Installing a countertop

1. Start in a 90 degree corner, measure out three feet and mark the spot.
   
   
2. From that same spot, measure out four feet in the opposite direction and mark the spot.
   
   
3. Using a tape rule, measure the distance from the end marks of the three and four feet markers.
   
   

1. Set the countertop exactly in place where you plan to install. Check that it's level. If the countertop is not level, slide shims between the countertop and the support struts of the cabinet frame to level the countertop. These will remain in place after you secure the countertop.
   
   
2. Set your compass to fit the widest gap between the countertop and the wall.
   
   
3. Move the compass along the wall to draw a pencil line on the surface of the countertop that matches the wall contour.
   
   
4. Remove the countertop and set it on a pair of sawhorses.
   
   
5. Secure the countertop and set it on a pair of sawhorses.
   
   
6. Secure the countertop to the sawhorses with squeeze clamps
   
   
7. Remove the excess countertop with a belt sander and a coarse sanding belt
   
   
8. Reposition the countertop and check for tight spots
   
   
9. Touch up any tight spot with the sander and recheck the fit again before cutting to length.