Kitchen Counter Installation

Kitchen counter installation can be done by anyone who is handy and has a little free time to spend for this activity. First a counter must be ordered and for that some measurements need to be taken. Measurements will be taken wall-to-wall and not from the inside edges of the old countertop. A sketch will then be put on paper to show the provider when acquisition of the countertop is made.

Kitchen counter installation can only be performed, of course, with the help of tools. Here is a list of materials and tools that are needed: parts of the installation kit - end splash, end cap, connecting bolts - , belt sander, flashlight, wrenches (used when removing the sink), smooth file, hand laminate trimmer, tape measure, compass, 10- or 12-point handsaw, jigsaw and jigsaw blades, sealant, caulking gun, hammer, 1-1/4-in screws or nails, wood glue.

There are eight steps involved in kitchen counter installation. The first step is to prepare the area: water valves must be shut off, pipes must be disconnected and the sink removed. Next the section will be cut to length using a handsaw or a circular saw with a finish blade. The third step involves gluing strips of wood (buildup) to the back edge of the counter, with the countertop placed upside-down. The next step in proper kitchen counter installation is to finish the ends. With the help of an iron, laminate caps will be applied on exposed ends.

Step five: making necessary cutouts by following the instructions given in the appliance maker's instruction book. The sixth step in kitchen counter installation is to join mitered sections (tops that are either L- or U-shaped are usually ordered with precut miters). The next step involves scribing and securing the top and here is where the belt sander, sealant and screws will be needed. Finally, fixtures and/or built-in-appliances (e.g. cooktop) will be reinstalled.