Want a clear answer on whether B&Q will handle worktop cutting? This short guide explains how their in‑store service supports your project from the initial cut through to a neat finish. You will see how a professional approach gives cleaner edges, aligned joints and a better fit where appliances and sinks need precision.
Use this page to plan worktop cutting, edging and sealing so you know what is included and what may need a fitter or specialist tool on site. We also cover how different materials behave when you cut them and what that means for edging, adhesives and joints.
Pricing drivers are summarised so you can budget for cutting, edging and accessories. Finally, learn how to match product choice with your layout for a level, seamless finish across surfaces and runs.
Key Takeaways
- One clear answer: in‑store services reduce on‑site risk and save time.
- Professional cutting yields neater edges and aligned joints.
- Material choice affects edging, adhesives and installation steps.
- Know what is included so you can budget for price and extras.
- Plan layout and factory edges for the best visual effect.
- Check product availability and reviews before you buy.
Do B&Q cut kitchen worktops to size?
This section explains what in‑store preparation covers and where you will need specialist help on site.
What’s included in the cutting and edging service
Laminate edges are finished with an edging strip that protects the particle board core and gives a neat worktop edge. The in‑store team will apply a matching strip where the product includes one.
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The standard price covers edging for lengths up to 1m. Additional length is charged at £5 per metre. An online tool often gives a reduced price (around 10% off), which helps keep your budget steady.
What’s not covered and important limitations
The service suits simple straight cuts and edge finishing. It works on widths up to 900mm, but longer spans may need more than one strip and a fine line can appear where two strips meet.
Complex work such as joining two worktops, sink or hob cut‑outs, on‑site scribing and solid wood oiling generally require a fitter with the correct jig and tool.
Bring accurate measurements and a clear design plan. This reduces remedial cuts and helps the product align with your home layout. Check product reviews for finish quality before you order.
- Tip: use the online tool for a lower price where available.
Worktop materials we can help with: laminate, compact laminate and solid wood
Here we explain how laminate, compact laminate and solid wood tops are handled before they reach your home. Understanding each option helps you plan joints, edges and on‑site finishing for a tidy installation.
Laminate options and profiles
Laminate worktops are versatile and budget‑friendly. They come in post‑formed and square edge styles. Use a circular saw with a fine‑tooth blade and a straight edge guide for neat cuts. After trimming, apply a matching strip along visible edges for a seamless look.
Compact laminate: bonding and joints
Compact laminate worktops are dense and slim, often around 12mm. Screw fixing is not recommended; instead bond tops to cabinets with silicone sealant or a dedicated adhesive. Use colour‑matched filler for joints and plan run layouts and cut -outs carefully so joints align cleanly.
Solid wood considerations
Solid wood worktops bring natural warmth but need attention to movement. Keep the marked ‘A’ face up and allow expansion per manufacturer guidance. Cut with a circular saw, sand cut edges and seal with oil for a food‑safe, durable surface.
- Tip: position factory edges where they will show and reserve trimmed edges for backs against upstands or tiles.
- Guide for installation and finish
Professional finishes: worktop edging, joints and sealing
A neat finish comes from careful edging, accurate joints and the right sealant. These three steps protect cores, hide joins and make surfaces resilient in daily use.
Worktop edging strips for laminate
Cut laminate edges must be sealed with a matching edging strip to protect the particle board core. A bonded strip gives a tidy worktop edge that resists steam, spills and knocks.
After bonding, trim excess with a dedicated tool and smooth the join with fine abrasive paper for a flush transition.
Neat joins and alignment
To join two worktops, use biscuits to level the pieces and tie bolts in routed pockets to pull the joint tight. A profiled aluminium joining strip is a clean alternative where a filled seam would show.
A square edge profile needs jig‑guided cuts so joints sit flat and gaps are avoided under clamp pressure.
Sealing, fillers and wood finishing
Apply silicone sealant along joint lines and around sink or hob cut‑outs to stop water ingress. Use colour‑matched filler for compact laminate joints.
Solid wood surfaces require worktop oil after fitting and periodic re‑application to keep the wood nourished.
- Tip: dry‑fit pieces and tighten tie bolts evenly before final seal.
