| If your kitchen is looking tired and dated, you do not | | | | worktop you require to get the job done. If the |
| necessarily need to rip it all out and start again. | | | | existing worktop is a good fit then this job is done |
| Replacing the kitchen worktops will instantly give | | | | for you as you can simply use this as the template. |
| your kitchen a major face lift whilst saving you lots | | | | If the worktop not to replace an exiting worktop or |
| of money and hassle. | | | | you require extra then you will need a measuring |
| There are many different types of worktop to | | | | tape and cardboard to create the template. Even in |
| choose from including granite, Corian (a composite of | | | | new build houses, unfortunately corners are rarely at |
| minerals and acrylic polymer, from about £400 | | | | right angles so you will need to check carefully. |
| a square metre), Raustone (similar to Corian, but less | | | | Remember to order all trims, brackets and fittings |
| pricey), rubberwood (cubes of wood bonded | | | | when you order your worktop. |
| together), stainless steel, Formica, real wood such as | | | | Kitchen Worktop Saw Points |
| oak, beech, walnut, cheery, iroko and basic laminate. | | | | If you are cutting laminate, kitchen fitters |
| Granite, Corian, Raustone and stainless steel should | | | | recommend using a circular saw with the laminate |
| be fitted by professionals. | | | | facing down. A jigsaw is fine for cutting out big holes |
| Wooden kitchen worktops including oak, beech and | | | | for example, the sink but be aware of it fraying. |
| walnut are the simplest option for those looking for | | | | Many people choose to hire a circular saw from a |
| the 'do-it-yourself' option because they are easy to | | | | local hire shop. However, you will require very steady |
| cut compared to laminate, granite and stainless steel. | | | | hands to do a professional job. The other crucial thing |
| Oak worktops are the first choice for those looking | | | | with laminate worktops is getting the mitered joins |
| for strength, durability and classic traditional elegance. | | | | just right. These can be cut by a joiner with precision |
| Oak's rich color and fine markings lend grace to any | | | | equipment, for a small fee. |
| kitchen, maturing over the years to add character | | | | Kitchen Worktop Fitting |
| and warmth. | | | | A spirit level is essential when fixing the worktops |
| Walnut is a dark wood of immense warmth, with a | | | | with their supporting brackets, timber battens, or KD |
| rich grain and strong character. Walnut wood contains | | | | blocks, used especially in kitchen fitting. Leave a fall |
| natural exotic patterns that set it apart from its | | | | of about 2 degrees away from the wall at the back |
| contemporaries. | | | | to prevent spills and dirt accumulating. Do any wall |
| Cherry is an elegant and colorful wood, fast | | | | tiling work after fitting the worktops, so there is a |
| becoming one of the most popular choices for | | | | permanent level edge to work upwards from. Seal |
| kitchens. Cherry worktops have a subtle autumnal | | | | any cut laminate surface to stop damp and between |
| red appearance that darkens gracefully over time to | | | | joints with a compound. Use silicone sealant between |
| a rich maturity. | | | | tiles and worktop and put reflective aluminum tape |
| Beech is the most popular and versatile of all the | | | | around cooker/hob to protect from radiant heat; use |
| hardwoods. The light tone and soft grain produce a | | | | waterproof seal - unless a rubber gasket is supplied - |
| bright feel that complements any style of kitchen. | | | | around the sink. |
| Iroko - The dark hues of this rich African hardwood | | | | If all this seems a little labor intensive, you might |
| produce a stunning effect when used in the right | | | | consider getting a professional company to provide |
| kitchen environment. Often called 'African Teak', it is | | | | the kitchen worktop, cutting and fitting as a package. |
| a most durable worktop due to its high resistance to | | | | You can then take advantage of their experience |
| staining. | | | | and workmanship to make sure the job in done to |
| Plan Ahead | | | | the highest standard. The worktop will be cut and |
| Before you begin on your kitchen worktop project | | | | finished to your own personal needs which will save |
| you will need to work out exactly how much new | | | | you time and inconvenience. |