Making a Counter Top Flush With the Wall

Countertops often separate from their installation walls over time, leaving a small but telling space between the cabinets or countertops. Because of this gap, the wall behind the countertop will absorb water and harbor mold, dirt and pests. Fixing your countertop so that it has a tight, waterproof seal once again can go a long way toward making your kitchen top water-proof and easily cleaned. The process of tightening up these spaces does not require particularly expensive or difficult-to-operate tools, and experience is not necessary to complete an attractive and complete fix.

Caulking
Toothpick or straw
Drill
Drill bits
Wood screws, 2-inch
Washers

Instructions

- 1
  Apply a thin bead of caulking along the area where the countertop has separated. Push the caulking into the crack with a toothpick or a straw. Spread the caulking all along the separated area.
- 2
  Open the cabinet underneath the countertop where the separation has occurred. Drill out a series of 2-inch screws with washers near the top of the cabinet interior, into the framing of the cabinet if possible. Space the screws every 12 inches within the cabinet. Tighten the screws completely until the washer is pushing deeply into the interior frame of the cabinet.
- 3
  Apply another bead of caulking at the top of the countertop against the wall where the crack used to be. Smooth out the caulking with a finger or some blunt tool, removing all excess caulking and leaving only a smooth, attractive seal of caulking.

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