In fact, depending on the actual thickness of the countertop material used, it's possible to make quartz countertops up to 10 feet long without needing any unsightly seams. This makes quartz a great countertop solution if you're looking for one large piece.
When it comes to buying a slab of quartz for a kitchen island, you have the option of getting standard or jumbo size slabs. A standard slab is 56 by 120 inches, while a jumbo slab is 63 by 126 inches. If you don't want an island with a seam, these dimensions are the maximum you can get.
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.
Although seams are an inherent aspect of quartz countertops, skilled fabricators strive to make them as inconspicuous as possible. The goal is to create nearly seamless transitions by carefully aligning the patterns, colors, and veining of the slabs.
Since the average granite or marble slab is less than 10-feet long and fewer than 6-feet wide, if you want an island larger than this, you're going to have a seam.
Different countertop materials have different requirements. Solid Surface countertops can overhang 6 inches without additional support (e.g. plywood decking). 3 cm Quartz (engineered stone) can handle a 14 inch overhangs and 3 cm Granite overhangs should not exceed a 10 inch overhang without additional support.
An unsupported span of 24” and up to a maximum of 36” is acceptable as long as the stone is supported on both sides of the span. Longer spans must be supported across the span. Over hangs should be not exceed 6” for 2cm granite, 10" for 3cm granite and 15" for 3cm quartz beyond the supported area.
Seams are sealed with an epoxy resin. To disguise the seam, your installation team will create a colored epoxy that matches the main tone of the countertops. They will take this color-matched epoxy and create a flat and even seam.
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.
Since quartz countertops are the most popular choice with homeowners, there is a large variety of colours and patterns to choose from. Because of its thickness, the 3 cm quartz can provide adequate support without plywood. Since you won't need to hide the plywood underneath it, there is no need for a laminated edge.
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.
Like granite, quartz is sold in slabs; however, all slabs max out at a certain length. The most common maximum slab length for both granite and quartz is 125” L x 65” W. This means if your lower cabinets are longer than 125” in length that your countertops will have to be seamed.
Don't utilize your quartz countertop to slice and dice foods. Utilize a separate cutting board to prevent knife marks on the countertop. Don't set hot pans straight on the countertop to avoid discoloration and splitting. Keep lots of trivets convenient and utilize them faithfully.
Unfortunately, the polyester resin in quartz can be easily damaged by heat from the toaster oven, electric frying pan, oven, crock pot, or any other appliance that produces a lot of heat.
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.
You can keep your countertops if your kitchen layout stays the same. You can also update your design, and still use your countertops. This means that the “footprint” of your kitchen layout needs to stay the same. The base cabinets could change to pull-out drawers, including new inserts, etc.
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.
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.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
Windex is considered a base and has a pretty high pH level, which means it could be damaging to quartz. Some cleaners say it's okay to use in small quantities, while others warn against it. For the safest and most sure option to keeping your quartz clean, skip Windex and opt for a mild cleaner like dish soap.
This determines the appropriate amount of overhang needed. That is to say, don't neglect the top width. Overhangs should not exceed one-third of the top without additional support and will need support at the base. Of course, the best way to support any countertop overhang is with our heavy-duty countertop brackets.
1. Purpose. If the counter is to be used for food prep, the standard measurement for the overhang is 1-1/2 inches. This is long enough to provide some protection for your cabinets without forming an obstruction.
Standard countertop overhang is 1 ½ inches.
Keep in mind that this is 1 ½ inches over the front edge of the base cabinet. While some countertops may have different overhang measurements, this is the number that is seen as standard for homes. While 1 ½ inches is the most common, it's far from mandatory.