Quartz stone is widely used in kitchen and bathroom countertops because of its high hardness, wear resistance, high temperature resistance, and simple maintenance. However, despite the high compressive strength of quartz, proper foundation support is essential to ensure its durability and prevent cracking. When installing a quartz countertop, the need to place a slab depends on the thickness of the selected quartz stone and the size of the span it supports.
1. Preparation before installation
Before installing a quartz countertop, the existing cabinet structure needs to be evaluated to ensure that it is strong and able to withstand the weight of the quartz stone. If the stability of the cabinet is insufficient, it may need to be reinforced or replaced. Usually, quartz stone manufacturers will provide relevant load-bearing requirements and installation guidance.
Second, the condition of the cabinet
Cabinets must be level, stable, and have no bends or twists on the surface. Before laying quartz stone, use a level to check the levelness of the cabinet surface and adjust the unevenness. Make sure the joints between the cabinets are tight to avoid possible cracks in the future.
Third, the use of plates
For most home applications, especially when cabinets already provide good support, quartz countertops usually do not require additional paneling. However, it may be necessary to use plates in the following cases:
1. Super large span: If quartz countertops need to cover particularly long unsupported spans, it may be necessary to add a plate underneath to provide additional support.
2. Thin quartz stone: If a thinner quartz slab is selected (e.g. less than 20 mm thick), in some cases it may be necessary to lay a support plate underneath to increase its overall stability and load-bearing capacity.
3. Heavy equipment: If you need to place heavy kitchen equipment (such as marble cutting boards, large sinks, or heavy stoves) on your countertops, you may want to add support plates under these areas.
Fourth, the selection of plates
If you need to use a support plate, you usually choose plywood that is 3 4 inches or thicker. The panels should be cut to conform to the shape of the cabinet, and they should be coated with a sealant to resist moisture.
Fifth, the steps of laying the board
1. Measurement and cutting: Accurately measure the area that needs to be covered and cut the plywood to the right size.
2. Sealing and protection: Sealant is applied to the board to protect the wood from moisture.
3. Fixing the plate: Fix the plate to the cabinet to ensure a tight fit and no shaking.
Sixth, the installation of quartz countertops
Before installing the quartz table, the surface of the cabinet and the board should be cleaned to remove dust and impurities. When placing quartz slabs on cabinets or panels, multiple people are required to collaborate to avoid excessive bending or twisting of quartz slabs. Quartz countertops should be placed smoothly and fixed with special adhesives or silicone.
7. Precautions
1. Don't do it: Do not dry quartz countertops on cabinets without proper support.
2. Avoid thermal shock: Although quartz stone is resistant to high temperatures, avoid placing the hot pan directly on the countertop to avoid thermal shock and cracking.
3. Full support: Each corner of the cabinet should be given enough support to ensure that the quartz stone is not overhanging.
8. Maintenance
The daily maintenance of quartz countertops is relatively simple, and liquid splashes should be wiped clean in time to avoid using corrosive detergents. For stains that are difficult to remove, you can refer to the cleaning method recommended by the quartz stone manufacturer.
The choice of whether to place the slab underneath the quartz stone needs to be determined according to the actual situation and professional advice. Proper installation and maintenance will extend the life of your quartz countertops and keep them beautiful. Following the above guidelines and precautions will ensure a smooth installation of your quartz countertops that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional.