How to Attain a Cutout Countertop

Interior redesigns frequently require a new countertop where a sink is set up in a kitchen or toilet. The project includes removing the present sink and countertop and installing a new countertop using a cutout for the sink . Granite, tile and metallic countertops should be changed by a professional who has the tools and experience. However a home-improvement fanatic can replace a laminate countertop and save the expense of a professional installer. While the job isn’t particularly complex, it takes some expertise with sink plumbing and carpentry tools.

Eliminating the Old Countertop

Close off the cold and hot water-supply valves under the sink. Unscrew the cold and hot water-line fittings that attach in the valves with an adjustable canopy. For a kitchen sink, then detach the drain hose from the garbage disposal, and unplug the power cord from the electrical socket.

Loosen the big nuts that connect the P-trap assembly in the sink-drain tailpiece and the drain hub in the wall using adjustable pliers. Remove the P-trap assembly. For a toilet sink, then disconnect the lower end of this stopper-rod from the tailpiece, and pull out the pole from above.

Remove the sink clips in the bottom of the countertop using a screwdriver, and request an assistant to lift the sink out of the cutout from the countertop. It’s not necessary to detach and remove a garbage disposal or the faucets to get rid of a kitchen or bathroom sink.

Remove the top drawers form the cabinets. Set up a cordless drill using a magnetic screw-tip attachment. Work from under and get rid of the wood screws that fasten the bottom of the countertop to each of the top cabinet struts.

Use a utility knife to cut the caulking beads where the countertop back-splash matches the wall. Use a wood chisel and hammer to pry up the countertop in the sides and front edge of the closets. Lift off the countertop, and place it aside.

Installing the Cutout Countertop

Determine the location of this sink cutout from the new countertop by measuring the location of this cutout from the old countertop. Mark the outline of the cutout on the new countertop using a felt-tip marker. In case a new or bigger sink is planned, use the supplied sink template to mark the outline of the cutout on the new countertop.

Install a 3/16-inch drill bit in the drill. Drill a starter hole for a jigsaw blade at one corner of the cutout outline. Install a fine-tooth blade in a jigsaw. Insert the bade to the starter hole, and stick to the marked outline to produce the cutout.

Position the countertop on the cabinets with the back-splash against the wall in the rear of the cabinets. Align the countertop so every end includes a comparable overhang at each end of their cabinets. Otherwise, one or both ends of this countertop match against a wall.

Attach the bottom of the countertop at every one of the top cabinet struts, with 1 1/4 inch wood screws in 4-inch intervals from front to rear at every strut. To get this done, match the head of a screw to the tip of the magnetic screw-tip attachment, and drive the screw upward throughout the strut.

Install a tube of acrylic caulking in a caulking gun. Cut off the tip of the tube to make a 1/8-inch opening with the utility knife. Caulk the seams where the top edge and finishes of this back-splash meet the wall. The countertop is ready to install the present or new sink.

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