Worktops are an essential part of any kitchen. Aside from their utility, they can also serve as an aesthetically crucial part of the way your kitchen looks. While some kitchen worktops are made from granite or steel, the most common type of worktop, and the easiest to work with, is a laminate top. Fitting worktops can be difficult. It requires a bit of a time commitment and is often done by professionals.
Step One
Determine which way the worktop joints will run. Most commonly, you will be working with a three-sided application that will require two workshop joints. Cut the worktop down so it is at least 50mm too big. It's easier to cut it down than it is to add more. Make sure when you cut it down more precisely, you leave 40mm to act as an overhang for your cabinets, give or take 5mm.
Step Two
Move the worktop, which now has an even overhang, into place and mark off the depth from front to back. This is necessary if it will be placed against a wall to ensure that it fits properly. Rather than marking pencil directly to the worktop, apply masking tape to the areas of the worktop that need to be marked and mark the pencil on top of that. Open the compass to the widest gap with the pencil edge against the masking tape. Move the compass parallel to the wall, and you will have transferred your wall's shape onto the masking tape.
Step Three
Cut along the line with a jigsaw. Place the worktop against the wall to ensure it was cut evenly and the overhang is nice and even. Do the same for the backside. Place the second piece of the worktop in position connected with this one. Cut the piece so that it is 50mm too big. The specific measurements of this will depend on the size of your kitchen and worktop.
Step Four
Cut the joints in a left-to-right motion. This will require turning the worktop upside down at points, but it is essential to the process. Specific instructions for connecting the pieces after cutting joints will depend on the worktop you buy. Be sure to read the owner's manual carefully at this point, but know that you will be attaching the three pieces of the worktop with pins and bolts. Make necessary cuts along the way, but be sure to maintain an even edge and overhang throughout process.
Step Five
Fit the sink into your worktop. To do this, you will need to remove the sink and place it on top of the worktop upside down in its normal position. Outline the sink with a pencil. Cut the sink outline with a jigsaw. Cover the edges with varnish and a sealant to avoid future water damage. Put the worktop in place and fit the sink into it. Make additional cuts if necessary.
Step Six
Add a laminate edging. Odds are, your worktop will come with a laminate edging option and contact adhesive to put it into place. Adding the edging will create a nicer, more solid overhang.
Step Seven
Add silicone to the joints and apply the top part of the worktop. While that dries, be sure to tighten all bolts on the underside of the worktop. Remove any excess silicone that may have seeped out.