Altering Benchtops

**manzpitts** · 2nd September 2011, 01:50 AM

Hi all,

I am looking for some advice on altering my kitchen benchtops. We are looking to take a section out of our existing benchtops to install a new freestanding oven and are wondering if anyone has an idea how we can do it. Unfortunately we are not in a position where we can take the benchtop out and have it altered, it will need to be done in place and being mindful of the tiles that are above it. Has anyone attempted this before or know of the best way that this may be attempted, any help would be much appreciated,

thanks

**Handyjack** · 2nd September 2011, 04:12 PM

What material is the bench top? Natural timber, laminate, stone?

A lot will also depend on how the cupboards are constructed and located underneath the bench. The closer to the wall the harder it is to cut with a machine. Some damage may be done to the tiles depending on the tools used and the skill of the operator.

**Bernt** · 2nd September 2011, 04:27 PM

I assume that if you take the bench top out in a section, there will also be no cabinets left underneath. So you can cut straight trough it from the top.

Jigsaw will work but make sure you get a down-cutting blade for it to avoid chip out in the surface. Also put some tape on the join to make sure you don't scratch the surface.
You should be able to get to about a few cm away from the wall, last bit will have to be done with handsaw.

To finish it off: sanding.... (or a router) If your top is laminate: if you are lucky you can salvage some laminate from the cut out (take it off with heat gun) and contact it back on to the exposed edge.

**larquini** · 4th November 2011, 03:18 PM

Originally Posted by Bernt

I assume that if you take the bench top out in a section, there will also be no cabinets left underneath. So you can cut straight trough it from the top.

Jigsaw will work but make sure you get a down-cutting blade for it to avoid chip out in the surface. Also put some tape on the join to make sure you don't scratch the surface.
You should be able to get to about a few cm away from the wall, last bit will have to be done with handsaw.

To finish it off: sanding.... (or a router) If your top is laminate: if you are lucky you can salvage some laminate from the cut out (take it off with heat gun) and contact it back on to the exposed edge.

Bernt is right here
It's not a fun job but if its your only option you will get an "ok" finish depending on your skill level

**rustynail** · 4th November 2011, 06:53 PM

Just do the lot with the router. Cut an external template from MDF. You wont be able to get back to the liles with the router. So either remove with handsaw or if possible leave a strip of bench against the wall.

**dr4g0nfly** · 5th November 2011, 06:08 AM

You can get specialist jigsaw blades to cut worktop in-situ, this from a supplier we have over here but I imaging you can get them 9or similar) in Aus.

DeWalt Jigsaw Blade

As stated by Bernt, you'll need to shorten it to avoid cutting any cabinet or services below the worktop.

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