DIY Fitting of Granite Worktops

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November 17, 2005 at 4:55 pm #6110

Canoehq

Hopefully, a very simple question.

I need to fit four 2m lengths of granite in my kitchen as

worktops (630mm depth by 30mm thick). There are no cut-outs etc in the granite to make anything too complicated and all base

cupboards are level, stable and fixed.

Does this simple granite fitting need a specialist company to fit or is it

within the scope of two or three strong blokes just to lift it into place, with the usual amounts of silicone and sealant etc

underneath. Can’t help thinking that with some of the dear quotes I’ve been getting from fitting companies that I’m

missing something….and need the pitfalls pointing out to me before I decide which way to go with this ?

Really big

thanks to anyone who may respond.
November 17, 2005 at 6:19 pm #6111

timfoley

Canoehq,

No you’re

not missing anything here and it should prove not too difficult a task.
Silicone sealant is the correct choice but, unlike

laminate, you will not be able fix down any discrepancies in the level of the surface should there be a slight bow, so you may

have to apply wedges, particularly if you have any joints to level up.

Good luck.

Tim
November 17, 2005 at 6:25 pm #6112

Canoehq

Thanks Tim. Yes, I have read up on the use of wedges !

Just one

more thing and related to a previous question I asked. Where two lengths of granite will join over the middle of a carcass

beneath them (rather than where two carcassers join, which I accept would be a better place of support but on this occasion,

it can’t be done !) what can I use to give the granite some extra support underneath ? Brackets etc ? What sort and where to

buy them ?

Thanks again
November 19, 2005 at 11:58 am #6113

timfoley

Canoehq,

To make the

joint I would suggest you install a strapping piece of 200mm width between the front and rear rails of the carcass. This will

be used to apply the silicone to further secure the joint.
If your cabinets employ a centre leg in addition to the outer

four legs this may well prove sufficient in itself and I suggest, if they are not already in place, that you fit two extra

legs in the centre, front and rear, in order to offer the support you require.
November 19, 2005 at 12:52 pm #6114

Canoehq

Thanks again for the advice, but no can do, as the units the granite is bridging over are pan drawer units,

with the drawers going all the way to the back of the carcass, so any vertical supports placed in the middle of the carcass

are not possible at all.

I was wondering about metal brackets from the wall extending inside the carcass or am I being

over cautious as to the granite which won’t flex over a gap anyway and will be at least supported on three sides ?
November 19, 2005 at 2:47 pm #6115

timfoley

Sorry Canoehq but you misunderstood me. I meant horizontal support

stretching from the fron rail to the back of the unit.
This could essentially, be a board which effectively covers the top

of the unit and is fixed through the side gables.

Tim
November 20, 2005 at 9:12 pm #6120

Canoehq

Just to say thanks very much for the help with this !
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