Frequently Asked Questions
Bespoke Worktop Installation
Explore these steps for getting a space ready for bespoke worktop installations, from properly securing units to planning out appliances. Making sure that the right components are in place is crucial to staying on track and keeping appointments. These tips will ensure that custom counters can be fitted without delay and that projects are completed quickly.
12 steps to bespoke worktop fittings
Step 1 – Property visits
During the visit, the consumer and/or authorised signatory must be present to discuss, agree and sign off the required design and order details.
Typically you can expect our team to arrive during one of these time slots 8-11, 11-2 & 2-5 on the day of templating/installation.
Step 2 – Parking
A valid parking permit or similar documentation must be provided free of charge (where relevant), for template delivery and installation.
Step 3 – Templating a kitchen
We can template when temporary or existing tops are in place when:
- There is a clear visible path to the back wall edge
- Final plastered wall finish is present and not to be changed after template
- No tiles, upstands or cladding/splashbacks are installed
- The worksurface area is clear of all household items including plug-in appliances
- Full worksurfaces are in situ; including tiles, upstands, cladding /splash backs
- There are household items including plug-in appliances present across the worksurfaces
- When Belfast type sinks are in situ with temporary worksurfaces fitted over the sink edges
- All four sides of the sink area are not exposed
Step 4 – Unit installations
All units, including peninsulas and breakfast bars must be fixed to the wall, level (side to side and front to back) and set at their final height including additional fittings such as legs. Islands must be secured to the floor.
Step 5 – New sinks, taps, and appliances
The sinks, taps, hobs and other appliances (including any of the end user’s own) to be installed into the worksurfaces must be available to the Templater with their installation instructions and other specific requirements.
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Undermount ceramic, composite sinks and sinks with waste disposals need to be cradled before templating. When an overmount sink requires a cut-out over 500mm in depth on a standard 570mm deep unit, calculate this within the design layout by packing the unit off the wall by 20mm, to give an overall depth of 590mm.
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Where a gas hob is required, allow for the distance required from the centre of the burner to a fixed point on the back wall, (either a wall, tile or splashback) whist also ensuring a minimum distance of 50mm from the back of the hob cut out to the splashback. Always refer to the manufacturer instructions for additional clearance gaps.
Step 6 – Appliance planning
The planned positions of sinks taps, hobs and other appliances that are to be installed into the worksurfaces must be finalised and available on site for the templater.
Step 7 – Wall-mounted appliances and units
When splashbacks are required, all items such as cooker hoods, wall units, and switches must be in place for templating. Sockets must also be in place with a minimum distance of 30mm between sockets. Electrical fascias need to be removed and made safe before installation. Any holes for ducting of extractors also need to be in place.
Step 8 – Battening and support
Gaps greater than 600mm require battening/support and units that are greater than 600mm require softwood battening (min 20 x 50mm) in the service void. Additional support may be required on sink/hobs wider than 600mm, in the form of a centre post or support battens.
Step 9 – Structure alterations
All alterations to walls/structures must be complete before templating, this includes plastering, boarding and skimming to all walls and window reveals. Decorating, tiling and making good should be completed post installation.
Step 10 – Range cookers
Range cookers must be on site at the templating stage, including installation instructions and any specific requirements. Always refer to manufacturer instructions for details of minimum clearance gaps.
Step 11 – Kitchen construction and support
The kitchen construction must be compatible with the surface type and weight.
Step 12 – Decor end panels
All decor end and support panels must be fixed in position prior to templating. Decor end panels must be used between two appliances as shown. A cabinet door should also be available for reference.
Aborted visits
If one or more of these steps are not complete or available, the surveyor or installer will issue a 1-hour notice for the items to be completed. If this is not possible, the visit will be aborted, and a charge will be applied. Mains service should be isolated and made safe prior to worksurfaces installation. Temporary worksurfaces are not fitted or supplied by the worktop supplier between templating and installation. The worktop supplier will not disconnect or connect any main services.
