Instructions on How to Install Kitchen Countertops

Slide the countertop onto the top of the floor-level cabinets until the edge is against the wall.

Set a compass so there is a space of about 1/4 inch between the two ends. Place the pointer against the wall and the pen against the top of the countertop. Pull the compass along the wall, making a mark on the countertop as you go. This process, known as scribing, allows you to remove any gap between the countertop and the wall, which is often uneven.

Remove the countertop from the cabinets and place it on a stable work surface. Turn on a belt sander and place the sanding surface against the edge of the countertop that will be against the wall. Trim the countertop along the line you drew so it will sit snugly against the wall.

Place the countertop back on the kitchen cabinets. Place the sink upside down on the countertop. If the sink comes with a template, place the template on the countertop instead. Adjust its placement so that its center is aligned with the center of the cabinet underneath and its front edge fits inside the cabinet frame. Use a pencil or a pen to trace around the sink or template.

Remove the countertop from the base cabinets and place it on a stable work surface. Drill a 1/2-inch starting hole in each corner of the sink hole mark you drew and cut out the hole with a jigsaw.

Place the countertop back on the base cabinets. If you have more than one piece of countertop, spread water-resistant glue onto the edges where they meet and push them together. Attach the bolts that hold these pieces together from the bottom surface of the countertop, but don't tighten the bolts. These bolts should come with the countertop pieces and slide into precut holes.

Place a wood block on the higher countertop piece if the different pieces are not flush. Tap the wood block with a hammer until it sits flush with the adjoining piece. Tighten the bolts underneath the joint.

Use wood screws and blocks to secure the countertop to the cabinets. The countertop usually comes with precut holes for the screws.

Roll plumber's putty into a rope about the same diameter as a pencil and press it around the drain and tap openings of the sink. Insert the sink basket and the tap into the respective holes and tighten them against the putty so the holes are waterproof. Use a piece of cloth to wipe off excess putty.

Apply silicone sealant around the hole for the sink in the countertop and lower the sink into it. Attach the sink to the countertop according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a piece of cloth to remove excess sealant.

Attach the tap to the shutoff valve, which has braided stainless steel supply tubes and is located underneath the sink. Tighten the nut with a wrench. Connect the drain parts with the pipes underneath the sink and hand-tighten the nuts.