Replacing your kitchen worktops is one of the most effective ways to give your space a fresh look, whether you’re upgrading from older laminate or changing the layout entirely. It’s a job that many experienced DIYers can tackle, but it does require the right planning, tools, and materials.
In this guide, we’ll walk through how to replace kitchen worktops step by step, highlight the tools you’ll need, and cover common pitfalls to avoid. We’ll also explain how much it might cost to replace kitchen worktops, whether you’re doing it yourself or hiring a fitter.
How to Replace Kitchen Worktops: Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’re updating worn-out surfaces or changing the style of your kitchen, replacing worktops can make a significant visual difference. The key is in the preparation.
Below is a step-by-step guide to removing your old surface and fitting a new timber worktop safely and accurately.
1. Remove the Old Worktops
Start by disconnecting any plumbing, electrics, or gas connections linked to hobs or sinks. Then:
- Remove sealant or adhesive where the old worktop meets walls or tiles
- Unscrew brackets or fixings underneath
- Lift the worktop clear, taking care around heavy or bonded sections
If the existing surface is damaged or warped, you may need to use a crowbar carefully to loosen stubborn sections.
2. Check the Cabinets Are Level
Before fitting the new surface, ensure your base cabinets are flat, level, and secure. Use a spirit level and adjust legs or fixings where needed. Remember that even slight unevenness can cause fitting issues.
3. Dry-Fit the New Worktops
Lay the new worktops in place to check alignment, overhangs, and joint positions. This is a good stage to finalise cut-outs for sinks, hobs, and corner joints. If you’re not confident cutting on site, using a worktop cut to size service is ideal for accurate results.
4. Make Cut-Outs and Edge Finishes
If you’re cutting on site, mark out your sink and hob areas carefully. Work slowly with a circular saw and finish with a jigsaw for curved areas. Seal all raw edges to protect against moisture.
For smoother, more professional results, you can use our edge profiling service, ideal for radius corners, bevels, or bullnose finishes.
5. Fix and Join the Worktops
Secure the worktops to the base units using brackets or screws through the cabinet tops. Where joints are required, use worktop bolts and biscuit joints if applicable. Apply wood glue or jointing compound to the join for strength and seal.
6. Apply End Caps and Protectors
At exposed edges near cookers or appliances, fitting a DIY end cap helps protect against heat and moisture. You can also add wooden worktop protectors to areas where hot pans are regularly placed.
7. Seal and Finish the Surface
Once installed, treat the worktop with a food-safe oil or hardwax oil. Pay extra attention to sink cut-outs, edges, and exposed grain. Allow curing time before using the surface fully.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Replacing worktops isn’t overly complex, but it does require the right kit. Using the right tools reduces the risk of errors and helps you get a smooth, professional finish, even on a DIY installation. So, here’s what you’ll need—and what each item is for:
- Circular saw and jigsaw
Used for straight and curved cuts, essential for trimming lengths and making sink or hob cut-outs. A circular saw handles long, clean cuts; the jigsaw is for finer or irregular shapes. - Drill and screwdriver (manual or electric)
For securing worktops to cabinets and fixing brackets, supports, or joining bolts. Pre-drilling pilot holes helps avoid splitting timber. - Spirit level
Used to check cabinet alignment before fitting. Even a slight slope can affect joints and surface stability, especially with heavy solid wood. - Worktop clamps or joining bolts
These are used to pull two worktop pieces together tightly at a corner or butt joint. Combined with biscuit joints or dowels, they help form a strong, flush seam. - Sealant or wood glue
Used at joints and contact points to keep water out and provide added strength. Choose a waterproof and food-safe product, especially around sinks and cut-outs. - Measuring tape, pencil, and straight edge
For accurate measurements before cutting. Always double-check lengths and corner positions before committing to the saw. - Sandpaper or sanding block
Used to soften cut edges, tidy up minor imperfections, and key the surface ahead of oiling or sealing. - Wood oil or hardwax oil
The finish that protects your surface from moisture and wear. It should be applied before and after installation, with special attention to exposed grain.
Optional but helpful:
- Biscuit jointer or dowelling kit for strong invisible joints
- Clamps to hold pieces in place while glue sets
- Templates for tracing out exact sink or hob sizes
Mistakes to Avoid When Replacing Worktops
Mistakes at this stage can be costly and many are easy to avoid with a little planning. Here are some of the most common pitfalls:
Cutting without a dry fit first
It’s tempting to mark and cut straight away, but dry-fitting the worktops allows you to test the layout, check overhangs, and adjust joint positions. Without this step, you risk misaligned corners, short runs, or gaps against the wall, all of which are hard to fix once cuts are made.
Forgetting to seal cut edges and end grain
The raw edges inside sink and hob cut-outs are the most vulnerable areas on a wooden worktop. If left unsealed, these sections absorb moisture, leading to swelling, dark staining, or even warping. Apply oil or sealant to every exposed edge, including tap holes, joints, and end cuts.
Installing on uneven cabinets
Even small variations in cabinet height or level can cause joins to twist or lift over time. This puts pressure on the worktop and weakens your joints. Use a spirit level along every edge, and adjust the units if needed before fitting anything.
Overtightening screws or bolts
Wood naturally expands and contracts with humidity. If you overtighten fixings, you limit this natural movement and increase the risk of cracks or splits. Fix worktops firmly, but allow slight give, especially across wide spans.
Neglecting heat and splash protection
Timber doesn’t respond well to direct heat or standing water. Fit DIY end caps near cookers or exposed appliances, and consider using wooden worktop protectors in common hot zones. Around sinks, re-oil regularly and avoid leaving wet items directly on the surface.
How Much to Replace Kitchen Worktops?
One of the most common questions we hear is: how much does it cost to replace kitchen worktops? The answer depends on a few key factors: material, size, layout complexity, and whether you’re hiring a professional or fitting them yourself.
Here’s a breakdown of the main cost components:
1. Cost of Materials
The price of the worktop itself will vary based on timber type, thickness, and length. For example:
- Solid oak worktops are a popular mid-range option: warm, durable, and suitable for most layouts
- Premium woods like walnut or iroko come at a higher price point, but offer enhanced grain detail and natural moisture resistance
- Lighter woods like maple suit modern designs and offer excellent hardness with a clean, pale finish
Timber is priced per metre, with average worktop lengths around 2–3 metres. Typical thicknesses range from 27mm to 40mm.
2. Cutting and Finishing Services
Customisation affects the total cost but often saves on fitting time and can help reduce waste. We recommend you take advantage of services like cut-to-size and custom fittings, as they are often more cost-effective than making all adjustments on site, especially for complex kitchen layouts.
3. Installation Costs
If you’re hiring a professional fitter, labour costs vary based on region and scope. As a general guide:
- A simple straight replacement with no major layout changes may cost £200–£400
- More complex installations involving corner joins, undermount sinks, or custom profiles can range from £500–£800+
DIY installation can reduce this cost, but only if you have the tools, time, and experience. Timber worktops are heavy and need careful handling, especially when joining or cutting.
So, how much to replace kitchen worktops? Most homeowners spend between £400 and £1,200 in total, depending on materials, services, and fitting. Read our latest blog on how to design a luxury kitchen on a budget if you are looking for a high-end look without the high-end price tag.
Why wait, order your Solid wood worktop today!
We know wood, and because of this, we are able to offer you an expansive collection of wood worktops and services, to suit any and all home projects.
