The Finish Line of Your Kitchen Assembly
The cabinets are hung, the drawers are aligned, and the end of your renovation is in sight. All that remains is placing the heaviest and most conspicuous part: the worktop (countertop).
At IKEA you can choose from laminate tops (EKBACKEN, SÄLJAN), solid wood (KARLBY), or heavy stone/quartz composite. How you install this top is decisive for the lifespan of your entire kitchen.
Worktop Types Overview
| Worktop type | DIY-friendly? | Key consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Laminate (EKBACKEN, SÄLJAN) | Yes | Mask cutting line, seal cutouts |
| Solid wood (KARLBY) | Yes | Moisture seal, connecting bolts |
| Stone / quartz composite | No | Very heavy, kitchen must be level |
Installing a Laminate or Wooden Worktop Yourself
A custom-made wooden or laminate top is doable for the handy DIYer.
1. Sawing and making cutouts
With pre-packaged IKEA worktops (the 246 cm or 186 cm lengths) you still have to cut out the sink and the cooktop yourself.
- Tip: Mask the cutting line with painter's tape before you start sawing with the jigsaw. This prevents the top layer (the laminate) from splintering off.
2. Routing joint connections (Connecting bolts)
If you have a corner kitchen, two tops meet in a 90-degree angle. The professional way to do this tightly is via a routed joint (mason's mitre joint) and special worktop connecting bolts.
3. Moisture seal (Absolutely necessary)
Around the cut-out holes of the sink, and along the back that goes against the wall, the chipboard core of the worktop is exposed. Apply a generous layer of silicone sealant (or special moisture seal tape) here. If you do not do this and water leaks next to the sink, the top swells and is ruined.
The Risk of Stone or Composite Tops
Do you have a composite or quartz worktop? Then we strongly advise against installing it yourself. These tops often weigh well over 100 kilos. A wrong move and the top can break. In addition, the kitchen must be 100% level, because stone is absolutely not flexible and breaks under tension.
Need help with assembly in the Amsterdam region? Explore our kitchen assembly service and request a quote for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best way to secure the worktop to the cabinets?
The IKEA METOD base cabinets have special pre-drilled metal bars or plastic corners at the top. Screw the worktop tight from the bottom (from inside the cabinet). Never use screws that are too long, otherwise they will come out through the top layer of your beautiful countertop! (A 30mm screw is usually ideal for a 38mm IKEA top).
How do I finish the seam between the wall and the worktop?
If the wall is straight, you can seal this with an anti-mold (sanitary) silicone sealant. For walls in old houses that are concave or convex, we recommend placing a splashback, tiles, or a narrow plinth/upstand in the same color as the worktop, and then sealing that.