Counter top work. In over my head?
Question:I have never done any countertop work. A business is authorizing me to get a countertop which is formica/particle wood and to install it perpendicular to the existing one in their mailroom. The 4' extension will be against the existing one and against a wall so that they will have a continuing work area (countertop) along two walls. The new countertop will not be installed with any storage area below. They just want it to extend from the existing one. I am planning to cleat the back end against the wall, support the two counter surfaces meeting with a board and screws and I will support the other end of it with a bookcase unit. I do not know if I can order this unit to exact needed dimensions or if I can cut it to those dimensions otherwise. Should I just dish this off to a countertop company?
Answers:
Sounds like you have most of this figured out-you can do it! When i have projects like this i simply measure and make a sketch of my new counter with dimesions. Home Depot or Lowes, etc can make a formica countertop at a very reasonable cost to just about any dimension.
There are four measurements needed (dont forget any overhang you may want on the bookcase-maybe duplicate the overhang of the existing counter/cabinets, etc.): first, the overall length, in this case 4' ; next, the depth or width 25" or whatever; third, the height or thickness of the counter to match the existing, and; finally a diagonal measurement from the intersecting point of the two new counters to the point on the wall 4' from the existing counter. This measurement will tell the maker to account for any out of square walls.
When the counter arrives have a tube of clear silicone or PAINTABLE siliconized (if you plan to use this tube along the wall as well) caulk or white if the counters are white. Once your cleats are in place along with the bookcase, spread a bead of the silicone along the end where the new counter will meet the old. Use enough so that it will slightly ooze out the top when the counter is set in place. This will help keep dirt out of the joint later on...and if possible pre-drill some pilot holes and run a couple of long wood screws where the two counters join. Another method may be to use a flat steel mending plate or angle bracket (that can act as a cleat as well) to hold the two together...you get the idea. These brackets are found with the deck/framing materials.
The only problem i foresee is the counter sagging in the middle from lack of support underneath. Plan on fastening a piece of 1"x3" or 1"x4" piece of oak standing on edge, a 2"x3" stud lumber, or heavy metal angle/box tubing, etc directly to the existing cabinet and bookcase. This will give the front side some support like the back.
Hope this helps you out, Good luck!
YES, counter top co. Its your *** if you do it and it looks bad. Just make sure you and the contractor completely understand whats required. Formica is low cost, a good install a little more.
Get an outside bid on the job.
Meet the salesman / estimator and ask how to solve the problem areas such as what kind of base is recommended, How to transition between old counter and new counter.
Then submit that estimate to your boss and say that you'll do it for 1/2 the price and they pay for all material
The only hard parts are cutting a straight line and keeping everything level.
Any other flaws will be hidden.
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