Hire a Professional or DIY for Your Next Kitchen Countertop
Should you hire a professional for your next kitchen countertop installation? Consider these factors to decide whether to hire or do it yourself.
Let’s be honest; kitchen renovations and countertop installation projects are challenging. It’s not an easy task because it requires money and time. And you want to ensure that your renovation and countertop installation goes perfectly.
It’s no secret that a countertop can make or break your kitchen design. Because of this, choosing the right countertop that will complement your appliances, cabinets, and flooring may seem challenging. It’s tricky to decide with so many materials, colours, and styles to select from.
Once you finally decide on a particular design, it’s time for the work of the countertop installation itself. Although choosing and installing your next kitchen countertop may seem daunting at first, it’ll be worth it to see your beautiful new kitchen at the end.
If you’re unsure about attempting the project alone or whether you need to hire a professional, continue reading below for things you should consider before making your final decision.
1. Do You Have the Manpower for the Job?
A critical factor in DIY countertop installation is manpower. Some countertops are extremely heavy and won’t be easy to move on your own. For instance, average granite countertops can easily weigh thirteen pounds per square foot, while thicker cut granite can weigh eighteen pounds or more per square foot.
If you lack the manpower to move these hefty stones, you’ll want to hire professional labourers with the workforce and expertise necessary for large blocks of granite or quartz.
However, if you’re only using a small amount of material, you may be able to handle it with family or friends. For example, if you’re installing a small bathroom sink or only covering a small area of the kitchen (like a coffee bar), you may be able to handle the project with the help of relatives. However, if you need a large granite slab, you may need to leave it to the experts and hire professional teams.
2. Does Your Kitchen Have an Odd Shape or Special Features?
Things get a bit complicated when you attempt a countertop installation on your own in an oddly shaped kitchen.
Uniquely shaped kitchens require more planning ahead and precise cutting of the stone for correct installation. The irregular angles will make it very difficult for an inexperienced person to install the cabinet tops accurately.
Likewise, you might run into trouble when your kitchen has unique features, such as pop-up ventilation or fancy backsplashes. If your cooking area matches any of these descriptions, it’s strongly recommended that you hire a professional team to handle the job. Experts have the equipment and skills to deliver the best results.
On the other hand, if your kitchen is simple and has a square or rectangular shape, you might be able to get away with doing a DIY installation. Just make sure that you take accurate measurements and have all the necessities beforehand. Remember, the tools and materials you need will depend on the type of counter you purchase.
3. What Materials Match Your Style and Budget?
You should shop around and look at different materials before selecting one. In our day and age, there are many options out there.
Before you commit, think about your budget, values, goals, and tastes. After all, once the installation is complete, you’ll have to look at those countertops for a long time. Additionally, people who plan on selling their homes in the near future should also consider what the public likes because it could affect their homes’ selling value. When this is the case, homeowners should choose something classic, neutral, and somewhat trendy for their countertop installation.
Furthermore, the material you choose can also impact whether you should do it yourself or hire a professional. Here are some of the most popular options and their primary attributes to help you decide.
Granite
Natural granite comes from the earth. First, miners dig for it in quarries. Then, it’s sent off for refinement and buffing. Granite is unique because it’s tough and comes in various hues and patterns.
Pros for this material include:
- Attractiveness
- Heat-resistance
- Scratch and chip resistance
- Stain resistance
- Affordable
- Easy to Clean
- Popular with homebuyers
- Repairable if damaged
- Every piece of granite is one of a kind
- Longevity
Granite is an excellent choice for any kitchen, but it does have some potential drawbacks. For granite to remain resistant to scratches, chipping, stains, and other daily wear and tear, it needs to be sealed at least once a year. When granite isn’t adequately sealed annually, it can absorb stains, oils, and bacteria. Another potential disadvantage for DIY installation is that granite is extremely heavy.
Quartz
Quartz resembles granite in that it has a shiny and sometimes sparkly appearance. In fact, it takes a trained set of eyes to detect the difference between granite and quartz countertops when walking into a home.
Natural quartz also comes from the earth and needs to undergo a purification process. However, there’s also manufactured quartz, which is natural quartz mixed with other materials. Both look very similar. Quartz also comes in a variety of colours and designs. Quartz’s durability and appearance make it popular amongst homeowners and buyers.
Some of the most popular reasons for quartz are:
- Attractiveness
- Scratch and chip resistance
- Stain resistance
- More affordable than granite
- Easy to clean
- Popular with home buyers
- Low-maintenance (no sealing required)
- Longevity
Some cons of quartz include that it’s sensitive to heat damage, too heavy for DIY and only made for indoor use.
Marble
Marble seems like a luxury to most because it’s stunning yet expensive. Marble also comes from the earth and remains one of the most sought-after stones. However, it may not be worth the high price tag for house sales because people are unwilling to spend more on the house, only for marble countertops. Marble comes in various attractive colours and patterns.
Some benefits of marble include:
- Attractiveness
- Durability
- Heat resistance
- Longevity
Some cons of marble include its porous surface (which needs to be sealed annually to resist stains and scratches/chips), and it’s one of the most expensive materials out there. Also, forget about trying to install marble yourself because it’s one of the heaviest stones on the market. Hire professional workers to install marble to avoid mishaps.
