How to Replace a Countertop
Replacing an old, worn out countertop with a shiny, new one can really give a kitchen new life. If you are thinking about selling your house, it can add a lot of bang for the buck. This article describes how to install a laminate countertop because it's the easiest material to work with.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Hammer
- Measuring tape
- Pry bar
- Wrench set
- Kraft paper
- Screwdrivers
- Drill/driver with hole saw
- Utility knife
- Level
- Shims
- L brackets and 1/2" wood screws
- Jig saw
- Plumbers' putty
- Caulk to match countertop
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1
Measure the existing countertop to determine the exact dimensions. Purchase replacement countertop.
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2
Remove the sink first, if there is a sink in the countertop you are replacing. Shut off the water to the faucet, disconnect supply lines and remove the drain trap and then lift the sink out.
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3
Lay a piece of Kraft paper over the old countertop sink opening and trace the opening onto the paper with a pencil. Cut out a template of the sink.
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4
Take out the old countertop, taking care not to damage the cabinets. Countertops are usually attached to the cabinets underneath with brackets and screws. Ease the backsplash away from the wall. Cut any caulking along the wall with a utility knife, taking care not to gouge the wall.
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5
Place the new countertop over existing cabinets. Check to ensure it is level. Use wood shims to bring the countertop up in places to make it level.
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6
Secure the new countertop to the kitchen cabinets using new L brackets and screws. You may have to put them in different locations than before because the old holes in the cabinets may not hold a screw.
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7
Lay the template made in Step 3 over the counter in the exact location where the sink goes. Draw around it with a marker. Use a hole saw to cut holes through the countertop at each of the corners, then use a jig saw to finish the straight cuts in between.
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8
Put a bead of plumbers' putty around the opening for the sink and place the sink inside. Reattach all plumbing connections.
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9
Run a bead of caulk to match the new countertop in the crevice between the backsplash and kitchen wall.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Ask a friend help with the job.
If the counter will cover an L shape area, have the store join it at the proper angle and it clamp together. Some stores will even cut the hole for the sink if you are certain of the size and location of the opening. Be aware that if you make a mistake, they won't take the countertop back.
Wear safety goggles when using the saws and any power tools.
Use ground-fault circuit interrupters on all corded power tools.
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Comments
-
gors
May 28, 2008
Pretty basic info here. Very good reminder about not being able to return the countertop if you make a mistake. It is best to the manufacture cut the hole for you. Some will do this for free depending on the company you purchase it from and sometimes it is part of the deal. But not always. -
gors
May 28, 2008
Pretty basic info here. Very good reminder about not being able to return the countertop if you make a mistake. It is best to the manufacture cut the hole for you. Some will do this for free depending on the company you purchase it from and sometimes it is part of the deal. But not always.
