The Ultimate Countertop Installation Checklist

Countertops are a mainstay of various home spaces—from the bathroom to the kitchen. While it’d be nice if they lasted forever, there will come a time when they need to be replaced. There are many steps between removing an old setup and installing a new one, but all you need is a solid to-do list to get through the process with ease. 

This countertop installation checklist covers all your bases, from what to do beforehand to how to care for these features afterwards, plus all the cutting, gluing, and finishing in between.

Countertop Installation Supplies List

Download Checklist Here

There are many materials involved in a countertop installation, from the counter itself to all the joints and glue that hold it in place. What you need will depend on the type of countertop material you’ll be using. For instance, those made from wood will require supplies like sandpaper and wood stain that won’t be necessary for options like marble and granite.

Where you install countertops can also impact them. For instance, those in kitchen spaces will require appliances like cooktops, whereas a sink and faucet are typically the most you’ll need in a bathroom. In general, cabinets are a must, as the counter will always need a solid base. 

• Measuring tape

• Level

• Countertop materials (wood, marble, granite)

• Glue

• Nails

• Finish

• Sealant

• Stain (if you use wood) 

• Straightedge

• Pry bar

• Screwdriver

• Circular saw

• Paint brushes

• Foam brushes

• Painters tape

• Cloths or rags

• Biscuit joiner

• Pencil

• Brackets

• Screws

• Joiner biscuits

• Drop cloths

• Proper protective clothes and gear (masks, full-length clothing)

• Cabinetry

• Sinks

• Faucets

• Cooktops

Before Countertop Installation

What you need to do before installing countertops depends on whether you’re building an entirely new setup from scratch or working with one that’s already there. If you’re building a new kitchen, you'll need to measure the space and develop a blueprint, construct cabinets, and leave room for appliances.

Replacements or updates won’t require as much advance work, but will require additional protective measures, like temporarily removing and relocating appliances. 

• Disconnect and temporarily remove appliances. 

• Remove any objects from the top of your existing countertops.

• Remove existing countertops.

• Take measurements and map out a blueprint for your cabinets and counters. 

• Build and install cabinets.

• Install and cure any undermount sinks.

• Clear a path for the contractor. 

• Contact the appropriate pros for plumbing and electrical work.

On Installation Day

What you need to do day of will depend on whether you’re hiring a pro. DIY builds involve lots of hands-on work, but you’ll only need to complete a couple of tasks if you’re outsourcing the project—like clearing a path for the contractors to move through. 

• Protect floors and walls with drop cloths.

• Protect yourself with full-length clothing, masks, and goggles. 

• Turn off gas, electric, and plumbing. 

• Cut and measure countertop materials to fit over cabinets and to accommodate sinks, faucets, and cooktops.

• Sand wood, if using.

• Insert and glue appropriate materials into place, including joiner biscuits and the countertop itself. 

• Make sure countertops fit before sealing them in place. 

• Remove the countertop and apply glue to the top of the cabinets below.

• Place the countertop on the glue and clamp it down to limit movement while it dries. 

• Sand, stain, and finish countertops.

• Install a butcher block if desired.

After Countertop Installation

This project isn’t over once the countertops are installed. In the aftermath, you’ll need to double-check your work, allow the countertops to cure completely, and give them a thorough wash before they’re ready to use. And don’t forget about maintenance tasks that will need to be completed way down the line, like resealing certain types of countertops every few years. 

• Make sure everything is level and secure before the installation has fully dried.

• Install over-mount sinks, as well as cooktops. 

• Reinstall large appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and refrigerators. 

• Remove protective materials and clean the space to remove any remaining dust or debris. 

• Allow countertops to cure completely before using. 

• Clean countertops with the appropriate solutions, which will depend on countertop material. 

• Reseal periodically to maintain—how often to do this task will also depend on the countertop material. 

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Countertop Contractor?

The cost of a professional countertop installation ranges from $1,800 to $4,500, and labor costs comprise roughly 10% to 20% of this cost—roughly $180 to $900 for all the work involved.  

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Certain countertop types, like butcher blocks and laminate countertops, are easier to DIY than others, and even with options like granite and marble, you can save on labor costs by going it solo. However, installing those heavy-duty materials is no walk in the park, and paying slightly more to hire a local countertop pro will ensure that everything is properly installed in a way that you may not be able to.