There are many ways to spruce up your home, but one thing that can instantly uplift your kitchen’s overall look and feel is by changing or installing countertops. With so many choices in the market today, you may even enjoy the journey of finding the best material, design, and color for your counters.
One of the crucial components for your kitchen renovation is the countertop installation. Whether you do it yourself or hire professional countertop installers, it’s imperative to prepare beforehand and be familiar with some installation tips. This will result in a more satisfying experience and output.
Consider the following pointers for your countertop installation:
- Measure Carefully
You will need to measure your cabinet layout accurately before ordering new countertops. Try to examine your kitchen layout first and see where countertops will look best. If you have an existing countertop, you might handle going DIY if placed in a simple location. Otherwise, if there are different corners and angles to work on, it’s always wise to rely on the pros.
Ensure to have your countertop area measured accurately. Starting from the back walls, make a sketch and measure the exact distance between each run of cabinets. You might need to give an extra inch for overhangs and another inch for a freestanding range space.
Try to measure appropriately and take note of some additional space in case you’ll need to add details later on. Do not forget to take into account how deep your base cabinets are. Depending on your choice, each countertop material comes with a standard depth, so consider this when making your measurements. You should consult your countertop supplier and show them your sketch once you have completed your measurements so they can ensure that you have covered all the bases.
- Ensure Appropriate Counter Height
The counter height is different for different people and different tasks. In most families, the kitchen counter is around 35 to 37 inches from the floor, but if anyone in your family is very tall, 39 to 40 inches might be a more comfortable height. Consider all your family members’ height and ensure that the one who’s assigned kitchen chores can be more relaxed when working on the countertops.
- Empty Drawers And Nearby Cupboards
Countertops are often placed on top of cabinets and drawers. When everything is done, you can enjoy your smooth work surface while having easy access to the handy storage underneath. Before the installation, though, it’s best to ensure that the cupboards and drawers below are all empty.
Your installers will focus on placing and completing the stone in one piece while not worrying about spreading dirt or dust. This will save you from washing all the dishes and content of your cabinets when they accumulate debris and dust from the installations.
Once the countertop installation is finished, you can easily clean out the surfaces of the cabinets and storage with a wet cloth. Then, you can rearrange your fine China and kitchenware back again.
- Check The Uniformed Level Of Countertops
Depending on your countertop material, some slabs are solid but are sensitive through impact. Before causing damages, ensure that the slab is leveled correctly and perfectly into the surface in the long run. It should support its weight to make it secure for the longest time. Cabinet tops that are not level may cause your stone to incur damages later. There could be pressure points that cause cracks.
- Provide Structural Support
Most of the time, your cabinetry will support the countertops. However, you might also want to consider what will support the counter when appliances and kitchen equipment are involved. Make sure that you evaluate the final placement of your kitchen appliances and tools on your countertops.
Design structural support when necessary. For instance, when you place the dishwasher, microwave, stove, or any other kitchen tools in a permanent space, there should be structural support on the sidings and edges. You can go for a half to one-inch fill panel to ensure safety when using them.
- Clear Out The Space
You should ensure your countertop specialists have easy access to the space they’ll be working in. It should be cleared out of any potential tripping hazards. Make your kitchen space as empty as possible, so the workers can move around easily. This also means your belongings and household materials won’t be affected by the grime, dirt, and debris caused by construction.
You may want to seal off other areas in the house to consolidate any mess. You may also lock up the bedroom areas and cover up the living room if it’s very close to the kitchen. Likewise, when the flooring has been finalized, it’s best to secure them by layering some protective plastic sheets so chemical spills won’t stain them.
Conclusion
The first step toward having a successful countertop installation is to prepare and apply the essential tips and advice mentioned here. Try to find the best countertop material and design, and opt for a pro specialist for a smoother installation.
