Kitchen countertops are a vital part of the kitchen. It’s the surface on which you chop, stir, and prep most of your meals, and where you roll out your pasta or pastry dough on special occasions. It might even be the spot where you sit down for a quick breakfast.
Choosing the right type of countertops can drastically enhance the look and feel of your kitchen (and its functionality, too). If you’re considering installing new counters in your kitchen, there are some styles, colors, and patterns you might want to consider, from practical granite to luxe marble, and retro tile. But regardless of your desired look, here are some things to consider when planning to install kitchen countertops.
Things To Consider Before Installing Kitchen Countertops
Once you’ve decided your kitchen needs new countertops, there are some things that you need to consider.
- Current Material: What material is your current countertop made of? Is it granite, marble, or tile? Are you happy with this material or are you in the mood to try something new? The installation will depend on the type of material you choose.
- The layout of the kitchen: Once the countertops have been installed, there is no going back in terms of the kitchen layout. Hence, you must plan out your kitchen space before the installation.
Kitchen Countertop Installation
Let’s take a look at how you can go about your kitchen countertop installation.
Remove The Old Countertop
To prepare for a new kitchen countertop installation, you need to remove the old one. Follow these steps:
- Prepare the area by removing the drawers and clearing out all the cabinets
- Using an adjustable wrench, disconnect the faucet water lines
- Remove the sink by unscrewing any retaining clips that hold the sink to the counter
- Remove the plumbing trap from the sink drain
- By prying out sections starting from the center, remove the countertop backsplash
- Lift away and dispose of your old countertop.
Measure For Installation
Once you’ve chosen the material you want, take accurate measurements of the countertop space. Measure the distance from the kitchen wall to the front of the cabinets along the lines of the wall. This will give you the measurement of the top of the base.
Cut The Countertop With Precision and Accuracy
After taking the measurements of the space, proceed with cutting the countertop material according to your requirements. To begin with, lay the countertop on the base of the cabinet. Ensure that it is level and has its edges aligned with the bottom.
If you don’t feel confident about making the perfect cut, get a professional to work on it. The countertop must be cut with precision and accuracy and can easily be cut at a stone yard and delivered and installed in the right dimensions.
Install The Sink
Before installing the countertop, it is important to install the sink. Take exact measurements of the space and drill holes for the faucet. Use high-quality adhesives around the edges of the counter hole to ensure that the sink is installed correctly.
Install The Countertop
Before you begin installing the countertop, ensure that there is enough stability beneath it. This step is vital to ensure safety as the countertop can break or crack and damage the cabinets.
Once you’re confident that the structure is stable, add adhesive beneath the countertop. It is important to ensure that the surface is level before you add the sealant. Then, move on to placing the countertop on top of the adhesive accurately. Finally, make sure that you align the countertop with the wall and ledges.
Seal The Edges
Seal the joints and edges of the countertop. To do this, you can use caulking or silicone, which is preferably water-resistant. Once the edges have been sealed, allow the countertop to settle.
Connect The Water Lines
If the kitchen countertop has a sink, you need to connect the water lines to have a functional kitchen. Moreover, you also need to ensure that the faucet and pipes are tightly connected. To avoid leaking, use some adhesive.
Your kitchen is now fully functional with a stylish countertop! If you’re interested to know more about kitchen countertop installation, connect with us at Block to learn more.
