It is a big question for those who are thinking of swapping out or replacing the kitchen countertop looking old, odd, damaged, or tired. Install laminate countertops is a very little attempt to give a new look. If you eagerly want how to install kitchen counters without hiring any professionals, this instruction guide is for you.
How to Install Kitchen Counters – A complete Effective Guide
If you fixed your mind to install your kitchen countertops yourself, we would like to recommend you install laminate countertops. Laminate countertop has a various range of colors and sizes. It effects letting them mimic the appearance of exclusive materials.
Otherwise, if you want to keep your old existing countertops and want to clean it properly, you check our post on how to clean kitchen cabinets with baking soda.
Before buying, you have to measure the right countertop length very carefully. Please measure the length your kitchen countertop requires and allow an overhang unless it is flush. Now check the cabinet depth, and the standard depth is 23.75 inches or 60cm, permitting the countertop a little overhang.
“The next great method to calculate is to use an oversized cardboard to make a countertop template and trace the perfect area”, – according to the expert Bailey Carson.
Part-1
Preparation Before Install Laminate Countertops
Most manufacturers trade pre-cut countertops that are the simplest way to install by yourself. You should inquire the company to cut out the countertop front edge for the best result. A miter cut is very difficult, but a professional can handle it effectively.
1. Measure the Kitchen Countertops
Proper measurements are the most significant step of DIY countertop installation. In this case, you can ask the countertop supplier about the right measuring for the particular design if you can’t understand. However, you also can follow the below dimensions:
- Measure the cabinet depth: Start measuring from the back wall and then count for the desiring extension. The set length is 1 ¼ to ½ inches, but it can vary based on the dine-in kitchen.
- Measure the backsplash height: The new countertops have to stay outlets, window trim, and more objects mounted to the wall. Ensure the backsplash can cover unpainted areas.
- Measure the countertop length: Now add the selected overhang to this measurement of what you desired.
- Measure the levelness of the wall: Use the level and casing square foot to check if the wall is straight and meets at 90°. If you get a pretty bow in the wall, you should not worry.
2. Eliminate the Old Countertop
At first, it is most important to remove the old countertop before installing the new countertops. Then clean the open spaces and make sure the area is ready for installing the new laminate countertop. If you find roaches or other insects first try to get out them also.
3. Gather The Essential Instruments
Here you need to gather some materials like tools and supplies to install your new laminate countertop.
Tools
- Jigsaw
- Horses saw
- Drill
- Block Plane
- Belt sander
- Clamps
- Caulk
- Rubber mallet
- Hammer
- Handsaw
- Adjustable
- Wrench
- Screwdriver
- Sandpaper
- Level
- Measurement tape
- Compass
- Safety glasses
Supplies
- Laminate countertop
- File
- Fastening Bolts
- Sealant
- Contact Adhesive
- Wood Glue
When your all materials are ready, you can move to install your new laminate countertop smartly. Now you may go to the next part.
Part-2
Processing To Install Countertops
Step-1: Cut Down The Laminate Countertops
If you want to create a flexible laminate countertop, grab the sketch with all measurements, and take the following steps for cutting the laminate countertop.
- Wear protective goggles to avoid any unexpected injury and hurt
- Lay the selected laminate countertop on the stable surface with the laminated side facing down
- Make safe the kitchen laminate countertops with clamps
- Place the masking tape with the cutting area to avoid chipping
- Now measure the required length with the measurement tape
- Then cut straightly over the tape using a pencil with a square leg
- Make straight an inside line of the circular saw blade with the line and cut carefully
- File after cutting to make sure the smooth surface
Step-2: Check The Laminate Countertop
Set the kitchen laminate countertops in the right place and check the fit. If you notice any gap along the wall, you can use a compass to get the right width measurement and scribe a line with the back edge. Remove the countertop, and then use a belt sander for sanding the kitchen countertops’ frame for the perfect fit.
Step-3: Cut Buildup Strip
To fix the kitchen countertops to base cabinets, you will have to prepare the laminate countertop solid surface for installation. Check to ensure the cabinet drawers clear the back edge of the new laminate countertops.
If not, you have to measure the extra clearance needed. Next, you need to cut buildup strips to install every inside edge under the counter. Screw down the buildup strips and predrill holes to fix the countertop later simply.
Step-4: Protected the Countertops To Cabinet
To protect the countertops to the cabinet, position the laminate countertop pieces on the cabinet. Apply caulk along the top edge of the cabinets to support your new countertop.
Lower the kitchen counter pieces into the right place and use a power drill to fix the buildup strips to the latest laminate countertops. Recheck the thickness of the counter and buildup strip to settle on the right length to use. Then join the miters bolts under the laminate countertop and apply the manufacturer’s suggested amount of adhesive. Set up the miter bolts and make them tight fit. If you think of the necessity, you also can use a scrap of wood to tap the seam.
Step-5: Seal The Joint
When everything adds, you can use the adhesive to attach return splashes where the laminate countertop clings to the walls and tidy to cover exposed edges. Use chalk to stick the joint countertops and walls to make a perfect and smooth line.
Step-6: Re-Install Sink
How do you reinstall your sink? It’s the last part to install your kitchen’s new countertop appropriately.
·To get a correct cut-out for the current sink, you can use your previous countertop as a measurement guide.
·To install the latest sink template arrives in the pack with the dimension.
·If you want to work without a template, center the sink upside down on your new countertop and trace the outline.
·Place the masking tape around the exposed edge of the line to save the new countertop.
·Now drill the starter holes into the rough edges to make easy cutting
·Cut out laminate and keep it from dropping. You can attach scrap wood under the countertop to prop it up.
·File the corners or borders until making smooth to skip the splinters during installation
You can set up other items like a stove, refrigerator, and other kitchen appliances when you complete installing tasks successfully.
Can You Install Countertops Yourself?
Yes, you can do it following the proper instruction properly, which we have already discussed above. But let’s speak about why it is safe to do it yourself.
At first, if you can do it, it’ll save you money from hiring any professional. Then it helps you know about different and make better ideas, and you can set the laminate countertops according to your desire.
In general, those people are perfect for this task and have proven skill and experience. Most specialists suggest consulting or hiring a professional if you haven’t previous better skills or ideas. You can read this section for knowing more
Wrap up!
Hopefully, you have a better idea and knowledge about installing kitchen cabinets. We think this step-by-step guide will be important for you if you want to start it for the first time. And you can share with your friends who have been shifted recently to a place with no expert available for countertop installation. Your perfectly optimized content goes here!
