When it comes to replacing a countertop, you have two options: hire a professional or do it yourself. While hiring a professional can be expensive, doing it yourself requires research, patience, and handyman skills.
If you are wondering whether replacing a countertop is easy, this guide will come in handy. You will get some useful tips for making the project a walk in the park.
Are you up for the challenge?
Replacing your granite countertops or any other countertops is not an easy task. It involves removing the old countertop and installing the new one in its place. This means you’ll need to buy tools and materials like tiles and cement adhesive.
If your kitchen has cabinets attached to the wall, you’ll also need to know how to remove them, so they don’t fall off during installation.
Finally, if you’re replacing an old laminate countertop with a new granite one, there’s another thing to keep in mind: granite is heavier than other types of stone and wood, so if your cabinets aren’t designed for it, they may not hold up under the extra weight alone.
Tips for easy DIY countertop replacement
Replacing a countertop is a great DIY project, but it can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Plan ahead
Decide what you want the new countertop to look like, and then find a company that can supply it for you. This may involve a trip to the home improvement store or visiting some online retailers.
If you’re replacing an existing countertop, measure the surface carefully to determine how much material you need. The new material should be slightly larger than the existing piece, so gaps between the two ends will be filled with caulking or adhesive.
If your new countertop is going to have a backsplash, measure carefully so that it doesn’t overlap with the wall when installed.
Make sure your new countertop matches the height of your cabinets and sink as closely as possible so they will all line up visually once installed. If necessary, adjust the height of cabinets by adding or removing spacers between cabinets and walls before installing new countertops.
Know the type of countertop you have
The first thing you need to do is identify what kind of countertop you have. This can be tricky because many materials were used in the past to make kitchen counters. Some materials include ceramic tile, Formica, solid surface material, laminate, and natural stone.
If your countertop is in good condition, it may be worth refinishing it rather than replacing it with new material.
Have the right tools on hand
First things first, you’re going to need supplies. The exact supplies you need depend on what kind of surface you’re replacing and whether you’re doing any work around the edges of the countertop, such as adding tile or installing a backsplash.
For example, if you’re installing travertine tile over old Formica countertops, you’ll need tools for cutting tiles and grout and adhesives for attaching them to the wall. If some part of your existing countertop is structurally unsound, like loose laminate or cracked concrete, then you may also need tools like hammers and chisels for removing that material from the wall before installing new materials over it.
Having the right equipment will save you time and energy.
Bottom Line
Replacing a countertop is a major home improvement project. It’s not something you want to rush. Nevertheless, with care and planning, it can be done. For the best outcome, involve the services of granite installers Rockville or any other expert.
