Do It Yourself Kitchen Worktops
Kitchen worktops or counter tops can be found in numerous different materials, but the most common of these is laminate. Laminate tops can be easily installed by many homeowners while worktops made from other materials such as stainless steel, Corian, or granite are often installed by professionals. While this article is geared towards the installation of laminate worktops, it will also be helpful for those installing other materials as well as many of the rules are universal.
Before starting, it is important to make sure you have the right tools and supplies. In order to correctly install laminate tops you will need the following:
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- Circular Saw
- Electric Planer
- Jigsaw
- Square
- Clamps
- Saw Horses (2)
- Worktop Jig
- 50mm Masking Tape
- 1/2 Inch Router
- Straight Blade
- File
- Pencil
- Compass
- Worktop Bolts
- Contact Adhesive
- Safety Gear (dust mask, goggles, etc.)
Proper measuring is the most important step insuring your worktop will turn out correctly. The worktop must first be scribed to fit where it is being installed. Make sure to measure so that the worktop will fit against the wall properly with minimal gaps. Once everything is measured and marked, carefully cut along the lines using a jigsaw with a down stroke blade.
Joints must always be cut from left to right beginning at the post-formed front edge of the worktop. Worktop jigs can be found for various counter and worktop widths and configurations, and they come with easy to understand instructions. They come with location pins that are placed in the correct holes for cutting female or male mitres. Begin by setting up to make a female mitre, and place the template on the face edge, and clamp everything in place. Once you have cut the mitres, you will also need to cut worktop bolts in the underside. Follow by cutting the male mitre on the underside and put the joint together. If needed, clean out any debris to make a tight fit.
Before the joints are sealed, inset appliance cut outs, such as that for the sink, should be made. Place the sink on the top upside down, and mark around it with a pencil. Then, remove the sink and draw another line 10mm inside the lines. Place the worktop on saw horses and carefully cut out the hole for the sink, and apply varnish on the exposed edges to protect the material from water. Install the sink and add a waterproof seal.
Next you will need to add laminate edging. To do this, first cut them to size. Apply contact adhesive to the edging as well as the cut edge of the work top. Allow the adhesive to try partially then apply the edging to the work top. Use a file to gently remove any excess material.
Lastly, place the worktops in position on top of the cabinets, applying silicone between the joint. Remove any excess sealant after lowering the tops. Fit and tighten any bolts from the underside, and remove any extra silicone. To get rid of the film left behind, rub sawdust on the joint and wipe away with a dry cloth.