Did you just decide to remodel your kitchen? If so, what exactly do you want to be remodeled in your kitchen? Most homeowners only want to have a specific area of their kitchen remodeled, some want everything remodeled. If you only want to upgrade an area of your kitchen or if you would want a totally changed kitchen, then you should be looking for a new kitchen countertop. If you are looking on buying a replacement countertop what kind are you trying to get?
When you decide its time for a new countertop, for your complete kitchen changing plan, there are so many things you need to bear in mind. The most important thing to remember is your kitchen cabinets. Kitchen countertops are always being placed ahead of cabinets or cupboards. If you are wanting to remodel your cabinets too then you should buy everything that you may possibly need when you purchase your new countertops. This will help you match your countertops better to your cabinets in the long run rather then having to go to the store multiple times.
The most important thing to keep in mind is, when looking for new countertops keep them in your price range. The most affordable of all countertops would most likely be the laminate countertops. Even though being the most affordable, most people think they are too plain. If you are not only wanting to change your kitchen looks, but enhance the style of it as well, you are probably looking for a whole new look. Most people want to replace their countertops with a fine wood or marble.
Even though it is probably most important to you to make it look nice and attractive, it is also very important to keep it in your price range. If you are changing the look of your whole kitchen, it might do you good to write down a list of things you may want to make budget. If you accidentally spend too much you will find it later on hard to remodel with no money.
If there is a possibility that you might already know what type of kitchen countertop you want to buy, you might not know when you see your options. If that happens then you should just start looking everywhere you can for your prefect countertop. Even if you look online or in a local home improvement store, you will most likely come across a few countertops you like, many with different colors and designs. I think browsing on the internet is the best way to gain ideas. In fact looking for countertops at multiple places is good to match prices, which is most important when remodeling your kitchen..
After you have bought the type of things you want to use for your kitchen countertops, whether they are laminate or fine marble, you will want to know how it is going to be installed in your kitchen. If you wanted to, you could seek assistance from a professional kitchen remodeling expert or a general contractor. Maybe you would want to install it yourself? With directions, you could install your new countertop faster then waiting on assistance, even if you don’t know how to put stuff together well. Every countertop and its pieces come with essential directions, but in case not you can always go out and buy a how to book about putting a new countertop in.
Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Beach, Florida. Find more about kitchen remodeling as well as kitchen appliances at http://www.kitchenthingsplus.com
Should You Replace Your Countertops When Remodeling Your Kitchen?
Installing Laminate Countertops-Worktops Formica Postformed
When installing your own laminate countertop/worktops, it is vital to be equipped with the right tools and the right detailed easy to follow information as you only get one chance to perform this task. If you are confident with using DIY tools, then you should be able to install your tops yourself using the methods described below.
Laminated tops usually have a rolled laminate front edge which is known as a postform. Postformed tops are by far the most common to buy as all DIY stores stock them. The lengths however do vary from different manufactures and different DIY stores.
The most common lengths are: 4.1m - (4100mm) most stores supply half board sizes too for this length at 2050mm. 3m - (3000mm) DIY stores mainly supply these lengths. Some stores will even cut them to the lengths that you require for a small fee.
You will have to take the board sizes into consideration so you know exactly how many lengths required. Firstly measure your kitchen walls, workout which way your joint is going to be cut into the corner and measure that length for one countertop, always allowing 100mm extra if possible. Repeat for all lengths of countertop.
If you are cutting the lengths yourself from full boards, you will need to place the length on two or more trestles/workmates to support it. Measure your desired length and mark ready for cutting, remembering to always measure twice. The saying in the profession is (Measure twice and cut once). You can use a traditional fine toothed saw for this or alternatively a jigsaw.
There are two ways that postformed countertops can be installed, each way giving you a different look and a different skill level to fit. The first, easiest way and less time consuming is to use the thin metal strips that you simply place over the joint to hide the cut. This way you simply butt the first top right into the corner and the second top butts straight up to the first tops front edge. Steer well clear of this method if you do not want to see the unsightly metal strip sticking proud on the joint. They are known to be unhygienic too as food and drink often gets trapped between the strip and the top which is very hard to remove.
The second way is to cut what is known as a butt and scribe joint. This will make the joint totally invisible and gives the top a nice flow all around your kitchen as there is nothing to breakdown the surface. This is the totally professional way to cut the joint. You will need what is called a countertop/worktop jig for this to enable you to cut one top into the other in the shape of a hockey stick. If you want your tops to look totally professional with no visible joints, then this is what you should be aiming to achieve. The jigs are very reasonably priced these days so don't let that put you off. If you like a challenge, you pay close attention to detail, want to achieve recognition, satisfaction and brownie points, then this way is for you.
For a Free detailed guide to help you choose the colours for your kitchen and countertops Simply click on the link to http://www.installing-kitchen-countertops.com
You will learn everything you need to know about installing your own countertops here. With detailed easy to follow information and photos from start to finish, you will not go wrong.
