Upgrade Countertops

Switching out surfaces is a surefire way to elevate your space. Mind the details to achieve a luxe look for less.

- CARMEN DE LA PAZ

Installing a new countertop is a chance to add a fresh personality to your kitchen. Even if you have brand-new cabinets, countertops tend to be the first thing people notice. Tackling the installation yourself is all about measuring precisely, planning cuts carefully, and knowing what to do to create a seamless look, even when walls and corners aren't perfectly square.

As with any renovation, this one is a balance of style, function, budget and skill level. For a more DIY-friendly option, consider laminate countertops. We chose a laminate with a marble-look finish for the high-end appearance of stone without the high cost.

Here, I share tips and tricks to make installing laminate or wood countertops manageable for DIYers. The process isn't especially complex, but your attention to detail will determine whether the finished result wows or falls flat.

1 ENSURE THE CABINET TOPS ARE LEVEL

Using a 2- or 4-ft. level, make sure the tops of all your cabinets are flush and level—from front to back and side to side. If the cabinets are not level, correct them before installing the countertops. If it is not possible to level them, you may have to use shims as you go.

2 DRY-FIT AND MARK THE COUNTERTOPS