Deciding to do a countertop installation in your kitchen is a great idea to give the room a new, fresh look. Laminate countertops offer an excellent alternative to natural stone like quartz, granite, or marble in that it is a cheaper option that is easier to install and looks just as good. Deciding to do this job yourself will save you a lot of money, and you'll be pleased with how simple it is.

Before you begin, you'll need to buy enough countertop to cover your specific area and remove the old countertop before doing any installation. If you're removing an existing laminate countertop, then you can undo any attaching screws, remove the sink if it's in the way and use a crowbar to unhinge the pieces. They should separate easily, allowing you to remove the countertop by lifting.

Plan the installation

Once your counters are bare, and you're ready to install, you will need to measure the appropriate spaces and transfer those measurements to your new countertops. Make marks on your new countertops to indicate where the pieces will fit and be sure to account for any necessary overhang. 

If you need to make any cuts to ensure that the pieces fit, do this now by using a fine-toothed circular saw. Once your cuts are finished, use a metal file to smooth down any edges.

Depending on your specific countertops, you may find that the front overhang is blocking your drawers from opening. If this is the case, you can attach some height spacers to the underside of the countertop with a few nails. These spacers are usually included within the manufacturer's packaging. 

Install the countertops

To install the countertops, use the recommended adhesive as per the manufacturer's instructions and secure to your foundation using screws from the underside. Make sure that you use shorter screws to avoid drilling through the top of the countertops and causing any damage. 

When approaching any angled corner joints, or mitre joints, be sure that the joint fits snugly together before adhering your countertops to the surface. Laminate countertops usually have a tightening joint on the underside to help remove any unwanted spaces between these joints. However, if you find that there is a small gap, you can use a sander to simply bring the desired edge down to the appropriate level. Once you've made the joints fit tight, go ahead and adhere the pieces to the surface. 

Attach any backsplash or side panels to finish off the job and enjoy your brand new kitchen look. For more information, contact J & N Lifestyle-Kitchens or a similar company.