Replacing kitchen worktops

Stanleigh

Would it be a hard job to replace an existing kitchen counter top? The existing one is horrendous and while we wait to replace the whole kitchen in a years time, I'm hoping to replace the countertop to give the kitchen a fresher look.

How would one go about doing it? Husband is okeish with DIY, so ideally we'd like to do it ourselves....

Any advice appreciated !

Jimmy_M

Well like most things it depends...
Often they screw out from underneath.
Then cut new one to size n stick it in.

Sinks and hob (if you have one) will be the pain.
Sink will most likely have to be disconnected and new holes cut out for both .
If the sink is round it can be a bit trickier but you get a bit of leaway for error - new sinks often come with a template, its prob gone by now - might not be too hard to get the dimensions online or what have you so you can do it by radius etc - failing that you can just measure.

It is a DIY job though if he's anyway handy.

peter bermingham

Their not that hard to do if you putting in the metal strip to join the worktop tools you would need, skill saw, jig saw, cordless drill. And use the old worktop as a template for the new one. If you want the butt and scribe joint its a bit more complicated with the other tools you need a router and the jig to do the joint clamps stands router cutter and know how to do the joint.

Jimmy_M

peter bermingham wrote: »

And use the old worktop as a template for the new one.

Doh - good point

peter bermingham

Jimmy_M wrote: »

Doh - good point

Here is another tip for them sinks that have big curves measure the sink take 20mm from length and with and use the sink as the template for the curves best off to get a square cutout sink as them curved ones are a pain in the hole

DublinDilbert

Usually not a big job to replace them. They come in two different thicknesses, so make sure to buy the same thickness as what's there. It's a good way up tidy up a kitchen and get a few more years out of it.

Definitely use the old one as a template.

slimjimmc

DublinDilbert wrote: »

Usually not a big job to replace them. They come in two different thicknesses, so make sure to buy the same thickness as what's there. It's a good way up tidy up a kitchen and get a few more years out of it.

Definitely use the old one as a template.

It sounds basic but be careful to use it the right way up. Keep both worktops in the same orientation (either both face up or both face down) when marking otherwise you'll get a reverse image of the old worktop.
And remember the old adage: measure twice cut once.

Stanleigh

Ah thanks, sounds like it shouldn't be too hard then. Good point about the thickness of the countertop, I never even thought of that.

I saw on one of the kitchen shop websites, supply & fitting of a new countertop (standard laminate) for €650, thought it was a bit steep but looking at all the work involved, I suppose it's not too bad.

When removing the existing countertop, how to ensure that the tiles won't crack?

Also, what's the best sealant to use between the countertop and the tiles?

This is only going to be an intermediate solution until we get the whole kitchen replaced in a years time.

DublinDilbert

Stanleigh wrote: »

Ah thanks, sounds like it shouldn't be too hard then. Good point about the thickness of the countertop, I never even thought of that.

I saw on one of the kitchen shop websites, supply & fitting of a new countertop (standard laminate) for €650, thought it was a bit steep but looking at all the work involved, I suppose it's not too bad.

When removing the existing countertop, how to ensure that the tiles won't crack?

Also, what's the best sealant to use between the countertop and the tiles?

This is only going to be an intermediate solution until we get the whole kitchen replaced in a years time.

I replaced all my mothers work tops, they were the tinner 20mm ones, worked out at €130 for both lengths. She was delighted and sold the off cuts for €30 on adverts :-)

Check out ikea, they will even supply different lengths. We used cheap ikea ones for the work shop in work, they take some abuse :-)

Stanleigh

Great to hear that. I have just measured our worktops and would need two lengths of 3600mm and checked Ikea website and they only seem to do the 1860mm lengths.
Will try to source alternative suppliers now, we're in Wicklow if you have any other recommendations

DublinDilbert

Also if your around Dublin the likes of goslins in Cabra will sell it by the length or by the foot, handy if you need a little extra.

Tape up where your going to cut with paper tape, then draw the cut like, stops the laminate from splitting.

For super straight cuts clamp on some 2x1 as a guide and run the edge of the skill saw along it

DublinDilbert

Ikea definitely do longer, we have one in work with 3 large double presses under it. With the ikea tops, check the depth too...

mac_09

Good thread! Also looking at changing my worktop at the moment also. Was looking at Ikea but on their website they only have 186 or 246cm.

I need a length approx 350. Do you think Ikea have these in store and not on website?

jeepers101

mac_09 wrote: »

Good thread! Also looking at changing my worktop at the moment also. Was looking at Ikea but on their website they only have 186 or 246cm.

I need a length approx 350. Do you think Ikea have these in store and not on website?

Nope. They just do them lengths.

iguana

Take a look for local warehouse stores selling end of line kitchen supplies. A place near me in Limerick is selling 12ft (3657mm) lengths of worktop for €80ea at the moment. I only needed two lengths of 3000mm, so got my worktops sorted for €120. They are only laminate but still worked out cheaper than anything I saw in the regular shops for the size and pattern. The difference they have made to my kitchen is unbelievable.

mac_09

jeepers101 wrote: »

Nope. They just do them lengths.

Next question so! Anyone have any recommendations on 300+ worktops in the Dublin area? hoping for something that's not too expensive, similar to IKEA. Thanks.

Elbow

http://www.noyeks.ie/products/other-products/worktops

I've gotten many different types of laminates over the years and IMO Duropal are by far the best quality

Saying that if you are trying to really keep the cost down ask for their contract range of worktops, you'll be fixed to 1 or 2 colors and the quality wont be as good but you will save money (Dont know what the RRP is but I know to the trade there's around a €50 price difference per length compared to the brand name ones)

Freemount09

Hi guys,

To spruce up the worktop you could check out this crowd.

https://gianigranite.com/

Cost about €65 I think for all you need. I did it a few mts ago and was really surprised by the results and my talent !!