How to Install a Countertop

Do-it-Yourself Countertop Installation

Installing a countertop is not hard to do, even if it may be a big home improvement task. It is achievable by most do-it-yourselfers in a matter of just a few hours with only a few tools and a little know-how. Cost will vary depending on size and quality of material used, but a homeowner should expect to spend approximately $30 per running foot.

Tools

Organize tools before beginning the job. Have them ready at hand and easily accessible throughout the project. The list of necessary tools includes the following:

• Clamps
• Cordless drill
• Tape measure
• Circular saw
• Caulk gun
• 4-in-1 screwdriver
• Belt sander
• Drill bit set
• Dust mask
• File
• Handsaw
• Hearing protection
• Jigsaw
• Straightedge
• Safety glasses
• Scribing tool

In addition, a laminate cutter will be needed. Probably no homeowner would ever need to own a laminate cutter, but they can be rented at most home improvement stores. Some materials will also be needed, including siliconized latex caulk, 1-1/2 inch steel angles, 5/8-inch long number 8 screws, masking tape, colored silicone caulk, miter bolts, 1-1/4 inch drywall screws, and an 80-grit sanding belt. All of these items are readily accessible at home improvement stores.

Remove the Old Countertop

The first step in this job is to remove the old countertop. The countertop is connected with screws, and can simply be unscrewed for removal. Along with the old countertop, it will be necessary to remove the sink, stovetop, and any other fixtures or drop-in accessories attached to it. Remove the sink plumbing by simply unscrewing the connectors, and then remove the sink by unscrewing the hanger screws from the underside. If a stove is mounted on the countertops, it can also be removed by unscrewing mounting screws and disconnecting the gas or electrical connection. Pay close attention to the existing holes used by the old countertop and stove, as these can be reused in the new installation.

Put the New Countertop in Place

Once the old countertop has been removed, the new countertop will be installed in its place. The entire job essentially boils down to just these two steps, even if there are many intermediate steps involved. A new countertop will come from the dealer in sections, which allow for more convenient handling. The dealer will probably also install fasteners which will simplify final attachment and ensure close fitting. Some parts of the countertop can be pre-assembled by the shop to further simplify installation.

Before installing the new countertop, make sure that the underlying cabinets remain level. Cabinets can shift and settle over time, and where this occurs, a countertop can warp or even crack. Put the new countertop into place, and check to make sure that it is level from end to end and front to back. Screw the new countertop into the mounting brackets where the old countertop was connected. The new countertop will simply replace the old, and will sit in the same location. It will be necessary to cut a hole for the sink in the new countertop. For this step, a jigsaw will be used. Mark the cut out line with a utility knife to prevent chipping. The sink can now be inserted and reconnected to water. The stove can be inserted in the same way, cutting a hole through the new countertop and connecting the stove to its gas or electrical connection.

The Job is Done!

With that, the new countertop will be in place and fully usable. Double check connections and level for accuracy. Also double check sink and stove functioning. In all, this job can be completed in less than a day. A homeowner who completes the job him or herself will save hundreds of dollars. Of course, if the homeowner is unable to complete one or more steps, or if after installation the countertop remains unlevel or an accessory fails to work, a professional may be needed.

Installing a countertop is achievable by most do-it-yourselfers in just a few hours