Hi

I'm looking to start doing a (cheap) kitchen makeover - will be painting pine cupboards and re-tiling wall and floors.

It would seem that the most expensive bit will be an all-important replacement of the worktop... what is the best (and by that I mean most reasonable) supplier. I am on a budget so guess granite is out of the question. Will I get quality (??) from any of the sheds?? Or should I be looking elsewhere? I also note that a jig for routing out the connectors is c. £75....is this absolutely necessary - especially as this will be the first and last time I ever try and undertake this job!!??

And finally should I be leaving this in the hands of a professional, or is it truly DIY-able??

Any advice gratefully received!!

On Tue, 30 Aug 2005 17:35:15 +0100, alexbartman
wrote:


Hi

I'm looking to start doing a (cheap) kitchen makeover - will be
painting pine cupboards and re-tiling wall and floors.

It would seem that the most expensive bit will be an all-important
replacement of the worktop... what is the best (and by that I mean most
reasonable) supplier. I am on a budget so guess granite is out of the
question.

That would really depend on the size of said budget, but generally
cheap and granite worktop don't go in the same sentence.

It is not something that can sensibly machined on a DIY basis.

Will I get quality (??) from any of the sheds?? Or should I
be looking elsewhere?

I would shop around. Some form of wood is a good compromise in terms
of cost and appearance, although a good quality laminate is another
option.



I also note that a jig for routing out the
connectors is c. £75....is this absolutely necessary - especially as
this will be the first and last time I ever try and undertake this
job!!??

You can cut worktops with a circular saw and some people have had
success with this method. However, a router and jig will give a
better finish more easily. You need a decent 12.7mm router, not a
toy one from a DIY shed. As this is going to be a one time, options
are to rent router, bits and jig or to have the worktop cut
professionally.




And finally should I be leaving this in the hands of a professional, or
is it truly DIY-able??

It is. Tiling is generally not difficult. If you are not familiar
with routing then it may be better to have a professional cutting job
done for that piece.


--

..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

I fitted my own kitchen but brought in a professional to cut and fit the
worktops: a simple L-shape with one routered joint. The guy's fee was less
than it would have cost me to hire the specialist tools.

Bert
www.bertcoules.co.uk