solid surface overhang question

9 years ago

We installed Formica solid surface and have an area about 21" deep and just a hair over 6' long that is supported on both ends but not across the span. Do we need to add supports, and if so, how many?

Also, is this a reasonable amount to be off-bubble? It looks slightly like the center of the overhang is a bit bowed up. It's subtle, and I don't know if this is typical, if it will correct itself... they went in less than a week ago. It's just off in this one center section, the rest is level.

Thanks!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

crcollins1_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
Here is the wide shot.

(yes, the stools are temporary)
User
9 years ago
Should have had a piece of steel connecting the two cabinets before the top was set. And maybe some cross pieces too. Not gonna be easy to retrofit any type of support now. But, it needs it, or it may crack on you. If I were the fabricator, I wouldn't have installed it without support.
Related Discussions
Pls show vanity tops that are NOT granite,quartz,or solid surface
Q
Comments (22)
I used the same tile as the bath surrounds for countertops in my rent houses because it is very economical. Can't undermount sinks though, but so many nice sinks available. At 2.89 a foot cannot be beat--I used bullnose edge on one vanity so the edges were 4$ per foot or so. I use large porcelain with very thin grout lines and epoxy or fusion grout so the grout lines are no problem. Tile edges must be same color as top for it to look good if not using bullnose....although you can spray paint edges but I never have. In one house I used glass accents on the countertop and it turned out quite pretty. So....plywood, thinset and screw down denshield resin impregnated gypsum from Lowes made by USG (lightweight and sooooo easy to use, love it) and tile. the tile on top overlaps the tiled edges. So more than 2.89 ft. but not much for me as I usually have leftovers. Sorry about sideways photos:-p If you go this route, lay the entire countertop out first and check your overhang and especially your symetry, to look pro it has to be symetrical...the cuts, layout, etc. the left side of the counter the exact mirror of the right side. Floorndecor has 10' quartz prefab slabs for $500. You can take and pick up from a granite fabricator. Or Maybe use a wet saw to cut the slab and diamond blade hole saw and garden hose to cut a vessel sink hole.
...See More
High backsplash from cove molding on solid surface countertop.
Q
Comments (10)
The first issue is that wouldn't be heat resistant enough behind the cooktop. It will scorch. You'd need to have a range with a backguard on it, or do that section in stainless. A full height backplash is usually done as a separate set on piece, because of the difficulty of fitting around all of the cabinets. (That's how all stone full height backsplashes are done, like below, with a bead of silicone in between the two.) That doesn't lend itself to coving, only set on. However, if they did the standard coved backsplash and then did a separate piece on top of that, and then joined them, that might work to give you the look. It will be darn expensive. The only fabricator locally that still does it charges $40 a foot for it, which isn't far from the material cost itself. So, it almost doubles the price of the counter, and you're already almost doubling the price because of the added material for the full backsplash. We had some issues with the stone fitting perfectly around the arch of the hood liner, even though we cut it a bit larger to cover the edge of it. We had to do some molding pieces to hide the edges.
...See More
Acrylic Counters: Corian v Formica Solid Surface
Q
Comments (74)
I think that is universal, as I know of no state that is willing to spend millions of dollars a year to test thousands of unique appliances in order to come up with their own rules. (I prefer to use the relevant example) ;D " What I'm understanding is that installation instructions are designed to meet building code." - yes, but many of the installation instructions seem to be worded by lawyers, and designed to be decieving to the average consumer. "Listing" is what happens after the independent testing laboratory makes sure the product's clearances label and installation instructions meet the ANSI standards and put that "UL sticker" (label) on it. - the whole code process works together with the "listed and labeled" requirement and ANSI safety standards. . [https://www.houzz.com/discussions/tile-backsplash-wont-meet-building-code-dsvw-vd~3992018?n=57[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/tile-backsplash-wont-meet-building-code-dsvw-vd~3992018?n=57) .
...See More
Solid Surface, Types of Sinks and Slide in Range questions
Q
Comments (4)
Thanks for the response. I guess maybe I'm not using the right terminology. I had the idea that an 'integrated' sink meant that it was made from the same material as the countertop and just kind of all 'welded' together but I guess you are saying that any kind of sink can be 'welded' to the countertop in the same fashion? (I know it's not really welding but glued, attached, whatever the right word is?) On the range, it is full depth so no piece required across the back. So I just need to be sure the fabricator makes the edges as described above and uses the tape and all should be well? It's an induction range so not super super hot like some of the big gas ranges.
...See More
crcollins1_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
They never mentioned corbels until install day, or could have planned for it better. They did attach squares of MDF on the underside (with adhesive of some sort) between the boards that were mounted under the seams when they rolled it in.

Hopefully this picture makes sense.
User
9 years ago
The buildup is to account for the height difference between the body and the edge. It's not there for support.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
9 years ago
crcollins:

The pictured MDF is considered solid underlayment and is in direct violation of Formica's fabrication and installation instructions as it will hold heat.

Look up the specs and have these guys pull the top, build a custom steel frame and reinstall. I'd go 18 gauge 1" square tube steel with the welds ground flush and painted black.
Swentastic Swenson
9 years ago
hi crcollins - coming along beautifully! I cannot wait to see your finished kitchen.

Not sure if this would help but if you need to buy aftermarket brackets, check this place out. We ordered a couple for our kitchen and I was really impressed with the quality of construction. They weigh a TON!

Here is a link that might be useful: Centerline Brackets
crcollins1_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
Experts - will the "front mounting countertop support" at the link for Centerline Brackets work? The wall behind knee area does have 2x4s to which they can be mounted.

Thanks again!
millworkman
9 years ago
I would be concerned about that fact that Treb mentions it is against Formica instructions to do it the way you have it installed. On the slim chance you have an issue with the material you will have no warranty from the manufacturer. Just my .02 cents.....
crcollins1_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
Yes, I am worried. Weighing in my own mind how to approach it with my KD. She had never used this fabricator before, and they got really good references. They've been in business in these parts for quite a long time. Is there documentation I can reference when I bring this up, other than "some guy on the internet said..." ;)

TIA
annzgw
9 years ago
If you're not going to get the installers back, then I'd use the front mounting 'plus' countertop support.
BTW, you need a longer level to get a true reading......try a 4 footer.
crcollins1_gw
Original Author
9 years ago
I was looking for the longer level but this was all I could find. :)

I'm going to speak to the KD about them sticking the MDF to the bottom side of the Formica. Just wanted something to reference when I do. Thx.
millworkman
9 years ago
Page 35

Here is a link that might be useful: formica solid surface installation instructions
Fori
9 years ago
(Dunno. But I have a sample of that stuff in my pile and I'm glad you had the guts to use it. Your kitchen is just about perrrrrfect!)

solid surface overhang question

Comments (13)

crcollins1_gw
Original Author

User

Related Discussions

crcollins1_gw
Original Author

User

Joseph Corlett, LLC

Swentastic Swenson

crcollins1_gw
Original Author

millworkman

crcollins1_gw
Original Author

annzgw

crcollins1_gw
Original Author

millworkman

Fori

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

solid surface overhang question

Comments (13)

crcollins1_gwOriginal Author

Related Discussions

crcollins1_gwOriginal Author

crcollins1_gwOriginal Author

crcollins1_gwOriginal Author

crcollins1_gwOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

crcollins1_gw
Original Author

crcollins1_gw
Original Author

crcollins1_gw
Original Author

crcollins1_gw
Original Author

crcollins1_gw
Original Author