Quartz is one of the best materials for those looking to create a countertop overhang. The strength and durability ensure it can support up to a 14-inch overhang without extra support. However, 70% of your quartz countertop must be supported by cabinetry and the thickness of the quartz must be factored in as well.
Whether you need to use countertop brackets for quartz is dependent upon what project you are constructing. Another factor is how much weight there will be hanging over the edge. In some cases you will need support brackets.
Quartz countertops are heavy, and not all cabinetry is strong enough to hold it. In addition, you may have unsupported areas, such as desks or overhangs that may need some support. If your cabinets cannot hold the weight of the quartz, plywood or backer board may be used beneath the countertop to help.
Plywood is necessary when you need it to absorb pressure and prevent cracks. That will directly depend on the thickness of the quartz.
Apply silicone adhesive beads to the top of the cabinets.
Space each bead apart by 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm) to make sure that the silicone holds the counter as securely as possible. Always start installing the quartz around the sink region.
Generally speaking, unless your kitchen units are very old, it is highly unlikely that they will be too weak to handle the weight of any solid stone worktops, including quartz. Going back a couple of decades, it wasn't uncommon to find certain problems associated with the strength of kitchen units.
Vulnerable to heat damage: The resins and fillers that provide quartz's durability also make irreparable damage from hot pans a possibility. Manufactured product: Although most of the materials in quartz tops are naturally occurring. The process of making them is not natural.
Since countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation. If an apron or farmhouse sink is being used, it must be installed prior to template process.
Do NOT use crock pots or electric skillets while in direct contact with your Quartz surfaces. Always place them on a trivet or cutting board to protect your countertop. As with any natural stone, certain exposure to heat may cause cracks due to thermal shock.
The maximum overhang is no more than 1/3 of the total dimension of the countertop – not to exceed 15”. Overhang greater than 15” requires corbels or flush mounted steel supports. Supports must be designed to bear the weight of the countertop and be mounted to studs or equivalent load bearing structure.
The maximum allowable overhang is no more than 1/3 of the depth of the countertop and not to exceed 15” total. 2. Overhangs greater than 15” require the installation of corbels. Corbels must be designed to support the weight of the countertop and be mounted to studs or an equivalent load bearing structure.
Quartz can be more expensive than other countertops but is generally cheaper than natural stone and other luxury options. It does require professional installation and can discolor when exposed to high temperatures and extensive heat for long periods.
Some people term quartz as indestructible as they have impressive compression and tension strength—even better than granite. Due to this, many are tempted to sit or even stand on the countertops. Can you stand on quartz countertops? While standing on the countertops might seem harmless, it's not.
You might want to rethink standing or sitting on your quartz countertop. While a quartz countertop is strong and durable, do not use it as a sitting or standing tool.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
If you've had granite countertops installed, then you'll need to wait 24 hours before using the countertops. This is because granite needs to be sealed after installation to protect the porous surface from moisture. Quartz countertops can be used straight away as they don't need sealing.
Once the fit is confirmed, the seams can be joined with butterfly clamps, biscuit joiners and glue. Finish securing the laminate countertop to the cabinets with screws, making sure the screw is long enough to hold securely but not so long as to puncture the top surface.
Abrasive cleaners and scrubbers such as Comet or Scotch-Brite are not recommended, as they can scratch the smooth surface of quartz. The best way to care for your quartz is to prevent damage before it occurs. Use trivets or potholders under hot pots and pans to avoid heat discoloration.
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
This high-end material is one of the top choices for a luxury kitchen countertop.
Sunlight. Because quartz is made using polyester resin, over time you may start to notice some discolouration - particularly in lighter coloured countertops. On average, it takes less than a year of daily sunlight for a quartz worktop to fade.
Quartz is a very tough material, but like any hard surface, it can be damaged if it's hit with a heavy object or exposed to sudden changes in temperature. However, quartz countertops are much more resistant to chipping than other materials like granite or marble.
Corbels: These are functional supports that jut from a wall. Corbels can support quartz countertop overhangs from a 15 inch to a 24-inch overhang. Whether you opt for a decorative or basic functional corbel, ensure they fully support the weight of the quartz countertop overhang.
Again, quartz is extremely durable. High-quality quartz is virtually crack-resistant, but lesser quality quartz can crack or shatter if exposed to extreme cold, such as an ice bag left on the counter. The same goes for extreme heat. Sudden, drastic changes in temperature may crack a quartz surface.