The Importance of Measuring Before Replacing Kitchen Worktops
Replacing kitchen worktops can be an economical and straightforward way to give your kitchen a new, refreshing appearance. Before starting the project, it is vital that all necessary measurements are taken.
An outdated worktop can make your entire kitchen seem worn-down, and it would be remiss of you to let this get this far. Replacing it should pose no harm to your cabinets.
Lay Out Your Materials
Changing kitchen worktops or countertops is often an extensive project, so taking the time and care necessary is vitally important. Measure all surfaces accurately, then sketch off each dimension for easier selection of materials for your new worktops. By having accurate measurements handy when placing orders with suppliers, avoiding mistakes could save both time and money in the long run.
Before beginning, remove all accessories, such as sinks and hobs, from your workspace so you can gain access to the base units beneath the worktops. Also, remove drawers and shelves so you can reach all areas behind them to facilitate easier worktop installation.
Once the existing worktops have been taken out, use a chisel or wrecking bar to break any adhesive connections left from their removal so as to lift off the base units onto your new sanded or laminated surface. If reusing an old sink, ensure it fits well into its new environment, ensure any required modifications have been done beforehand, and ensure that it can fit securely onto its new worktops.
Laminate and wood are popular kitchen worktop materials due to being easy and relatively cost-effective to install while remaining stain-resistant and hardwearing compared to granite or quartz worktops. Unfortunately, however, these natural or artificial stone worktops may cost more upfront but can add value when selling your home. Buyers often ask about worktop materials when touring kitchens as potential selling points, so investing in top-of-the range worktops will give your kitchen a stunning appearance that's sure to leave an impression with visitors!
Measure All Surfaces
Prior to purchasing or hiring an expert, begin by measuring your existing countertops. Record measurements on graph paper or with a digital device that can convert inch measurements directly to feet; this keeps calculations easy for fabricators and installers alike to understand. It may be beneficial to make note of the width and depth of each section to assist with planning purposes.
Next, it is essential to select your worktop material of choice. Different materials lend themselves to specific aesthetics. Wood works beautifully in traditional kitchens but requires frequent care and upkeep, while man-made composites such as quartz or corian combine natural minerals with resin for increased durability. These may prove cheaper, but they often require specialist fitting services and may prove more costly overall.
Ceramic is another popular option, featuring an attractive finish resistant to water, mildew, and mould growth. Furthermore, it's very hygienic, with prices starting at PS350 per square metre; however, it can scratch easily under hot pans, which makes it unsuitable for busy family homes.
Those looking for an ultramodern aesthetic can consider stone surfaces like granite for their surfaces, which are hard-wearing, versatile, and come in various colours and finishes to meet every taste. Not only can granite withstand sudden temperature changes without scorching, but it is also highly heat-resistant and non-porous, offering heat insulation. Granite typically costs upwards of PS800 per square metre, while laminate or solid surfaces might be cheaper options that still look professional and are less likely to incur damage over time.
Decide On a Design
Replacing kitchen worktops can have a dramatic impact on the overall appearance of your kitchen, but it is essential to remember that your cabinets, flooring, and wall cladding or tiles also play a part in how well the new worktop complements them. Therefore, before purchasing one, it is best to examine how different styles and colours will complement one another before making the switch.
Removing worktops should cause no lasting damage to existing units if proper precautions are taken, including covering cupboard doors with dust sheets or plastic wrap in order to avoid scratching them and protect them from adhesive residue from the old worktops.
Based on your budget and tastes, there is a range of materials you can select for new worktops. Laminate is an economical option available in multiple textures and finishes, while quartz, granite, and marble offer more luxurious choices that add value to the home due to their durability, heat resistance, and reduced risk of staining or cracking—features that often draw homeowners in.
Kitchen worktops are one of the most prominent features in any kitchen and, as such, can become damaged from everyday usage. Dropped plates, spilled sauce, and knife cuts all leave their mark; therefore, it is crucial that when selecting materials, you keep this in mind.
Paint may seem like the easiest option, but that won't provide the long-lasting and reliable surface that modern worktops demand. Instead, make the smart investment and reap its rewards for years.
Purchase Your Materials
Worktops are a key element in your kitchen, and they experience heavy wear and tear. In order to remain functional and beautiful without breaking your budget, they need to be hardwearing, hygienic, and affordable. The good news is that there are plenty of choices out there, from laminate or wood to marble and quartz, that could completely transform them!
Prior to purchasing new worktops, take the necessary measurements of all surfaces you wish to replace and write them down for reference when searching for materials. Remember to consider both thickness and size when purchasing materials, as well as making sure there is enough space for sinks, basins, and appliances.
Installing new worktops requires using specific tools. Each material requires specific cutting tools; therefore, it's crucial that you know which tools will be required before beginning this project. For instance, stone and quartz worktops can be cut using a wet saw; laminate or solid surface worktops must be cut using a jigsaw.
Your new worktops may also need to feature a step or rebate at the back for easier tile-floor integration, either using a router or template and jigsaw. If using the latter option, be sure to seal its back surface with silicone sealant so as to prevent delamination over time.
Alternately, you could upgrade other areas of your kitchen, like flooring and wall cladding, or add brand new doors; however, none can compare with the dramatic impact of installing stunning new worktops!
Install Your Worktops
Installing kitchen worktops correctly is crucial. Even the slightest mistake could damage the aesthetic of your kitchen and incur costly repair costs, so having all of the right tools, skills, and knowledge and taking measurements accurately are vital in order to prevent a disaster from unfolding. Cutting worktops accurately allows for the best results when cutting them to size; taking measurements also provides accurate results when it comes to cutting them and fitting them correctly.
Before installing new kitchen worktops, ensure the area is prepared. This involves clearing away everything that could potentially be damaged or soiled from the kitchen, including the sink, hob, and any appliances attached to worktops. Also clear all drawers and cupboards beneath worktops so full access is granted; cover any surrounding surfaces to protect them from dust or debris falling onto them as an additional precaution.
Prepare the work area. Mark out where you need to cut your worktops to length using pencil markings on the worktop and tape for protection during sawing processes; this will allow for an uninterrupted cutting experience with straight and clean edges when cutting your worktops to length.
No matter if you are replacing old or worn worktops, there are various materials and designs to consider when replacing them. Laminate and wooden worktops offer affordable options that are easy to keep clean, while granite and marble add timeless beauty that adds value to any home. For something a bit more modern, try a fabric overlay or tiling kitchen worktops.
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