How To Install A Counter Tops

If you want to give your kitchen an instant facelift all you need to do is replace the countertop. It's truly amazing how this one change can have such an impact on your kitchen's décor. Once you find that perfect counter you'll need to install it. Here's how to install a countertop in no time at all.

Before you begin here's what you will need:
1. Your pre-formed countertop sections
2. Install hardware which includes end cap, end splash, and bolts
3. Putty knife
4, Drill and bits
5. Flashlight
6. Tape measure
7. Wrenches
8. Handsaw
9. Jigsaw
10. File
11. Scribe
12. Caulking gun
13. Sander
14. Rubber mallet
15. Wood glue
16. 6" C clamps
17. Heat tape
18. Iron
19. Utility knife

Now that you've got all your materials and tools together it's time to get started. Plan a full day for the install and make sure you have a helper.
1. Start by preparing your area. Shut off your water then disconnect the pipes and remove the existing sink. Remove the screws that hold the cabinets and counters together. Cut away the existing caulking with a utility knife. Now remove the old countertop.
3. Take your measurements again and get ready to cut your new countertop sections to the correct lengths. Pencil your cut line and then verify your line using a square.
4. Once you have verified your cut use a fine tooth handsaw or circular saw and make the cut. Cut on the down stroke to avoid chipping.
5. Use your smooth file to take the edge off the cut laminate as it will be really sharp.
6. Turn your countertop upside down then glue the wood strips to the back edge and to the ends. It needs to be the same thickness as the factory front.
7. If it buts an end you will want to screw it on and then apply sealant to the end. If it butts a wall you will want to attach a square corner and splash with screws.
8. Set your clothing iron to medium heat so that you can apply your laminate caps.
9. Make your appliance cutouts such as sinks and faucets.
10. Join the L and U shaped tops and join the two pieces with bolts then use your rubber mallet to tap align the two pieces. Once the bolts are sucked tight apply your sealant.
11. Position the counter up against the wall so that it is hanging over the front edge of the cabinet. Make sure it is equal all along.
12. Set your scriber to the widest gap from the backsplash and the wall. The metal point needs to be against the wall with the pencil on the top. Now make your parallel line.
13. Use your belt sander to remove the scribe edge and then apply a bead of sealant along the backsplash.

That's it. Now that you know how to install a countertop you can have your kitchen looking great in less than a day. So what are you waiting for?

About The Author:
Joanne is an author of Decorz.com. If you're looking for more countertops & decorating ideas for your home and garden visit http://www.decorz.com.

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Title:	How To Install A Counter Tops
Author:	Joanne Dorin
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How To Install A Counter Tops