Countertop Renovation Student: xxxxxxxxx I.D. # 556782 December 3, 2007

Tools/Materials Used for Installation Framing Square Hammer Screwdrivers Measuring Tape Drill with Assorted Bits Including Screwdriver Bits Utility Knife Heat Gun Jigsaw Circular Saw Caulk Gun Laminate Countertop End Cap Kit Safety Glasses (Figure 1) Tool Belt

How to Remove the Existing Countertop Shut all power off in the vicinity of the countertops Water supply, including hot and cold water and all other water valves, need to be shut off Drain lines need to be turned off, as well Disconnect all sink attachments and lift sink out of the countertop Disconnect all other appliances that may be stored underneath the countertop

Removing Countertops Continued… All drawers and screws that are holding the countertops in place should be removed at this time After the caulk is scored then lift and remove the countertop from the cabinets (Figure 3) Removing The Countertop (Figure 2) Removing Screws From Countertop

Countertop Selection The new countertops can either be purchased from a home improvement store, or a person can have the countertops custom made for his or her own preference. (Figure 4) Countertop Selection At a Ware House

Installing the New Countertops Mark the bottom side of the countertop at the appropriate length using a framing square Placing To determine the measurements for the new countertop the distance of the cabinets have to be measured; be sure to leave a bit of overhang (Figure 5) Overhang Diagram

Installing the New Countertops, cont’d. Placing masking tape on the top of the countertop will limit chipping when cutting the countertop A straight edge is clamped on the countertop to be used as a guide for a circular saw (Figure 6) Straight Edge Being Used For A Guide

Installing the New Countertops, cont’d. The countertop is then cut using the circular saw with a laminate blade An end cap is then attached to the countertop’s edge. (Figure 7) End Caps On Countertops

Installing the New Countertops, cont’d. Pre-drill the corner brackets, and then use screws to secure the countertop to the cabinets Mark the placement of the sink using a framing square In the four corners, drill holes, and use a jigsaw to connect the corners; masking tape on the base of the jigsaw prevents scratching the surface

Installing the New Countertops, cont’d. (Figure 9) Sink Cut Out In a Countertop (Figure 8) Brackets Supporting a Glass Countertop

Installing the New Countertops, cont’d. Reconnect the clamps when the sink is in place. Connect anything else in place, like a bead of caulk around the sink ,where the backsplash meets the wall run a bead of caulk Check for leaks when the water supply is turned on; turn the power back on

Installing the New Countertops, cont’d. (Figure 11) Caulking a Backsplash Into Place (Figure 10) Caulking a Sink Into Place

Finish Product of Renovated Countertops (Figure 12) Finish Products Of Newly Designed Countertops

Works Cited Figures http://www.r.d.com/images/tfhimport/2002/Oct02_Granite_Countertop http://www.globalhouseua.com/Consignment_Setup_001,jpg http://www.medfordtools.com/occidental/suspendavest/2550/bags,jpg http://www.ronhazelton.com/howto/images/0504a-11,jpg http://pages.areaguides.com/ubuild/caulkweb1.jpg http://www.buchnam.org/Blogs/B1375455528/C2062719527/E1774832491/Media/PICT0014,jpg

Works Cited http://www.buzzle.com/img/articleImages/471227-21,jpg http://www.concretenetwork.com/JeanneFields/images/milestone/2_natural_finish_countertop.jpg http://www.designsinstyle.com/images/dkb3.jpg http://www.granite-tops.com/images/uploads/Overhang.jpg http://www.minimane.com/images/construction/setting-straight-edge.jpg http://www.rd.com/images/tfhimport/2000/Mar00_Kitchen_Upgrades/20000301

Works Cited http://www.staniedconcretefloors.com/samples/owc009.jpg http://www.surfacefabrication.com/images/article/1161177744607-d2_1.jpg http://www.thesesexykitchen.com/images/granite Information Reference (2007)Remodling November 28 2007,from HGTV Start a Home Web Cite: www.hgtv.com/hgtv/rm_kitchen_bath_counters/article/0,,hgtv_3745_1373526,00.html