Kitchen Update: Counter Templating, Peninsula Reinforcement, and Backsplash Prep
We wanted to share a quick kitchen update for anyone curious about our progress — even with the holiday hustle underway. The big news: our countertops were officially templated this week. In other words, precise measurements were taken so the new countertops can be fabricated and installed, which we expect to happen within the next couple of weeks. That also means the era of living without a sink is nearly over, and we couldn’t be happier about that small but meaningful victory.
If you missed our earlier discussion about the countertop choice, here’s what we’re getting. The templating visit went smoothly, and the team confirmed a detail we already suspected: the peninsula’s 12-inch overhang on two sides will need added reinforcement to safely support the new stone surface.
The fabricator offered two approaches. Their professional reinforcement option would incorporate steel rods into the countertop fabrication for an additional $300. The alternative is a DIY approach using support brackets — either decorative brackets that show or hidden steel brackets that are installed underneath. The hidden brackets are far less noticeable and are the direction we’re leaning. The parts for the DIY route run about $15, so the choice was an easy one for us budget-wise.
We’re going with the second option and plan to install brackets ourselves. The plan is to fasten four brackets along the long side of the peninsula and two on the shorter side, positioned to provide firm, structural support under the 12-inch overhang. Before the countertops go in, we’ll share a step-by-step of how we install those brackets, including how we locate studs, select the appropriate fasteners, and ensure the brackets are level and securely anchored — all important details for anyone considering a similar DIY reinforcement.
Alongside the bracket installation, we have several related kitchen tasks on the “Soon” list. First, we’ll remove the existing tile backsplash. That demolition will include pulling off the old tile and removing the plywood backing behind it, which is no longer suitable for tiling. After the plywood is out, we’ll replace it with cement backer board (cement board), which provides a stable, water-resistant surface ideal for new backsplash tile. Preparing a proper substrate is essential for a durable, long-lasting backsplash installation, so we’re prioritizing that step before any new tile goes up.
Once the cement board is in place and the brackets are installed, the countertop installers will set the fabricated surface and we’ll be one step closer to a fully functional kitchen. We’re excited about the timeline: templating is done, fabrication is underway, and installation should follow soon — the sink will return to its rightful place, and the kitchen will regain its full usability.
We know it’s a busy time of year with the holiday on the horizon, so we appreciate anyone who stops by to read these updates. We’ll be back tomorrow with a more sentimental, Thanksgiving-themed post — a little sappy holiday goodness to enjoy between turkey and pie. In the meantime, expect the upcoming posts to include the bracket install tutorial, the backsplash demolition and prep, and the countertop installation once the slab arrives. If you’ve tackled a similar peninsula overhang or backsplash refresh, we’d love to hear any tips you found useful.
Thanks for following along — more kitchen progress is on the way, and we’ll continue sharing the practical, actionable steps we take so others can replicate the work if they want. Stay tuned for photos and a full walkthrough of the reinforcement and backsplash prep soon.