Mr Skill

Installing kitchen worktops and sinks should be well within the capabilities of a skilled home craftsman with a straight and level eye and the right tools too. Bearing in mind the high costs of the cabinetry involved and the virtual impossibility of reversing an over-cut, you could also be wise to find a Kitchen Fitter with experience to do the job for you instead.

o When fitting a pair of kitchen counter tops the first thing to consider is the overall effect. It is better to fit the top across the far wall first (when viewed from the kitchen entrance), because that way the joint will be less obvious to the eye.

o After cutting and loose-fitting this top, measure for the other one, carefully allowing for the fact that wall corners are seldom square. When you are absolutely sure, mark up the top and cut it carefully to avoid chipping the laminate. Loose fit the complete set, and adjust where necessary. Remove and seal all raw edges (except the one that will be exposed) with a polyvinyl acrylic product.

o Run a bead of silicone along the top of the cabinetry where the first counter top will be fitted, press it down firmly and immediately secure it with screws from the underside. Apply the joining strips with silicone on both sides, run silicone along the top of the remaining cabinetry, push the second counter top firmly into place and secure it with screws as well. Remove all excess silicone immediately.

o Place the kitchen sink upside down in position and mark the outline with a carpenter’s pencil or indelible fell-tipped pen. Double check with the manufacturer’s template and adjust your line as required. Mark out a second outline a centimetre inside the original one and cut this out carefully using an electric jigsaw. Remember to support the surplus piece before you start. When done, seal the cut edge with the same polyvinyl acrylic product.

o After checking the sink fit and making any adjustments, install the taps and drains including traps. Fit the sealing ring around the edge of the sink-top. Run a bead of silicone along the top of the cut-out in the kitchen top and lower the sink carefully into position. Secure with the clips supplied. Finally, fit matching laminate to the exposed edges. Kitchen Fitters London and surrounding areas sometimes prefer to finish the job off with strips of wood instead.

As I mentioned, not an easy job especially accounting for the cost of kitchen counter tops. Do not attempt to do this job unaided unless you are confident of success. Rather play safe and get Kitchen Fitting Quotes courtesy of Mr-Skill for installing worktops and sinks instead. If not an expert, you could just be glad you took my advice.