How to upgrade kitchen worktops on the cheap

HarryCrowther

Hello everyone,

Newbie DIY question : I was wondering what the really cheap kitchen worktops are made from and if there is a way that I can simply attach a new worktop material on top of the existing worktop? Has anyone got any experience of installing onto existing worktops, such as a thin panel or a vinyl wrap?

Alternatively, my neighbour has a circular saw, so I could measure and cut my own worktop myself. But I'm not sure how I can get the current worktop off the cupboards without damaging the cupboards or them falling apart? Maybe its too risky?

grumbler

HarryCrowther wrote: »

But I'm not sure how I can get the current worktop off the cupboards without damaging the cupboards or them falling apart? Maybe its too risky?

Most likely it's screwed with brackets underneath. Also, you'll have to remove the silicone around and/or the splash-board if there are any.

It doesn't hold the cabinets, nothing will fall apart.
If it's basic chipboard, it can be easily cut with an ordinary sharp saw - you are likely to get a neater cut. B&Q will cut it for you instore for free.

Don't buy a laminated worktop with one rounded edge ('standard profile' in the picture below).



Select some with both edges rounded.

FreeBear

HarryCrowther wrote: »

Newbie DIY question : I was wondering what the really cheap kitchen worktops are made from and if there is a way that I can simply attach a new worktop material on top of the existing worktop?

Usually, a chipboard base with a melamine sheet glued under pressure to the top. Budget worktops will (usually) be a thinner chipboard core with a thin melamine coating.

If you are just looking at tarting up an existing worktop, you can get various resins that can be poured over a worktop. Or you could look at "microcement" toppings. Really depends on what sort of finish you're after and how much you are willing to spend in time and money.

Vinyl wrap (sticky backed plastic) will only last a few days assuming you manage to get it down without any bubbles - It will always look cheap and nasty in my opinion. Cutting and fitting a new worktop is not as simple as attacking a full sheet with a circular saw (you need the right blade and cut from the bottom). For a really good fit, the worktop needs scribing to the back & sides, and any holes for sinks/hobs to be cut out neatly - Either with a very good jigsaw or router. All bare chipboard edges then need to be sealed before the worktop is finally fitted.

HarryCrowther

Thank you. I'm sure they make it look easier than it is in the tutorials. I knew the silicone would have to come off, but didn't really consider my tiles at the back. They might coming away. Maybe I'll ask a professional to quote it and see whether they mention the tiles. Thanks everyone