Countertop Installation

For every housewife in the kitchen, the location of furniture and sockets, convenient washing, the availability of household appliances play a small role, but it is important how the workplace will be equipped, namely the countertop. Installing countertops in your kitchen can be done in two ways: do it yourself or with the help of hired workers. Remembering the proverb “if you want the work to be done well, do it yourself” it turns out that it is better to do it on your own. And how to do it right, fix the countertops of different types - we will tell you in this article.

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Types of countertops

Nowadays, a huge number of types of countertops are presented on the market. And before proceeding with the installation, let's look at what types are there.

Laminated

This is a plate made of MDF or chipboard, on which a very durable laminate is installed by gluing. The advantage of this type is a huge selection of colors, ease of care and low price. Disadvantages - the appearance of scratches in contact with piercing and cutting objects.

Wooden

Wood worktops have been popular for a long time, but have a number of disadvantages, namely:

• Scratches and cuts appear very quickly.
• Very easily influenced by moisture.
• Place hot dishes on the surface is prohibited.

Important! Wooden surfaces need very careful maintenance and constant processing with polishing agents, protective polymers.

Metal

This type of surface is becoming increasingly popular, as it has many advantages, including low cost, hygiene, aesthetics, ease of use and care.

Important! Hot objects can be safely placed on such a countertop.

But it also has drawbacks - small scratches will appear on the surface and traces will remain.

Stone

Stone surfaces are leaders among all the above types. They are not afraid of high temperatures, scratches, cuts, but their price will be higher than the rest.

Important! Granite countertops will be more durable, and marble - more beautiful in appearance.

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Features of the installation of countertops

Before answering the question of how to fix the countertop on the kitchen set, you must finally make a decision, who will do it?

When do-it-yourself tabletop mounting is possible:

• Do-it-yourself installation of countertops in the kitchen is done if you know exactly the entire installation technology.
• If you have the skills to install surfaces from particleboard and MDF or from wood.

Installation of countertops in the kitchen with the involvement of specialists is carried out in such cases:

• The countertop is made of expensive material, difficult to process, for example, stone, tempered glass.
• Production and installation is part of the order for all kitchen furniture.
• You do not have installation skills.

Weigh the pros and cons. If you decide to do it yourself - below we will tell you how to do it and what you need for this.

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Countertop Installation

Before proceeding with the installation, you need to prepare the tool.

Tool:

• Drill and jigsaw.
• Screwdriver.
• Screwdrivers.
• Pencil, marker, ruler, tape measure.
• Chisel and hammer.
• Level.
• Self-tapping screws.
• Silicone sealant and gun for it.
• Masking tape.

Useful Tips

Use these recommendations for self-installation of countertops in the kitchen:

• Work the edges after the cuts and seal.
• Transport the structure very carefully.
• It is best to move the countertop together.
• Carefully and accurately measure both the product itself and the cutouts in it.
• Glossy surfaces are very fragile.

Important! Before buying a surface, determine the height of the product:

• The height of the countertop from the floor 76 cm is suitable for the hostess about 150 cm tall.
• The height is considered standard from 88 to 91 cm with a height of 160-180 cm.
• If the height is over 180 cm, then use a height of 100 cm.

Preparation for installation

Do-it-yourself installation of countertops on kitchen furniture begins with preparation, for this:

• Set the kitchen set in the proper place, align all the details with the level.

Important! Alignment is easiest to do using feet that are adjustable. If not, use plastic gaskets and wedges to adjust.

• Put the countertop on the cabinets, leaving a gap between it and the rear wall of 5 mm.
• Measure the length of the surface and mark with a marker where you need to saw off the excess.

Important! Saw off on the front side of the product if using a hacksaw and on the wrong side when using a jigsaw.

• Stick masking tape on top of the cut line.
• Remove large irregularities at the end of the countertop using a file.

After that, you need to make a hole for the sink and hob (if necessary) on your surface, for this:

• Attach the sink to the bottom of the countertop.
• Circle the sink with a pencil in a circle or perimeter.

Important! Install the sink so that the cabinet under the sink closes easily.

• Put the surface on the stand and drill 10 mm holes in the corners with a drill if you use a square sink. When using round - just drill a few holes in a circle.
• Saw the hole for the sink along the previously marked lines.
• Follow the same procedure when using a hob.

Preparation of the countertop for installation is completed. Next, you need to install it.

Installation process

Tabletop installation is done like this:

• Put the previously prepared countertop on the kitchen set and fix with special mounts.

Important! Cover the furniture facades with plastic wrap so as not to damage during the installation of countertops.

• Leave gaps between the wall, countertop and side ends that are adjacent to the furniture.
• Put the end plates on the edges of the countertop and, using screws, fasten.
• Install the sink and hob.

Important! Be sure to cut the sawn edges in the sink hole with sealant. This will protect the material from swelling when interacting with water.

• Connect the siphon and faucet to the sink.
• Attach the baseboard, for this, apply glue to the baseboard, then attach it evenly between the wall and the countertop, then use the corners or transparent glue to connect the baseboards together.

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How to replace the old countertop with a new one?

Above, we considered the option of installing a new countertop. But it also happens that the old countertop deteriorates and in order not to spend money on replacing all kitchen furniture, you just need to replace it with a new one. How to do it?

It will not be difficult to do this if you take into account all the subtleties of this process:

1. Dismantle the old product - do not damage the kitchen set.
2. Prepare a new surface for exactly the same parameters as the old one.
3. Cut off all unnecessary, close the edges with end plates.
4. Level the kitchen furniture so that the new product fits evenly.
5. Cut the holes you need with a jigsaw. Seal the sections with a sealant to protect the material from swelling in case of accidental ingress of water.
6. Install the countertop, fasten with fasteners.
7. Attach the baseboard.

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Stock footage

As it turned out, there is nothing complicated in this process - you can easily do this job if you have the strength and desire to do it yourself.Just follow all the conditions and recommendations described above.