Canoehq
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I’m about to fit granite worktops on to
Ikea Factum base carcasses.
Unfortunately, as anyone who knows the Faktum range, they are not four sided, but are open
tops with a couple of struts going across the top for rigidity. (Think of a U-shape with two struts across the top and a
backboard !)
My question is, do I sit the granite directly onto the carcasses (with silicone adhesive on all of the
available carcass top surfaces) or should I fit and secure a large MDF board across the top of the carcasses first of all, and
then silicone the granite to that ?
I appreciate using the MDF board may be the better route, but is fitting granite
directly onto the carcass definitely a no-no! ?
Thank you for any help with this.
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designer_john
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HI Canoehq,
Have just fitted 2 Ikea kitchens which incorporated
solid 30mm granite fitted directly onto faktum carcases using epoxy. First kitchen was circular and the other a large u shape.
Can email u a pic if u want!
Have a v.large kitchen again Ikea with granite to do for a client in January 2006. If I can
be of any other help let me know. John
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timfoley
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John,
Thanks
for your contribution here. One of my criterias in this forum is to answer all posts and it’s good to find someone who
rellieves me of that sometimes.
My answer would have been similar in that so long as sufficient support is provided by the
cabinets then the installation of a solid surface is no problem.
There is no doubt that completely boxing off the units
would bring greater support but it is not necessary and to apply silicone or epoxy to the top edges is sufficient.
One
thing to remember is that where a space is employed between carcasses for the installation of a freestanding or integrated
appliance, then it is advisable to fix a batten between and this applies for both solid and laminated surfaces.
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designer_john
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Tim,
A
thousand appologies didnt mean to stand on any toes. But would like to add that all the Ikea kitchens which I have installed I
have built them out from the wall as you mentioned using a 4″ x 2″ cls batten as this gives me a service void. If I use lam
tops just get 650 deep tops and granite just gets templated accordingly. Again a thousand appologies. John
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timfoley
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Sorry John,
I’m confused by your apology here. I agree with your
method of creating a service void and would even go further in suggesting that a deeper surface of 680-700mm (Dependent on the
manufacturer), will allow integration of the freestanding appliance and alignment of the plinth if desired.
What I
can’t comprehend is why Ikea don’t employ a service void and it goes without saying that to design as you and I suggest
would cost the consumer more.
Tim.
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designer_john
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Hi Tim,
I apologised as I
thought I answered the posting when I shouldn’t and when you replied to me and said
” One of my criterias in this forum
is to answer all posts and it’s good to find someone who rellieves me of that sometimes.” I thought oops. But its in the
past. 
I agree with you with regards to its beyond me as to why Ikea doesn’t have a service void in its units.
I feel the lack of service void could lead to problems with dampness. Any Ikea kitchen/bedroom I design and fit I always build
out from the wall with 4″ x 2″ cls fixed to the wall with appropriate fixings.
I think that joe public just looks at the
bottom line and dont appreciate the difference between throwing in a kitchen or whatever and fitting it properly. When I price
a job I quote it and thats it I DO NOT DISCOUNT or CHEAPEN my labour.
Regards John
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timfoley
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John,
Now I understand. I also realise how conceited this must have sounded and what I really meant
to say was that my criteria in this forum is that no posts will go unanswered.
It’s good that professionals are taking
more of an interest and that can only help provide more solutions. It may also make companies sit up and realise that a
concensus of opinion, such as the lack of a void in Ikea cabinets, is universally criticised and that change is
necessary.
I agree that there is a greater potential for damp related problems when the main area of cabinetry may be
in contact with the wall and it does need addressing.
Tim
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Canoehq
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Thanks very much indeed for your replies, entirely clear now.
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