Your cupboards are fitted to perfection and everything is level, its time to fit your work surface. The installation of the kitchen worktops can make or break your kitchens wow factor and a mistake at this stage will ruin the look of your new kitchen so it is extremely important to get it right first time.
We shall assume that you are fitting the standard laminate worktop, steel or granite work surfaces must be fitted by a specialist who will use specialist tools and ensure that you can see where that extra cash went.
First thing to do is measure the lengths that the work surface will be covering, allow 50mm spare. In the standard ‘L’ shaped kitchen, two pieces of work surface will need to be joined at a corner. A smooth joint where the work tops meet is called a butt and scribe, this is sometimes replaced by a metal strip.
Both work tops are ‘scribed’. This process just involves cutting both worktops to the same shape so they slot together like a jigsaw. One is scribed on its end and the other will have its side scribed, be sure to match them up correctly. Use a downstroke blade in your jigsaw to prevent damage to the laminate surface. Templates can be bought at diy stores that are specifically designed for butt and scribing a kitchen worktop.
Slot the work tops together and mark on the underneath a ‘biscuit’ shape, one half of the biscuit on each work top, these will hold the bolts that will pull the work surfaces together. A router is used to hollow out the biscuit shapes and you may want to put a couple on each joint.
Place the work tops in position and apply silicone sealant between the two surfaces and push together. Insert the worktop bolts into the biscuit shaped hole and tighten both bolts, this will pull the joint tight.
Your new kitchen work surface should now be installed and ready to use. Note that I missed off the installation of the sink and any other accessories. These must be installed BEFORE the work tops are sealed together.
Stevens online store sells all manner of Home appliances and kitchen accessories as well as the tools to fit your kitchen.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
