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A person measuring and marking a line on a piece of MDF

Overview

Learn how to measure and fit a substrate ready for installing stone benchtops in your kitchen. We'll show you how to measure and cut the substrate to size and give you some helpful tips for fixing the substrate in place.

Steps

1Measure and cut the substrate to size

Cut the substrate down so that it's slightly smaller than the cabinetry as recommended in the instructions from your stone supplier. Mark the area of the substrate that needs to be trimmed off. Then align the edges and use the circular saw to cut it to size.

A person measuring and marking a line on a piece of MDF

2Attach the substrate to the cabinetry

Place the substrate into position and screw it to the bottom cabinetry. Always attach up from the underside. This means if you ever want to remove the benchtop, you can still access the screws and fixings.  Check the length of the screws to make sure they won't poke through the substrate. Make sure the substrate is level because stone only has a 2mm tolerance. 

A person screwing into a cabinet from underneath with a cordless driver
Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.

Please note: Our range of engineered stone products is no longer available. Our team members can help you with our wide range of alternatives to suit your project, and we're working closely with our suppliers to introduce new options soon.