Trimming a Countertop

Reasons

• Trimming a countertop can change your kitchen in several ways. You may want to trim the countertop overhang to widen walkways in the kitchen, especially if you rearrange appliances and cabinets and need the extra room. A kitchen island with seating requires a large overhang. If you move your dining area to a separate table, you won't need the same countertop overhang and can trim it to provide a more open space. If countertop edges become damaged, the best solution may be to trim them slightly and produce new, clean edges.

Tools

• The countertop material determines which tools you need to trim it. Countertops that consist of plastic laminate over wood can be cut with a circular saw. Those made of granite or marble require a special saw with a blade strong enough to trim the hard material cleanly. For tiled countertops, you need a chisel to remove the grout and pry up tiles that cover the area you want to trim.

Process

• The first step in trimming a countertop is carefully measuring the counter and marking the area you want to trim. Covering the edge of the counter that you want to keep with tape will serve to protect it during trimming. For tiled countertops, remove the tiles and mark the wood or composite base where you want to cut. After making your cuts, smooth the edges and corners with a sander. Applying a laminate edge, new tile or a sealant is the final step to give your new countertop edge a finished look.

Considerations

• Trimming a countertop is considerably easier than installing a new, larger countertop to add to your counter space. Before removing large portions of your counter or trimming off a clean, finished edge, make sure the outcome will be worth the effort. If you are installing new countertops, trim them prior to installation if possible. This gives you more control of the work space and prevents the mess that trimming an installed countertop will create in your kitchen.