How to Install a Solid-Surface Kitchen Countertop

Installing kitchen countertops seems like a pretty easy task – set the countertop on top of the base cabinets and secure it in place. However, installing countertops is a seemingly easy job that can quickly turn into a headache for those DIYers unprepared to deal with unlevel surfaces, out-of-square walls, unfavorable corner conditions, and built-in equipment. It is also important to understand the nuances of the various materials available for use as countertops, such as granite,具体,wood, plastic laminate, and synthetic solid-surface materials.

For this project, we are installing an EnviroGLAS countertop. EnviroGLAS makes solid-surface countertops that use a mix of post-consumer recycled glass chips and resin that is then polished smooth for a product that is similar to terrazzo. Our installation includes two pieces that form the countertop for the kitchenette – a main counter with a kitchen sink and a small wing that also fills in the corner.

Fabricating the Countertop

The first step is to fabricate the countertop. Solid-surface countertops, like the type we are using, typically require specialized tools and materials, making professional fabrication a norm. In our case, EnviroGLAS fabricated the two pieces for our kitchenette at the factory based on dimensions we gave them. They even cut out and polished the sink opening.

Planning the fabrication of the countertop begins with taking measurements and determining where to locate any joints, if necessary. Since kitchens are almost never perfectly square or level, it is important to know where the countertop may need to be a little deeper or a little narrower to fit the walls as precisely as possible. It helps to sketch a diagram of the countertop for use in labeling the measurements and noting any special fabrication issues. When measuring the cabinets, be sure to add in the desired countertop overhang, typically 1" from the face of the cabinet frames and ends.

添加防滑支持

随着台面制作和现场，现在是时候来准备工作区。台面直接坐在底柜，所以这是一个好主意，检查橱柜台面的水平。用一只手面，带式砂磨机，或弓锯修剪任何橱柜台面可能导致台面蒂特。

In areas where no cabinet will support the countertop, it may be necessary to install support cleats. Corners are a common location where cleats can be necessary. Spaces for undercounter appliances, likedishwashers或冰箱，可能还需要防滑钉被附接到所述壁以支撑台面。它通常没有必要添加一个楔子。废柴但是，如果机柜间的间距小于30" ，它不会伤害加一点额外的支持。条，如夹板2×2，做工精良。

1. Measure and cut the cleat to length.

2. 采用a level to extend the line of the cabinet tops. The top of the cleat will sit even with this line.

3. 采用a stud finder or test nails to locate the framing members in the wall.

4. Screw the cleat to the studs or framing in the wall.

Installing the Sink in the Countertop

In most cases, the kitchen sink will need to be installed in the countertop. Whether the sink mounts over or under the countertop, installing the sink before installing the countertop often makes for an easier installation. For our project, we are installing an undermounted, single-basin, stainless steel sink.

1. Dry set the sink and mark the locations for the mounting bracket and anchor plugs.

2. 使用3/8” 直径钻石硬质合金孔锯钻5/8" 为锚塞深洞。孔周围的表面上倒一点水，以帮助保持钻头凉爽。Quick Tip:在钻使用磁带位标记所需的锚定孔的深度和，以防止意外地通过台面的顶表面钻孔。

3. Put a small dab of two-part epoxy in the holes and insert the anchor plugs.

4. Spread a bead of silicone around the perimeter of the sink opening to keep the assembly watertight.

5. Set the sink in place and check for proper alignment.

6. Fasten the mounting brackets with screws at each of the anchors.

7. Check the rim of the sink for a consistent seal. Re-caulk as necessary.

Installing the Faucet in the Countertop

The faucet assembly can also be installed in the countertop before setting the countertop in place. This helps to minimize the work and time spent inside the cabinet and under the countertop. Once the countertop is installed, all that remains is to connect the supply lines.

1. Review the manufacturer’s instructions to determine the number of holes necessary for your specific faucet and mark the location of the faucet holes.

2. 采用the appropriately sized diamond hole saw to drill the faucet holes.

3. 传播有机硅密封胶珠孔的周围，每制造商的说明。

4. 装配插入水龙头，并与安装螺母固定。用手拧紧，并检查是否有正确对齐。然后使用扳手完全拧紧安装螺母。

设置台面

Setting and securing the countertop in place is pretty simple. Solid-surface and natural stone countertops are typically fabricated with a thickness of 1-1/2” to 2” and can be installed directly on top of the base cabinets. The mass of the countertop and gravity will keep the countertop in place. The use of silicone sealant on top of the cabinets will create an adhesive bond and minimize any lateral movement in the countertop.

1. Spread a bead of adhesivesilicone caulkingalong the top edges of the cabinets.Quick Tip:采用painter's tapeat the top of the cabinet face to prevent the adhesive from adhering to it.

2. 随着一些帮助，组装设置台面到柜。

3. 检查是否正确对齐，轻轻施加向下的压力，以创造良好的密封与硅嵌缝。

Sealing the Joints

因为许多台面包括多个块，最后的步骤之一是填充或密封任何关节。在应用中，一个隐藏的接头或接缝是可用的许多颜色匹配浆液的合乎需要的，使用一个。然而，为了实现一个隐藏接缝，它也可能是必要的关节的buff级别中的颜色匹配的灌浆的台面和共混物。由于这需要特殊的工具和经验，接缝和打磨台面接缝往往是一个专业的安装工作。如果台面匹配良好，隐藏的联合并不重要，因为在我们的项目中，透明硅嵌缝是可以密封接头并防止任何水渗透到下面的橱柜。

1. Tape along both sides of the joint, leaving just enough room to fill the joint. This will help to minimize the clean up.

2. Fill the joint with a thin bead of silicone caulking.

3. 擦去多余的嵌缝用微湿的抹布。

4. 取出磁带，让嵌缝设立了大约一个小时。

Connecting the Plumbing

1. 通过连接开始hot and cold water supply lines。使用灵活的钢筋供应线，以水关断阀连接到水龙头供料器。一定要找准冷热两侧，并连接到水龙头适当的给料机。使用特氟龙胶带密封配件，紧贴拧紧连接，但不要拧得过紧，否则可能损坏配件后。

2. The drain assembly is slightly more complicated, although trap and drain kits are available that minimize the steps for do-it-yourselfers. The trap kit typically includes slip nuts and gaskets that seal the connections but also allow you to disassemble the trap for access. Any other connections in the sanitary drain must be glued together to seal the pipes from leaks and to prevent any sewer gases from escaping.

3. Dry fit the trap and drain assembly to check for proper connections and add or adjust any pieces as necessary.

4. Make any glued connections first, such as a drain extension from the rough plumbing at the wall. Coat the surface to be glued with a PVC primer prior to applying the adhesive. PVC adhesive sets up quickly, so finish installation directly after applying it. Turn the pipe a quarter turn and hold it in place for 20-30 seconds to allow the adhesive to set.

5. Fit the trap kit and the nuts into place and tighten. Again, tighten snugly but do not overtighten.

6. 最后，暂时删除增氧机在龙头出口以防止它在当你第一次打开水管道的任何松散的碎屑堵塞。关闭供水阀门上并运行水一两分钟。检查是否有泄漏，并在必要时重新拧紧连接。