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.
Even though you don't need plywood to support your whole countertop, there are some places where it will be better to have some for more protection. For instance, your dishwasher has no support, so you might want to ask your fabricator to add mesh under the countertop where the appliance goes.
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.
While quartz countertops can be placed directly on top of cabinets, their weight shouldn't be underestimated. Take a look at your countertop design and look for areas that have the least amount of cabinet support.
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.
Almost certainly, yes. 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.
The general rule of thumb is that the thicker the quartz countertop, the less need there is for plywood. Plywood is used to provide added support to the stone that will prevent cracking by absorbing pressure. Many contractors will install it regardless if they know stone countertops are going to be installed.
If you're looking to upgrade your countertops after the holiday season, or are potentially treating yourself to this as a holiday gift, February and March are a great time to do so. Usually, during this time, the busier season for both kitchen remodeling companies and yourself is over.
It's generally recommended for the cabinets to be done first, protecting their integrity and making countertop installation as smooth as possible. This will ensure that: The countertop material(s) are only moved/installed once. There is less chance of cracking, breaking or chipping of countertop material(s)
Precast concrete countertops do not require installing plywood on top of open cabinets. However, plywood does make installing large, awkward or heavy pieces easier, since the slab can be slid along the smooth top without catching on a cabinet wall.
The cabinets located at the sink base should be completely emptied, with the top set of drawers removed. This will make it easier for our installers to gain access to the countertop without having to remove those items themselves. Kitchen or bathroom sinks should also be disconnected and removed.
If you've come this far and the little gap is still haunting you, there are a few routes you can take. 1) You can ask the installer to seal the gap with caulk, or silicone. 2) You can buy and ornamental molding, and have a handyman cover the gap right up!
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.
Your quartz should be installed on a level surface. But there are a couple of ways to make this happen. For one, you may be able to place shims under the cabinets to level the tops. Or, you might opt to put plywood over the cabinets placing shims underneath the plywood as needed.
The standard quartz countertop overhang is 1 ½ inch. If using inset cabinetry, your quartz countertop overhang limit needs to be less than that of frameless or overlay cabinets. This keeps spills from cupboards and drawers while also ensuring a comfortable standing distance at the countertop.
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.
Deciding on the color of your kitchen countertops can be tricky. Experts recommend working with a lighter countertop than a cabinet for the perfect color blend. This combination makes the countertop installation job ideal for the ultimate kitchen outlook.
Harsh, abrasive cleaners, pads, and sponges should be avoided since they can permanently harm countertops. Scrubbing too hard can leave a dull surface or cause superficial scratches. Oven cleansers, grill cleaners, paint removers, dishwashing detergent, and other high pH cleaners should not be used on quartz surfaces.
To install your countertops, apply construction adhesive along the top edge of cabinets. Slide the countertop into place and ensure that the front of the countertop is aligned with the cabinets. Screw and bolt the countertop pieces together and clamp in place. If needed, also add countertop support brackets.
Usually, the conventional overhang of a countertop should be placed at 1 to 1 ½ inches above the cabinet. At the same time, the bared and exposed ends of a countertop should usually have a ½ inch overhang. The edges that suffice to a wall should not have any overhang to retain the fit flush to the wall.
You should use a countertop bracket that extends within four inches of the countertop edge. This prevents too much pressure and weight on the countertop without proper backing. Fasten these brackets with fasteners to keep them securely in place.