertop if it didn’t come with a template. Trace the outline while centering it. Draw a 1/2-inch band inside the outline, around the edge.

After making the cutoff template, make cutouts already. You will make your cut along the 1/2-inch line within the template edge. To protect the countertop, put masking tape around the edges. In each corner of your guide, drill a few 1/2-inch starting holes.

Completely cut out the piece, being cautious to prevent it from falling. When installing the range top or sink, file any sharp edges until smooth to avoid cutting yourself or getting splinters.

Step 8: Secure the countertop

Consider adding additional support at the borders, especially along the back, before you attach your new countertop to the base cabinets. Inside your cabinets, drill holes through the buildup strips or install angle brackets.

Just below the top of the strips, place them. Start with the longest piece of the countertop and position it. At the miter, use the suggested adhesive and tighten the miter bolts. To make the seam even, hammer some scrap wood against it.

Caution: Be careful not to screw through the countertop.

Step 9: Tighten Miter Bolts

To prevent the substrate from cracking, fully tighten the miter bolts. Remove any extra adhesive. The top is attached to the brackets using #8 pan head screws.

Step 10: Install Again The Sink & Range

Apply silicone to the edges and back wall before installing the sink and range. Reattach the plumbing lines. Finish the installation by installing the doors and drawers on your cabinet.

Take a moment to enjoy your newly renovated kitchen. Check out our inexpensive kitchen renovation to see how countertops can change a room.

MacLaren Kitchen & Bath is here to help you if you are not confident about doing countertop installation.

How Do You Know If The Countertop Material is Right for You?

Let’s look at the cheapest materials first – laminate countertops.

Choosing a new material is frequently the most challenging step when replacing countertops. The top four reasons to install laminate countertops so you can decide if it’s right.

Benefits of laminate countertops:

Versatile. There are plenty of color options, patterns, and finishes.
Easy to clean and maintain. It does not require special cleaning products or annual sealing.
Simple to install
Affordable

Downsides of laminate countertops

Not heat resistance
More susceptible to damage and dullness
Cannot be repaired to re-sealed
Visible seams
Lifespan

There are pros and cons of laminate counters that you need to consider before installing it. So, think carefully.

Takeaways

Following this guide on installing countertops, you can transform your kitchen or bathroom with a beautiful and functional centerpiece. Take your time during each step. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help for countertop installation and replacement.

With the right materials, tools, and precision, your countertops will become a stunning addition to your home. We hope this guide helps you.

If you’re wondering how to install countertops, we hope we answered your questions.

Wondering How To Install Countertops – Read This