Custom Cooktop Trim Kit: How to measure and order
Hi there! Sam here, and today I’m diving into the world of custom cooktop trim kits. If you’ve got an existing cutout in your granite or Formica countertop and need to replace your cooktop, but it doesn’t fit perfectly, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore how you can use a custom trim kit to solve this problem.
What is a Custom Cooktop Trim Kit?
A custom cooktop trim kit is designed to cover the gaps that may exist around your new cooktop after installation.
Here’s a quick look at what the product looks like:
And here’s a closer view of a stainless cooktop trim kit:
Understanding the Product
The trim kit is about a sixteenth of an inch thick and can come with rounded corners or sharp ninety-degree corners, depending on your preference. It’s important to note that this trim kit does not provide structural support; it’s simply meant to cover horizontal gaps after installing your cooktop.
How to Size Your Custom Trim Kit
One common question we receive is, “What size do I need to order?” Let’s walk through the sizing process step by step:
Step 1: Find the Spec Sheet
First, locate the spec sheet for your cooktop trim kit. For example, I pulled one off of GE for a GE cooktop.
If you don’t have your cooktop on hand, you’ll need the outside dimensions of the trim. For instance, the dimensions for this GE units is 21 inches by 29.875 inches.
Step 2: Determine Cutout Dimensions
The spec sheet will also recommend the cutout depth, and width. Let’s say it recommends a cutout of 28.625 inches by 19.75 inches. You can use our custom cooktop trim kit calculator to simplify this process.
Step 3: Input Measurements
When using the calculator, you’ll need to enter the width of the recommended cutout as 28.625 and the depth as 19.75 in decimal form. This will help in calculating the proper size for your trim kit.
Step 4: Visual Representation
To visualize this, think of a dotted line representing the cutout, and a blue rectangle representing your cooktop. If there are gaps on the left and right sides, you can determine how much overlap you want your trim kit to have.
Step 5: Adjusting for Overlap
Let’s say you want your trim kit to overlap half an inch on both sides. You’ll need to ensure that your trim kit is designed to accommodate this overlap. You can adjust the height and width of the trim kit to ensure it fits perfectly around the cooktop.
Design Considerations
When designing your trim kit, you have a few options:
- Minimum Design: Just overlap the countertop and the cooktop slightly.
- Symmetrical Design: Create an even border around the cooktop for a balanced look.
- Asymmetrical Design: If you have unique requirements, we can customize the kit to fit specific dimensions.
Custom Orders
If you need an asymmetrical kit, just send us a sketch before you place your order, and we’ll review it to ensure it meets your needs.
FAQs
What is a cooktop trim kit?
A cooktop trim kit is a decorative piece of trim (usually stainless steel) designed to cover the gaps that may exist around your new cooktop after installation. It sits between the new cooktop and the countertop.
Are cooktop cutouts standard?
In our experience, the short answer is no. As new models are released, it seems there is no adherence to standard dimensions. This is based on hundreds of projects we've worked on over the years.
How do you measure a cut out for a cooktop?
Start by finding the spec sheet for your cooktop to identify the recommended cutout dimensions (width and depth). Then, measure your existing countertop cutout using a tape measure to compare it with the specifications. This will help determine whether your new cooktop will fit the existing cutout.
Conclusion
And there you have it! That’s the overview of the cooktop trim kit, how to order it, and answers to frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions, please reach out via the contact form on our website. It’s probably the best way to get in touch.
Thanks for watching, and have a great day!
