How to Install Corian Countertops
Start off your kitchen remodeling project with brand new corian-style countertops. Corian is a solid surface that enhances the overall appearance of your kitchen and gives you an excellent food preparation space. Be your own handyman and install corian countertops yourself.
Things You'll Need:
- Four-foot level
- Support cleat
- Belt sander
- Compass
- Saw
- Silicone caulk
- Hot glue gun
- Hammer
- Countertop kit with epoxy
- Remove the old countertops from the cabinets. When installing corian countertops over pre-existing cabinets, you will want to be sure that cabinets are completely level. Check to make sure that the base of the cabinets are in good physical condition. Take your four-foot level and lay it across the base of the cabinets. If they are not level, loosen them from the wall and add shims.
- Install a support cleat that will go across the top of your cabinets. Solid corian countertops are heavy so it is important to give them this additional support.
- Check to make sure that your countertop is the correct size. These should be cut to size and installed separately. Start with a countertop section that has a support strip. Fit it to the edge of the wall by using a belt sander. With your compass, place the point against the wall and run a pencil along the edge of the top to mark your area.
- Trim sections as needed around sink and edges.
- Secure corian countertop sections in place with silicone caulk.
- Locate the square scrap countertop material and use a hot glue gun to secure these pieces together, mating them.
- Apply epoxy to each side of the mating strip. Sand off the extra epoxy once it has dried.
- Sand the entire countertop for a glossy finish.