How To Join Two Pieces Of Countertop
When deciding if you want to DIY your countertops, it helps to know what materials you can install yourself. Wood, Butcher Block, and Laminate countertops are good choices for the DIYer, so we’ll go over those in this article. There most likely will be seams if you have a long counter, or have an “L” shaped area with a corner. Using a mitre bolt kit, you can easily join two pieces of wood or laminate countertop yourself.
Mitre Joint Or Butt Joint?
If you are going to have a corner seam, you first want to decide which type of joint you prefer. A mitre joint is cut at a 45 degree angle. It does create more wasted material, but it is more aesthetically pleasing to most. A butt joint is an easier cut to make, since it’s just a straight cut. Either joint you decide on you’ll be able to join the two pieces together just as easy.
Materials
Some mitre bolt kits will come with a packet of glue. You can use that instead, but I prefer the Titebond Wood Glue.
Step 1
First, place the two pieces of counter top together on the floor, or workbench, at the seam. Make sure the finish side is facing down. Then, lay all four of the bolts from your kit out across the seam. Trace a line to mark where you’ll need to cut. Using a plunge router, cut an “I” pattern into the wood across the seam. The slots should be about 1/2″ deep. Do this for all four bolts.
Step 2
Next, if you’re using wood countertops, brush on some sealer (water based polyurethane) into the fresh cuts you just made. Once that is done, place both pieces of countertop into position on top of your base cabinets.
Step 3
Now you’ll want to apply some wood glue on the seam on both pieces of countertop. Immediately push the two pieces together.
Step 4
Finally, from underneath, place the bolts in to the slots. Using a crescent wrench, tighten the bolts as tight as you can.
And that’s all there is to learn how to join two pieces of countertop together at the seam. As you can see here, the mitre bolts are easy to install. And they create a tight joint for your countertops. If you need help with the rest of the countertop install, check out How To Install a Beautiful Wood Countertop.
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