Planning precise cuts, cut-outs and corner joints
Careful planning makes installation straightforward. Start by checking every measurement twice and mark clearly. Precise marks help the worktop sit level and avoid costly rework at home.
Hob and sink cut-outs: clearances, heat tape and clean edges
Keep joints at least 100mm away from sink or appliance cut -outs. Position hob openings at least 50mm from the front and 60mm from the back.
Apply heat insulation tape around hob openings and seal edges smoothly. This protects the core and reduces movement where high heat or moisture is present.
Corner and straight joints: profiling jigs and factory-cut edges
Use a profiling jig with a power router for round-edge laminate joints. For straight runs, mask and clamp a steel straight edge; make multiple light passes with a fine-tooth blade for a clean result.
- Dry-fit joints with biscuits and align using tie bolts. Tighten gradually so surfaces meet without steps.
- Prioritise factory edges on exposed runs; hide your trimmed edge against a wall or under a joining strip for the best visual effect.
- For compact laminate, finish joints with a router skim; for solid wood, sand and seal cut edges before final fit.
| Task | Minimum clearance | Recommended tool |
|---|---|---|
| Hob cut-out | Front 50mm / Back 60mm | Jigsaw + heat tape |
| Sink cut-out | Keep joints 100mm away | Fine-tooth blade + router for edge finish |
| Corner / straight joint | Allow joiner access and clamps | Profiling jig, biscuits, tie bolts |
Final tip: factor in time and price for masking, dust control and practice passes. A calm, tidy process yields a professional work surface and a neat installation guide for your home.
Prices, lead times and how to order your worktop cutting
Here we cover what you will pay, how long the process takes and the simplest way to order edging and finishing.
Edging service pricing
Standard pricing covers edging for lengths up to 1m. Any extra is charged at £5 per metre, so measure carefully and budget by the metre.
Online savings and collection
Use the online tool to submit measurements and get about 10% off the standard price. It’s quick, locks in value and streamlines the order from home.
If your chosen product includes a matching strip, the team will use that, which avoids extra cost and ensures a colour match. Edging can be applied on widths up to 900mm; larger widths may need more than one strip and a small line can appear where strips meet.
Lead times, delivery and checks
Confirm lead times when you place the order. Stock levels, store capacity and seasonality affect turnaround so check dates before your fitter arrives.
- Check product reviews and ratings to set realistic expectations for finish and durability.
- Arrange collection or delivery and keep packaging on until fitting to protect edges during transit and at home.
- Plan design options early — edge profile or upstands change the strip length required.
| Item | Notes | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Up to 1m included; £5 per extra metre | Measure and budget |
| Ordering | Online tool saves ~10% | Submit details from home |
| Collection | Match delivery with fitter schedule | Keep packaging until fit |
Explore B&Q’s kitchen worktop range to match your design
Explore how the full product range helps you match surface, profile and budget for a cohesive kitchen design.
Choices run from stone and concrete effect laminate to authentic solid wood. Examples include GoodHome 38mm Kabsa Matt Wood effect laminate (£90) and GoodHome 26mm natural oak square edge at £179.
Laminate offers many colours and post‑formed or square edge profiles and usually scores well in product reviews for value and easy care.
Compact laminate gives a slim, marble‑effect option that resists water. Solid wood brings warmth and can be refinished for years of service.
- Check product pages for up‑to‑date reviews and delivery or Click + Collect options.
- Choose wider formats for a breakfast bar or island so the effect stays consistent across runs.
- Match upstands, strips and edges with the chosen surface to simplify installation and get neat joins.
| Product | Effect | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| GoodHome Kabsa 38mm | Wood effect laminate | £90 | Home delivery |
| GoodHome Nepeta | White marble compact laminate | £334 | Click + Collect |
| GoodHome Oak 26mm | Solid wood, square edge | £179 | Home delivery |
Tip: shortlist two or three products, read recent reviews and compare edges and thicknesses before ordering.
Conclusion
Wrap up your plan with clear measurements, material choices and a short brief for your fitter.
This guide helps you prepare a kitchen worktop purchase and an installation brief that yields crisp results on site. Share exact dimensions, planned cut placements and any joint details before the fitter arrives.
Choose materials and finishes with confidence; factor in maintenance steps, sealing and how joints will appear once fitted. Pair professional worktop cutting with quality sealants, joining kits or a bespoke worktop where the layout demands special attention.
Shop from home, compare product pages and reviews, then shortlist by style, durability and budget. Gather sizes, pick a finish, book the service and schedule fitting so your new work surface looks superb and lasts for years.
FAQ
Do B&Q offer cutting and edging for worktops?
Yes. B&Q provide an in-store cutting and edging service for many worktop materials. The service usually includes straight length cuts, edging strips fitted to exposed particleboard cores and simple cut-outs for sinks and hobs when templates or clear measurements are supplied.
What’s included in the cutting and edging service?
Included are straight cuts to the overall length, application of edging strips for laminate and post-formed profiles, and basic edging for solid wood. Staff can also supply finished joins and advice on adhesives and fastenings. Many stores offer collection within minutes after processing, depending on queue and workload.
What’s not covered and what important limits should I know?
B&Q’s service won’t cover complex bespoke shaping, deep routed cut-outs, routed hob templates or advanced profiling for breakfast bars. There are limits on maximum lengths and on certain compact laminate panels that require factory machining. Heavy or pre-oiled solid wood tops may need special handling and additional time.
Which materials can the store assist with?
Staff commonly work with laminate, compact laminate and solid wood surfaces. Each material needs different handling: laminate often takes edging strips, compact laminate needs different joins and adhesives, and solid wood requires expansion allowance and oiling after installation.
How do post-formed and square edge laminate options differ?
Post-formed laminate has a factory-curved front edge, which avoids visible joins and is easier to seal. Square edge laminate has a straight cut that needs an edging strip or trim applied to protect the particleboard core and give a neat, modern finish.
Can compact laminate be joined without screws?
Yes. Compact laminate often uses specialist adhesives and aluminium joining strips or concealed tie bolts to create strong, neat joins without surface screws. These joins are moisture resistant and suitable for wet-zone use when installed correctly.
What should I know about solid wood worktops and movement?
Solid wood expands and contracts with humidity. Leave an expansion allowance at ends and fit fixings that allow lateral movement. Orient grain and board layout to minimise cupping, and oil the surface after fitting to protect and enhance the finish.
How are edging strips fitted for laminate tops?
Edging strips are glued and pressed to the exposed particleboard edge, then trimmed flush and sanded. This protects the core from moisture and gives a tidy profile. Some stores fit pre-coloured or matching strips to blend with the laminate surface.
What joining methods create neat, durable joins?
Typical methods include biscuits with PVA glue, tie bolts for strength, and aluminium joining strips for compact laminate. Correct alignment and clamping are essential to hide the joint and maintain a flat surface across two runs.
Which sealants and finishes are recommended after installation?
Silicone sealant is used around sinks and backsplashes to prevent water ingress. Colour-matched filler can disguise small flaws. Solid wood needs a suitable worktop oil or lacquer to seal the surface and protect against stains and moisture.
How are hob and sink cut-outs handled?
Provide accurate templates or measurements and specify clearances for heat and ventilation. Stores can perform standard cut-outs with clean routed edges, but specialist gas hob installations may require on-site finishing and heat tape to protect edges.
How are corner and straight joints prepared?
Corner joints often use profiling jigs to match factory edges or a mitred finish for a seamless look. Straight joints between runs are prepared with factory-cut or machined edges to ensure a tight fit and minimal visible gap.
What are typical prices, lead times and ordering steps?
Prices vary by material and service complexity. Simple length cuts and edging are low-cost or free in some stores; bespoke machining and joins attract higher fees. Use the online cutting tool for quotes, book in-store or arrange collection and expect lead times from immediate collection to several days for complex work.
Can I save by using the online tool and collecting myself?
Yes. The online configurator often shows estimated cutting costs and allows you to prepare templates in advance. Collecting ready-cut tops can reduce labour charges and speed up your project, especially for straightforward cuts and edging.
How do I match a worktop choice to my kitchen design?
Consider durability, moisture resistance and aesthetics. Laminate suits budget-conscious modern designs, compact laminate performs well in wet zones and for heavy use, while solid wood adds warmth and can be sanded and re-oiled. Match edge profiles and colours to cabinetry and splashbacks for a cohesive result.