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Step 1: Describe the Reason for Switching Kitchen Worktop
It is always good to know the reason for replacing your current worktop before deciding on the material. If you have a damaged, stained or worn worktop, it is likely that your main concern is durability. If you are switching worktops for a simple change of style then aesthetics would be more of a concern. Many homeowners use this as the moment to move from laminate to something like quartz worktops, which offer a noticeable upgrade in both appearance and everyday practicality.
Step 2: Choose the Right Material for Your New Worktop
This is the point where most of the decisions that shape your budget get made. Quartz worktops remain the most popular replacement choice thanks to their combination of durability, colour range and minimal maintenance. Granite and marble kitchen worktops offer a completely natural alternative, while laminate remains the go-to for anyone changing their kitchen worktop on a tighter budget. Take home samples of your shortlist and view them in your actual kitchen lighting before deciding, since colours often look different under a showroom's lighting compared with your own space.
Step 3: Obtaining a Professional Template of the Kitchen
After making a decision on the material, the supplier visits in order to template the kitchen utilizing either digital laser template technology or physical templates whereby precise measurements, including curves, cut-outs or irregular angles, are obtained. This is important for fit and not something you would want to do yourself unless, of course, you are replacing your kitchen worktops with stone ones since the latter are cut at the factory and therefore cannot be cut on the day.
Step 4: Remove the Existing Worktop
The existing worktop is removed on installation day. Laminate worktops are generally easy to remove since only basic tools are used, while stone surfaces have to be broken apart first or lifted carefully, if the sink or hob should be uninstalled beforehand, which is also why a professional should be called to do the work.
Step 5: Install the New Worktop and Connect Everything Up
On the installation day, the new worktop is installed and leveled and is sealed up using silicone if necessary. Sinks, hobs and taps are reconnected and minor adjustments are made on site.
How Long Does Changing Your Kitchen Worktop Take Overall?
From choosing a material to final installation, changing your kitchen worktop typically takes two to four weeks in total, factoring in templating, off-site fabrication and scheduling. Installation day itself is usually the shortest part of the whole process, often completed within a single day for a standard kitchen.
Cost of Changing Kitchen Worktop by Material
The overall cost of changing kitchen worktop surfaces depends heavily on which material you land on. Swapping tired laminate for new laminate is the cheapest version of changing kitchen worktop, often £350 to £900 for a standard kitchen. Moving up to quartz worktops typically brings a full changing kitchen worktop project to £1,500 to £4,000, while granite or marble kitchen worktops sit in a broadly similar bracket, sometimes slightly higher for rarer stones. Removal and disposal of the old surface is usually a small fixed cost, generally £100 to £250, regardless of which new material you choose.
Changing Kitchen Worktop FAQ
Can I change my kitchen worktop without a full kitchen renovation?
Yes, changing your kitchen worktop is one of the most effective standalone upgrades, and cabinets, appliances and flooring can generally stay exactly as they are.
How long does it take to fit a new quartz kitchen worktop?
From template to fitting, the process usually takes two to four weeks, with the actual installation typically completed within a day.
Do I need to remove my sink when changing my kitchen worktop?
Usually yes, temporarily, so the old worktop can be lifted out and the new one fitted, before the sink and taps are reconnected on installation day.
Is it cheaper to change to quartz worktops or repair an existing worktop?
For minor damage, repair is usually cheaper, but for significant wear or a full style change, replacing with quartz worktops often proves better value long term given the material's durability
