How hard is it to install your own countertop?

I'm remodeling a kitchen and would like to save money by doing as much as possible without hiring contractors. How hard will it be to install my own countertops? Is this a feasible thing for someone who has never done it before?

Countertop is pretty easy to install as long as you don't have a lot of complicated angles. A straight piece is simple. A L-Shape a little harder. Take your measurements to a good home improvement store and they can help you get the correct size and finish for your edges, corners, and ends.

The old countertop is likely held in place with a few screws coming up from the bottom. You will want to fasten the new top in the same way.

The real pros do a thing called scribing to get the backsplace to fit the exact profile of the wall. They get their countertop and set it in place. They then trace along the back using a double pencil to show where the high spots are. That is then sanded down with a belt sander.

An easier way for us amateurs is to just calk that seam.

You can make a cardboard template and take it to any kitchen supply store and have it made or match it up to make sure the angles are correct. A kitchen installer will come in and make a template if you have someone else do it Report Abuse

what kind of countertops are u doing ? me and my cousin do tile . Report Abuse

It's not too hard. Askir explained the scribing process well. It's easy enough that even some people that went to college can do it. Report Abuse

If you just want a new look, you can install laminate over your existing countertop. I did that in my kitchen a couple of months ago and it really made the place look new again. Report Abuse

I think it depends on what kind of top
Tile and or laminate I have done both
Granite forget it.... That Is the making of and installation. Do you want to have them made by someone then you just install???
Pretty easy to install actually If they are made right.. Only tricky if there is a seam.
The work is making them and sizing them.
You can buy MDF board contact cement and laminate and make it. You will need a trimmer and a good file. Tile is even easier
but takes more time then needs grout.
When I make them I put the 3/4 splash on after independently with glue and hold them in place 24 hours

Ask you local hardware store. But it really depends on what type. If it is preconsturcted like a formica or something i don't think it is that hard. Just depends on what you want but the people at lowes or home depot can tell you how to.

If you can lift the thing and use some basic power tools, you can install a countertop!

Go to the Home Depot and look for the instruction sheets near the kitchen cabinets. Ask if they will be having a class soon.

Use your old top as a template if it will be the same shape. Consider installing your sink at the same time as it is easier to do any extra plumbing while the counter is removed.

Good luck!

You can make your own counter top, here is how.

1. buy some 3/4 inch plywoood S1S

2. Cut it to size you want, then thicken the edge by adding 3/4 runner of solid wood like pine or fir. That will give you the edge at 1 1/2 inches,

3. The back splash is simply a 3/4 plywood x about 4 inches screwed at a right angle to the top

4. Get some contact cement and formica sheets

5. Rough cut the sheets with a fine tooth saber saw about 1/4 inch larger than needed


6. First do the 1 1/2 inch edge, contact that on, rough cut that about a 1/4 inch on both edges.

7. Take a router with a bevel cut finish cutter and cut off the excess dead flush. This take a couple minutes.

8. put on the top gluing it with the contact then take tht router cutter and finish that round too.

9. Key here is that router cuter, it takes the work out of doing laminate. Old method of sanding and filing looked bad but this router is a whiz and looks perfect.

That cutter costs about $10 and its carbide with a bearing roller on the end.

well it depends...if you are using laminated countertops then you can probably install them...but the hardest part is going to be the proper measuring, and then scribing the back splash to the wall, because chances are, that your walls have some bowing in them...

if your using granite or acrylic tops...you best have them professionally done...

i am a kitchen salesman...

no dont think you can do it it takes a trained mechanic