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Worktop Installation Guide - Page 1 |
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Storage
Worktops should be installed as soon as possible after delivery.
If storage is necessary, the tops must be kept in a dry and weather tight environment, at a temperature and humidity the same as the room (in normal use) where they are to be fitted, no wet trades being carried out, no wet or drying building work.
Store the tops flat and level, supported on battens at 500 - 600mm centres in their original wrapping and completely away from any sources of heat or moisture. Never store them on edge or on end as this usually leads to warping or cupping.
Never store them where any wet trade building works are going on or in damp unheated rooms.
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Kitchen base unit installation
Install the base and full height units with spaces left for built-under and slot-in appliances etc. Take account of the spacing and support requirements for appliances. Level the base units up and fix securely to the walls and each other.
Note:
Hardwood worktops must not be installed above radiators and other heating devices.
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Setting out
Set out the worktop so it has a 4 - 5mm expansion gap between its rear edges/ends and the wall surfaces. This is to allow for any natural movement in the worktop due to the effects of expansion or contraction across the width of the grain. This method will also allow for discrepancies in the straightness of the wall as rarely are walls ever perfectly straight. Scribing of the worktop to the shape of the wall may also be necessary.
The expansion gap is best sealed with a low moduls silicone sealer, or covered using an upstand, see upstand fitting instructions below. |
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Upstands
The upstand (if used) fits along the rear edge of the worktop and adds 10mm to its depth. It may be necessary to trim the depth of the worktop to suit your overall finished depth, bearing in mind that an overhang over the base units is normal procedure and adds presence and depth to the worktop, see worktop depth below.
Upstands are supplied in 3m lengths, longer lengths are achieved by glueing shorter pieces together with a mitred joint.
The upstands are supplied with a 40mm "tail" to suit 40mm thick worktops, if joining to a 27mm thick worktop you may prefer to trim the tail down to 27mm.
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The diagram right shows two methods of fixing the upstand, in the first example the upstand has been screwed to the worktop prior to installation of the worktop and in the second the upstand has been screwed to the wall.
Note position of silicon sealant. |
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Worktop depth
Worktops should overhang the base unit and doors by a certain amount, this adds presence and depth to the worktop.
The amount of overhang is not vital but is usually around 30mm, so on a 560mm deep base unit with 20mm thick doors the worktop would measure 610mm deep, on a 570mm deep base unit with 20mm thick doors the worktop would be 620mm deep etc. |
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Appliance moisture barrier
A moisture barrier is required between any appliance and the worktop, the purpose of this is to stop moisture conducted by heat currents rising from the appliance or steam generated by microwaves, washing machines etc. and being absorbed into the worktop. Failure to use a moisture barrier could lead to warping or expansion problems and failure of the worktop.
The barrier comes in sheet form and should be stapled or tacked to the underside of the worksurface and overlap adjacent base units. The underside of the worktop should also have been oiled prior to installation.
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