How to replace a worktop

Replacing a worktop needn’t be a long-winded or expensive job and more often than not it won’t require the paying of a tradesman for materials and labour. With the right know-how and supplies purchased from retailers like George Hill Ltd, you can replace a worktop yourself with relative ease. By following these steps you’ll soon have a brand new worktop, without an unnecessarily expensive bill.

The first step is to accurately measure up the dimensions of the worktop, remembering to accommodate for the 10-20cm of overhang which is recommended on each outward-facing edge. Once you’ve measured and trimmed your worktop surface, you’ll need to scribe the worktop to fit. Scribing is necessary when the back wall which your worktop will run along isn’t completely flat. Place the worktop flat against the wall and cut a piece of wood the size of the largest gap. It is recommended to then stick a strip of masking tape along the length of the worktop. With this piece of wood called the scribing block, you’ll need to run it along the entire width of the worktop, using a pencil to mark a line the whole way along. You can then use a jigsaw or sanding block to cut the worktop into shape.

Your worktop should now be in the correct shape, although for certain designs you may have to connect two separate pieces together. You can drill fixing plates into the undersides to achieve this, along with wood glue on any joining surfaces. For worktops with rounded edges, you may also need a metal joining strip. A joining strip can be cut to size with a hacksaw and should run the entire length of the join. Silicone sealant should be used to keep the fitting secure.

When attaching the worktop to your kitchen cupboards, you’ll need a friend to provide pressure from above. You can then attach the worktop from below, using screws and fixing brackets. The front edge of the worktop should also be secured to the front fixing rail, by screwing through into the underside of the worktop. Once your worktop is secure, you’ll want to treat any exposed surfaces. Solid wood finished should be treated with stain-proofing oil but for laminated worktops you may only be required to cut and stick finishing strips.

Lastly, you’ll need to install your sink. Use the upturned sink and the details in the manufacturer’s guide to draw and cut an appropriately sized hole, ensuring that the sink will rest on the surface of the worktop. Smooth off any edges and carefully attach any taps and plumbing to the sink before insertion. Once the sink is in place, use silicone sealant around the edges and tighten any retaining clips.

Here at George Hill Ltd we offer inexpensive materials of a variety of finishes and thicknesses, designed for those who are looking to replace their work surfaces without spending extortionately. Our Oasis worktops are available in both 30mm and 40mm thicknesses, meaning we can cater to your needs regardless of your current designs or existing kitchen features. Depending on your taste, our worktops come in both a granite and woodgrain finish, both of which are manufactured to an equally high quality. Our worktops are constructed from FSC certified woods and have received the FIRA Gold Award for their excellent manufacturing.

If you’re considering replacing a work top yourself, why not browse the George Hill website or shop today?