If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen worktop, you might be wondering if it’s possible to install it yourself. The short answer is yes, it’s possible – provided you have the right tools, skills and experience for the job. However, only some worktops are suitable for DIY installation.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about installing worktops by yourself so you can decide if you can DIY it or if it’s best to hire a professional to take care of it for you. This blog includes:
- Can I fit a kitchen worktop by myself?
- What do I need to install a kitchen worktop?
- How to install a worktop in 6 steps
- How to install quartz worktops
- How much does it cost to install worktops?
Can I fit a kitchen worktop by myself?
If you’re keen to renovate your kitchen but on a tight budget, it makes sense why you might want to fit your kitchen worktops yourself to save some money. However, DIY worktop installation isn’t for everyone, and if you don’t have the necessary skills, it might end up costing you more in the long run if things go wrong.
Here are some things you should consider checking if you’re capable of fitting your worktop yourself:
- Experience – You should only consider attempting DIY fitting if you’ve got plenty of DIY experience. This project will be fairly complex and involve accurately measuring and using a drill and jigsaw.
- Tools – Although installing a worktop yourself is often cheaper, this is only the case if you’ve already got all the necessary tools. If you haven’t, investing in all the tools you’ll need can rapidly increase the cost of the DIY installation.
- Time – Even if you’re a skilled DIYer, this project will take longer than it would for a team of professionals. You’ll need to ensure you have enough time to see this project through to the end.
- Quality – The quality of your fitted countertop will likely be lower than if a professional fitted it. You’ll need to bear this in mind, especially if you’re investing in a pricey worktop.
What do I need to install a kitchen worktop?
We mentioned above that you’ll need to ensure that you have the right tools to complete the installation by yourself. Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need.
- New worktop
- Drill and drill bits
- 5-inch screws
- Saw or jigsaw
- Sandpaper
- Laminate strips
- Contact adhesive
- Tape measure (or digital laser measure)
- Pencil
- Spirit level
If you plan to join two pieces of worktop together, you’ll also need aluminium joining strips and silicone sealant.
How to install a worktop in 6 steps
The steps to install a countertop will depend on the type of worktop. Some worktops, such as natural stone like granite, must be cut and fitted by professionals. Dekton worktops must also be professionally installed to receive the 25-year manufacturer warranty.
The following steps are a general guide to installing worktops and are suitable for laminate and solid wood worktops.
Our top tips
- Buying a worktop in the exact size you need means you can bypass the measuring, marking and cutting steps.
- Use the factory-cut straight edge for the visible end of your worktop, as these edges will be very neat.
- Measure twice and cut once to avoid mistakes
- Practice cutting on an offcut or small piece first to get used to it.
- Ensure worktop joints are at least 100 mm away from any cutouts.
- Check that hob cutouts are at least 50 mm away from the front edge and 60 mm from the back.
1. Get prepared
Before you get started with your worktop installation, you should plan out how much worktop you’ll need and where your joints will be. You should aim for the joints to be supported by the unit frames beneath.
2. Measure, mark and cut
Using a tape or laser measure, you should precisely measure how large your worktop will need to be. Then, mark where you need to cut and cut your worktop to size using a saw or jigsaw. You can skip this step if you purchased your worktop pre-cut to size.
3. Cut any necessary holes
Then, cut out any holes for your sink and hob. File the rough ends down and then move your worktop into position.
4. Join worktop pieces together
If you’re using more than one piece of worktop, you’ll need to join them together. The simplest method for DIY installation is to use joining strips. Here’s a quick breakdown of what you’ll need to do:
- Start by positioning one piece of your worktop onto the supports
- Measure the worktop’s depth and cut the joining strip to the correct length.
- Join the wood strip to the one end of the worktop using wood screws.
- You can use silicone sealant along the strip to waterproof your worktop fully.
- Slide the other piece of worktop to meet the joining strip.
5. Attach your worktop to the supports
Carefully drill holes in the underside of your worktop, ensuring you don’t drill deep enough for holes to appear in the top. Drill three holes per support and use 1.5-inch screws to secure your worktop to the supports.
6. Cover the rough edges with laminate
Finally, cut strips of laminate to match the length of the rough edges of your worktop and glue them on with adhesive. Smooth any rough areas of the laminate.
How to install a quartz worktop
If you’ve decided on a quartz worktop for your kitchen renovation, bear in mind that they will need to be professionally cut to size. Installing a quartz worktop also requires at least two people, as these worktops are much heavier than laminate ones.
Here are the steps you’ll need to follow:
- Prepare the area by ensuring the surface is level. Use wooden shims to even out any uneven areas.
- Dry-fit your quartz worktops by placing them across the top of your base units. Check that they fit correctly.
- Remove the quartz worktops, place your sink into position, and check it has proper support.
- Install ledgers to add support to areas where cabinet support is lacking. This will ensure your quartz countertops are adequately supported.
- Protect your cabinets from the adhesive you’ll use in the next step with masking tape.
- Apply silicone adhesive to the tops of the cabinets and place each quartz slab on one at a time. If using multiple slabs, seal the joins with silicone adhesive as well.
- Remove the masking tape from your cabinets before the adhesive dries. Once it has dried, the installation is complete.
How much does it cost to install worktops?
If you’ve read the above steps and think it might be simpler to pay for professional installation, you’re probably wondering how much it costs. The installation cost varies from £200 to fit a small laminate worktop to over £1000 to install a quartz countertop. Remember, you’ll also need to pay for the actual worktop itself.
Luxury kitchen worktops by Mo’s StoneX
Although installing a worktop yourself might be slightly cheaper, relying on a team of experienced professionals is the best solution if you want an expert fit. Look no further than Mo’s StoneX.
We have over a decade of experience supplying, templating and installing high-quality granite, quartz and Dekton worktops. Our professional team will handle the entire process to make things as simple as possible for you. Renovations are stressful enough, so it’s best to leave complex worktop fitting to the professionals!
Fill out our online enquiry form for a free quote. Or contact our team to find out more about our range of worktops and installation process. We’ll be happy to give you any advice you might need!