Wood
Wood is steadily gaining popularity because of its natural aesthetic. Additionally, wood countertops create less of a carbon footprint than quartz, granite, and marble. Wood has so many benefits at a lower cost than other materials.
Consider these benefits of wood countertops:
- Easy to clean
- Great for food prep
- Eco-friendly
- Longevity
- Can be sanded down to get rid of nicks and scratches
- Comes in various colours and grains
- Durable
- DIY friendly
- Attractiveness
However, wood is far from perfect. Some cons of using wood are:
- Needs regular sealing and oiling to keep it looking pristine
- Requires special cleaners to avoid damage
- Lack of heat resistance
- Susceptible to moisture damage, which can lead to bacteria and mould
- Easily gets dents and scratches
As you can see, there are plenty of benefits and disadvantages to wood cabinet tops. If you’re committed to completing a DIY project, wood is the way to go because it’s inexpensive and easier to lift and cut. Although wood needs a lot of upkeep, it may be worth it, depending on your budget, values, and style.
4. How Much Time Do You Have for Renovations?
When taking on a large project, you need to think about how much time you have. If you’re in no rush, installing your countertops yourself should be no problem. However, if you’re trying to get your kitchen ready for a house sale or want a quick job, you should call the experts. Typically, DIY jobs take a bit longer.
Another factor that may affect time can be the size of your kitchen. The larger your kitchen is, the more time it will take. The shape of the kitchen can affect time as well. If your cooking area has a unique shape, it’ll take even longer. Keep all of these things in mind before deciding whether to handle the project yourself or hand it off to more experienced individuals.
5. How Much Knowledge Do You Possess?
Sure, you could look up some YouTube videos or read a book on the matter, but how confident are you that you’ll install the countertops correctly? Before picking up a tool, consider the consequences of improper countertop installation. Some potential consequences of incorrectly installing a countertop include:
- Cabinet damage
- Cracks in countertop material
- Plumbing issues or damage
- Uneven countertops
- Water damage
Worst of all, you could spend way more than you anticipated if you incorrectly measure a stone like quartz or granite or damage it while carrying it into your home. As mentioned before, granite and quartz are not cheap, so needing to purchase more due to botched measurements or damage can empty your wallet quickly.
If you don’t have adequate experience and don’t feel 100% confident, hire professional workers. It could save you a lot of stress and cash.
6. Do You Have the Right Tools for the Project?
You might have the knowledge, materials, and time, but do you own the necessary tools to complete a countertop installation? Special equipment is needed to complete an installation correctly. Some items you will need are:
- Power Drill
- Protective Eyewear
- Sander
- Caulk Gun
- Clamps
- Drill Bits
- Silicone
- Wooden Shims
- Polyester-based Epoxy Resin
- Jigsaw
- Caulk
- Tint
- Hardener
- Tape measurer
- Work Gloves
- Seam Stone
- Circular Saw with Diamond Blade
- Plywood sheets
- Oscillating tool
- Oscillating tool blades
These are just a few of the items. There are extra tools you may need to finish the project. The instruments may vary depending on the material you use. Do your research to ensure you have everything you need beforehand because you don’t want to begin installing the countertops only to realize you need a particular tool. When you hire a professional, you don’t need to worry about tools or how to use them. You can leave everything to them.
Remember, tools can be expensive, and the costs may add up quickly. All the tools combined could cost you hundreds of dollars (if not thousands). You can rent the tools, but that’s still an additional expense that comes out of your pockets.
Once you buy or rent the tools, you still need to understand how to use them to avoid injury. You’d be surprised at how many people get injured every year due to improper use of tools. The last thing you need is an emergency bill on top of your other expenses.
7. Other Things to Consider
Of course, there are many other things to consider before completing a DIY project. For instance, consider the plumbing situation. Here are some essential questions to ask yourself:
- How will you handle the sinks’ placement, especially with a heavy stone like quartz?
- How are you going to work around pipes or wires?
- What sort of appliances do you have in your kitchen?
- Will you need to remove certain appliances before the job?
- Will you need to make specific cuts to accommodate them?
- Do you know how to uninstall your old countertops?
- Do you have the extra money in your budget to cover surprise issues?
Think about each of these questions, then make your final decision carefully. If you still feel confident in DIY, go for it! You could save yourself some cash and feel a sense of accomplishment.
If you don’t know how to handle these considerations, hire professional specialists to do the job. There’s no shame in knowing your limits and asking for help, and it may also save you money in the long run.
Book a Consultation with Caviar Kitchen Today!
Ready to get the best results for your renovation? Caviar Kitchen has got you covered whether you’re preparing for a DIY or planning to have experts do it for you.
We sell high-quality materials to make your home look fabulous. We have countertops for all budgets and tastes and provide speedy installations. The Caviar Kitchen team works hard, so you don’t have to. Additionally, you won’t be disappointed with our quality products because our countertops last for many years and will look great for their whole lifespan. Give us a call today or visit our website here to begin your kitchen remodelling journey. You’ll be glad you did!
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