How to Install Countertops

Get it just rIght.

Countertops are as essential in a kitchen and bathroom as lights are in the rest of the house. With this understanding, knowledge on how they are installed is a plus for the homeowner who wants to replace their countertops or is building for the first time. Once the countertop material is chosen, the installation process begins. Preparation for the installation is the first step.

Things You'll Need

• Blanket or Old Quilt
• Countertop
• Adhesive Caulk
• Wrench for I-bolts
• Variable Speed Drill
• 3/16-inch Drill Bit
• Phillips-Head Screw Tip
• 1¼-inch Drywall Screws
• Pencil Compass
• Belt Sander
• Caulk

Instructions

1. 

   Place the quilt on a large worktable. Place the countertop upside down on the quilt. If there is a joint, as in the case of an L-shaped top, align the two pieces by the slots cut for the I-bolts. Apply the adhesive caulk between the two pieces, put the I-bolts in place, and pull the pieces together by tightening the I-bolts. Do not tighten them all the way yet. Once they are snug, adjust them as needed, and then tighten the I-bolts all the way.

2. 

   Locate the corner blocks in the cabinets. This is what you will use to secure the top to the cabinets. If there aren't any holes in them, drill a 3/16-inch hole in each of the corner blocks. If the cabinets do not have any corner blocks, as an alternative you can cut 1-by-2-inch lumber into strips to fit between the backside of the face frame and the nailing strip at the wall.

3. 

   Turn the top over and set it on the cabinets. Slide it to the wall(s) to check the fit. If needed, you may have to scribe the backsplash to fit the wall. Apply masking tape to the top of the backsplash, place the pencil compass against the wall so that the pencil is on the tape, and run the pencil compass along the wall. The shape of the wall will now be seen of the masking tape. Use the belt sander to remove the necessary part of the backsplash so it will fit the wall. For more information on scribing, see "Scribing Tops" in the References section of this article.

4. 

   Once the backsplash is scribed to fit, move the top into place and secure it to the cabinets from the underside with the 1¼-drywall screws. Be careful not to allow the screws to puncture the surface of the countertop.

5. Run a bead of caulk on top of the backsplash where it meets the wall. Use a wet index finger to smooth the bead to a nice contour of the top and the wall.

Tips & Warnings

• Always get help when installing a countertop more than four feet long. If needed, add blocks to the bottom side of the top to close gaps between the corner blocks of the cabinets and the underside of the top. Clean excess adhesive caulk immediately with a damp cloth.

• Do not use adhesive caulk to secure the countertop to the cabinets. It will make for a very difficult removal if needed. Do not allow too much stress on a mitered joint when turning the top over after I-bolt installation.

References

• Scribing Tops

Resources

• Installing a Kitchen Counter
• Installing a Prefabricated Countertop