Author Topic: Granite countertops.. (Read 700 times)

rabbidrabbit · « **on:** January 19, 2006, 06:24:45 PM »

OK, is it common to use a plywood underlayer? What for? Someone has to know this...>

Mustaine · « **Reply #1 on:** January 19, 2006, 06:40:30 PM »

my best friend works at a quarry and makes custom granite countertops for a living. all hand rounded and polished.

he works 4PM to 3:30 AM so i will ask him tomorrow.

rabbidrabbit · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2006, 06:45:20 PM »

thanks! I'm building the cabinets now and am wondering if the plywood top is really necessary... It would lay down easier without but I don't want to screw up anything.

USHilDvl · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2006, 07:32:04 PM »

To my knowledge, no underlayment is typically used, provided the casework is sound. Just shim it properly to dead level, as it will crack if there are unsupported places where weight concentrates. Also, I'm pretty sure it's glued to the casework with silicone adhesive.

I think.

Good Luck

AWMac · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2006, 07:46:41 PM »

It prevents cracking under extreme blows on top... an underneath cushion.

Mac

storch · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2006, 07:50:11 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by AWMac
It prevents cracking under extreme blows on top... an underneath cushion.

Mac

exactly, granite like other stone will break and not even from extreme blows. it's own weight will do it. use a nice 3/4" plyform or similar plywood.

ramzey · « **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2006, 08:00:21 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by storch
exactly, granite like other stone will break and not even from extreme blows. it's own weight will do it. use a nice 3/4" plyform or similar plywood.

What Storch said,
but dont go over 3/4"

ah

remember to keep level or you gonna get really "nice" plywood finish under your stone.
Before you put screws drill small hole to prevent yor furniture front panel from cracking, use counter sink to hide screw head (thats importand)

rabbidrabbit · « **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2006, 08:02:58 PM »

ok, I got it... no counter sex unless I use plywood... Not a problem!

ramzey · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2006, 08:06:31 PM »

AWMac · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2006, 09:42:38 PM »

If you treaser the new counter top, I sugesst sex on the Dining table... if you have a "Leaf" or *didn't want to use this word* "Extention" , of course in the table. remove them. You you be pinched most fiercielly..not that I know....well dam okay!!! I'm just rying to save a counter top here!!!

Sheesh,

Mac

Lazerr · « **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2006, 09:53:17 PM »

Careful putting them in, big pieces can break from stress while carrying them incorrectly. Better have some muscle on the job when you set em down. My number is 608 343 3326.

ramzey · « **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2006, 10:19:05 PM »

dont be stiupid, hire installers, if something happend they are responcible
that can save you a lot of money
Also small advice, if you going to order stone order fabrication with installatin , dont try to save on this.
If they not match colors (patter) you can complain, if they install wrong they hjave to give you new slab

rabbidrabbit · « **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2006, 10:39:56 PM »

I actually have an installer, he charges 20 bucks per square... The Uba Tuba granite is 16 bucks per square. I'm doing the cabinets myself though.

storch · « **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2006, 06:44:34 AM »

thats exactly what I did 6 years ago. I think I paid like $30.00 installed so your price sounds real reasonable to me. the thing with the granite isn't just laying down the slab but the matching of the stone and how well they are joined. that's where the mason earns his paycheck and in my opinion he earns every penny of it. I've seen stuff done by friends who are good carpenters and the job looks ok as mine or yours would probably come out but it just doesn't have the "touch". good luck

Swoop · « **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2006, 07:00:34 AM »

I will never, ever understand why chefs recommend granite for countertops, chopping boards, etc.......

Granite is a porous rock. It absorbs stuff. Ask any geologist.

Think about that for a second. You cut up some meat on a slab of granite and now matter how much you scrub afterwards the blood will still have sunk into the stone. You might not be able to see it but it's in there.

Go for marble instead.