Kitchen Worktop

[alexbartman]

Hi

I'm looking to start doing a (cheap) kitchen makeover - will b painting pine cupboards and re-tiling wall and floors.

It would seem that the most expensive bit will be an all-importan replacement of the worktop... what is the best (and by that I mean mos reasonable) supplier. I am on a budget so guess granite is out of th question. Will I get quality (??) from any of the sheds?? Or should be looking elsewhere? I also note that a jig for routing out th connectors is c. £75....is this absolutely necessary - especially a this will be the first and last time I ever try and undertake thi job!!??

And finally should I be leaving this in the hands of a professional, o is it truly DIY-able??

Any advice gratefully received!

-- alexbartman

[Andy Hall]

That would really depend on the size of said budget, but generally cheap and granite worktop don't go in the same sentence.

It is not something that can sensibly machined on a DIY basis.

I would shop around. Some form of wood is a good compromise in terms of cost and appearance, although a good quality laminate is another option.

You can cut worktops with a circular saw and some people have had success with this method. However, a router and jig will give a better finish more easily. You need a decent 12.7mm router, not a toy one from a DIY shed. As this is going to be a one time, options are to rent router, bits and jig or to have the worktop cut professionally.

It is. Tiling is generally not difficult. If you are not familiar with routing then it may be better to have a professional cutting job done for that piece.

[Bert Coules]

I fitted my own kitchen but brought in a professional to cut and fit the worktops: a simple L-shape with one routered joint. The guy's fee was less than it would have cost me to hire the specialist tools.

Bert