How to replace kitchen benchtop?

diyprojects

Hi Bunnings Community!

We recently noticed that our cooktop is starting to have issues. Sadly, it is an extremely old model and the cutout is too small to fit most of the new cooktops available. To accommodate a cooktop of our choice, I believe the whole kitchen benchtop will need to be replaced. How do I go about doing this?

Also, what is the maximum cut out depth you can have for a 570mm wide benchtop? The cutout I may need is around 490mm, would that be enough allowance?

Thank you in advance :)

JacobZ

Hi @diyprojects,

The first thing I'd suggest is looking at the installation manual for the cooktop you would like to install. They will specify the required cutout dimensions as well as any minimum clearances that need to be maintained around and below the cooktop. These requirements should take precedence over any general rule about how much benchtop needs to remain.

A 490mm deep cutout in a 570mm benchtop, if centred, would leave 40mm at front and back with 80mm in total between the front and rear edges. From what I can find, most benchtop manufacturers suggest a minimum of 50mm of material left on all sides, so you might need to look at alternative options for your cooktop.

If you can find a suitable cooktop that requires a cutout around 470mm deep, like this https://www.bunnings.com.au/mistral-60cm-stainless-steel-4-burner-gas-cooktop_p0959572 or this https://www.bunnings.com.au/mistral-60cm-4-burner-stainless-steel-gas-cooktop-with-side-knob-controls_p0959589 then there may be no need to replace the benchtop at all. Assuming the existing cutout is smaller, you could simply mark out the new opening and enlarge it using a jigsaw. As long as the new cooktop covers the existing opening and all the manufacturer's clearance requirements can be met, replacing the whole benchtop would really only be necessary if you wanted to change it anyway.

If you do decide to replace the benchtop, anyway, check out https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/home-improvement/splashbacks-benchtops/how-to-install-a-laminate-benchtop for some guidance.

Keep in mind that for disconnecting and reconnecting a gas cooktop, you'll need an appropriately licensed gasfitter.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob