Many of us may have gone through a stage in life when we are bored with the monotonous look of the kitchen. We wish to renovate the kitchen, but a complete makeover seems unachievable due to budget constraints, limited time, or both. In such a situation, we have to think of the best possible way to renovate the kitchen, considering all the criteria and preferences. One of the most crucial elements is to replace kitchen benchtop.
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The best thing is there are innumerable ways to upgrade the kitchen’s look without complete renovation, which can be wrapped up in a single weekend.
There are ways to refresh the favourite part of the house within no time on a fixed budget. Isn’t it a good idea? Before you begin the work, remember there’s a domino effect; areas of the kitchen that seem to be in perfect condition scream for urgent attention.
Though a fresh coat of trending paint also works wonders for the kitchen, replacing benchtops is a better idea due to its longevity and look. If you have a tile, timber or kitchen laminate benchtop, a simple coat of rejuvenating colours may change the kitchen’s look without the hassle. If you have marble or granite tops, replace kitchen benchtop with a new one. Are you looking for some more ideas to replace kitchen benchtop? Here we go.
Reason To Have A Kitchen Benchtop
There are several reasons. The kitchen, the heart of the home, should be updated as much as the other parts of the home, and what could be the best idea than replacing the benchtop? Adding a benchtop adds appeal to the space, making it the focal point. Adding a countertop has multiple benefits: it enhances the look, adds value to the property, and minimizes clutter in the kitchen. If you plan to sell the property, it’s worth spending dollars on kitchen upgradation as buyers would love it.
Most Preferred Benchtop Ideas
Laminate
If you want to spend less, a laminate benchtop is best. It’s available in numerous designs and colours. It is stain resistant and easy to clean and maintain.
Stainless Steel
If you love the restaurant ambience, stainless steel is a wise option due to its longevity, stain resistance and easy maintenance.
Granite
Though it’s one of the most expensive benchtop materials, you might go beyond your budget due to its texture, stain resistance, easy cleaning, scratch-proof quality and durability. It adds an aesthetic to the entire space. No one entering the kitchen can overlook the centrepiece.
Bamboo
If you are an ardent admirer of eco-friendly materials, a bamboo benchtop is right for you. Within the limited budget, bamboo is ideal as it goes well with traditional and modern kitchens. Like other materials, it has pros and cons. It’s not durable and robust and requires regular polishing and sanding to maintain its shine. It is not scratch and damage-proof.
Cost To Replace Kitchen Benchtop?
In the past few years, usually tile was preferred which has now been replaced with laminates due to its low cost. Replace kitchen benchtop laminate at an affordable price ranging between $400-780 per square metre on an average. You may go for marble if there’s no budget restrain as marble price varies between $800 – $2,200 per square metre. Usually, you find a kitchen benchtop replacement near me on the search bar, which is a wise idea to get the quotes for various benchtop types before concluding.
Know The Construction Of Your Kitchen
Independent laminate kitchen benchtops or timber benchtop is the best option for benchtop substitutes as replacement takes less effort and time. The only pre-existing condition is that the benchtop should neither be glued nor part of the kitchen cabinetry structure but screwed underneath the cabinet for support.
Usually, acrylic or stone benchtops are glued down, ruling out the easy replacement option. If the benchtop is glued or screwed, check the underside for a screw head if you are confused. If you can’t see the screw head, it means the benchtop has been glued to the cabinet, making it difficult to remove.
Measure The Thickness Of The Existing Benchtop
If the existing benchtop is of the same thickness as the new one, it makes the task easier while fixing the top. The exact thickness benchtop fits into the space quickly, but see if the gap is narrow enough not to be able to fill it with silicone.
If the new benchtop is thicker than the existing one, you would have to cut out the back section of the top that runs along the walls to ensure it fits into the tiles properly. You can check on Kaboodle for several custom-made benchtops for your kitchen.
Check The Kitchen Level
In many old houses, the benchtop becomes uneven, making fixing the old top tedious. Don’t worry! You can quickly check the level of your kitchen top by running spirit all over the benchtop.
How Will Benchtop Replacement Affect The Splashback?
You will have to decide if you want to continue with the existing splashback or replace that as well. If you plan to retain the old splashback, check if the tiles are tightly laid on the top of the benchtop. There is a risk with thin rows as it pops out if proper care is not taken and excess force is exerted while removing the old top.
Measure And Order
The next step is selecting the colour if you have decided to go ahead with the replacement. Always remember to choose a colour of the right thickness to replace the old benchtop.
Points To Bear While Measuring
- Measure the depth of the existing benchtop in the entire kitchen and go from wall to wall.
- Measure the thickness of the existing splashback to ensure you don’t only measure between the tiles.
- If the walls are not straight but out, consider buying slightly bigger pieces so you can plane them down while installing them.
- If your property is too old, the walls could be more perfectly square. Seek the help of some professional in understanding the exact shape and size of the walls, or if you can manage, do it yourself.
Installation Tips
Here are some valuable tips while changing over your benchtop.
- Seek the help of a licensed professional in the disconnection and reconnection of the gas and electricity services.
- Remeasure the new benchtop before replacing the existing one to reaffirm the measurement.
- Cut silicone from under the tiles, if any.
- Be cautious while removing the old benchtop. Remove the top in small pieces to avoid damage and to keep the screws displaced.
- Cut across the back of the top 50 mm parallel to the splashback so that you have to manage smaller pieces if you have to remove them from under the tiles in the future. Set your saw correctly to avoid damage to the cabinets.
- Remove the benchtop straight without putting pressure on the tiles.
- Note down the measurement of your cooktop and utensil sink.
Finally, It’s Installation Time
Read the installation instructions given in the booklet carefully and use glue and joiners while installing the new benchtop. Work slowly and smoothly, and use colourful silicone for the finishing touch.
Benchtop is the centrepiece of the kitchen. If it reflects its age, it’s time to replace or completely change the structure. Replacing the benchtop is an easy, quick and inexpensive way to enhance the look of the kitchen and add style. However, the complete structural makeover is a pinch to the pocket. Make the decision based on your priorities. You can either seek external help in installing the top or buy some easy DIY kit to save a few dollars. Another option is kitchen benchtop overlay bunnings where you can get complete DIY guidance.
FAQs
How to replace kitchen benchtop?
Replacing a kitchen benchtop is an easy and budget-friendly way to change the kitchen’s ambience without completely revamping the structure. Depending on the existing benchtop, you should decide which benchtop to buy. The most common ones are stone and laminate. Stone benchtops are expensive but the most preferred one and replacing laminate benchtops cost is low.
Don’t worry! Replacing the top is inexpensive; spending a few dollars in buying a new benchtop to extend a dazzling effect to the old and dull kitchen look is worth spending. Not-to-miss point is a precise measurement. The success of installation depends on the exact size of the existing benchtop and its thickness.
How much to replace kitchen benchtop?
Spend just a few dollars to replace the existing benchtop. Research well for different brands, and compare the quality and the price before concluding. Replacing laminate benchtops with stone will cost less, so, if you have plan to spend within limited budget, go for laminate, else stone too is a great option.
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