Custom-made worktops adapt to not only all your layout constraints but also all your desires by being made of many different materials and shapes.
But if its advantages are undeniable, you still need to know who to contact or how to be sure to make the right choice if you prefer to make it yourself. We’ll tell you everything!
Advantages and disadvantages of custom-made worktops
The first advantage of a custom-made worktop is that it adapts not only to your space or room but also to your desires. Its cutouts and layout perfectly match your needs, even if your kitchen is particularly convoluted.
Moreover, with custom-made, all materials are allowed. Marble, slate, lava stone, but also glass or quartz, everything is possible. The same goes for the shapes and types of worktops: island, bar, rounded, etc. Or the thickness, depth and height, as well as the finishes (edges, jamb, etc.).
The main disadvantage of a custom-made worktop is its higher price than a prefabricated worktop unless you choose to make it yourself. Beware also of delivery times, which vary according to the manufacturer but often require you to wait many weeks before being delivered.
Making a custom-made worktop yourself
Making a worktop is within reach of any good handyman, as long as you have the necessary knowledge and the right tools and choose a material that you can cut yourself.
Then, for a made-to-measure worktop that perfectly meets your needs, taking the correct dimensions is essential and must be rigorous.
Measure the lengths and check the angles
Start by measuring the length and height of the worktop. Remember that if a size is too long, it will have to be split into two panels. If your countertop is L-shaped or U-shaped, be sure to take the dimensions panel by panel.
The corners of a kitchen are not necessarily at 90°. To ensure that the worktop fits perfectly, it is necessary to measure them carefully.
Measuring the widths
If the worktop covers storage units, measure the width of the latter and add an overhang if necessary. If the cabinet does not have handles, this is not imperative. Otherwise, you will have to add 2 to 3 cm.
And if your worktop has a rounded edge, the overhang must be at least equivalent to the radius of the rounding.
The cutouts
Cooktops can come in many sizes, but the built-in dimensions are generally standard. Remember that since part of the hob will cover the worktop, it is better to have a cutout that is a little too wide than the opposite.
As for the sink, if it is to be built-in, the problem is the same as for the hob since it will partially cover the worktop. If it is under the countertop, the cutout must be perfectly adapted to the sink’s dimensions, which will require great precision in taking measurements.
Who should I contact for a custom-made worktop?
If your custom-made worktop is made of wood, you can go to a DIY store that will be able to make the cuts for you. But be careful, for the measurements must be perfect. It would be better to get the services of a professional to take the dimensions and install your worktop.
He will be able to advise you on the choice of your worktop in terms of materials and shapes. He will be able to manufacture your custom-made worktop and possibly coordinate the craftsmen who will have to intervene on your site for the installation.
Another possibility is the interior designer who will take charge of everything and be a force of proposal in choosing the custom-made worktop and possibly the whole kitchen.
Note: remember to compare different professionals with the same quality of materials and services provided, and do not hesitate to ask for several quotes, as prices can vary considerably.