Questions tagged [kitchen-counters]
The kitchen-counters tag has no usage guidance.
154
questions
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2answers
49 views
Identifying countertop material and removing mug rings
My countertop is a solid off-white material. Its finish is matte, not glossy, and because it has wood trim around the edge it's hard so get a side view - however, there is one point at which two ...
2
votes
2answers
111 views
How do I install a countertop with a large overhang without using a corbel or post?
(Note: I don't think this is a duplicate. Most questions like this are about supporting an overhang using a kneewall, which is very different than a counter side.)
I am having a new granite ...
0
votes
1answer
71 views
Wondering what my countertop is made of
The previous owner installed this countertop, who cannot be reached. I have no idea what kind of counter this is and wonder if I should be treating it, what I should clean it with, etc.
It does seem ...
1
vote
2answers
36 views
How can I tell if a remnant of granite matches my counter?
I have a kitchen island with a granite countertop which, for various reasons, I would like to make larger. I found a granite company which has a remnant of granite that would match the size I'd like.
...
1
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1answer
52 views
How to Repair Laminate Countertop Wear Near Sink
I have a laminate countertop that my kitchen sink is mounted in. I've noticed the laminate is beginning to wear away and expose the particle board where the sink meets the counter.
Since this is ...
1
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1answer
130 views
Why does this kitchen receptacle located on the far side, away from the sink, need to be GFCI?
According to this answer, all receptacles in a kitchen that serve a countertop surface must be GFCI protected.
Which Kitchen outlets do NOT need GFCI?
I already replaced the outlets next to the sink ...
0
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0answers
58 views
How to seal gas hob to concrete countertop?
Some time this week, I'll be calling a qualified technician to connect my gas hob to gas and electricity. Connection will be done with elastic pipe, so that's not a problem.
The only problem I have ...
0
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2answers
77 views
Can I repair light scratches on a laminate countertop?
I was foolish and scratched my laminate countertop, which I would like to repair. Everything I have found online shows solutions for filling in chips (or deeper cuts), mainly in laminate that has a ...
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0answers
34 views
Can I use Gorilla Epoxy to fill epoxy resin?
I just used epoxy resin on my counters and there are a few small imperfections. Was hoping I could use this small, syringe style 2 part epoxy to fix it rather than doing another flood coat.
0
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2answers
50 views
Cutting laminate countertop with minimal waste
I have a 6-foot long "slab" of laminate kitchen countertop that I need to cut in half. Each half will be installed on top of a 36-inch long base cabinet.
At least, that is my tentative plan. I am ...
0
votes
2answers
204 views
Gaps between granite countertop and plywood base
I recently had a 3cm granite countertop installed over a plywood base (approx. 72" x 24"). As is often the case, the plywood thickness varies throughout by 0.010" to 0.050". Thus, even though the ...
2
votes
4answers
1k views
How to bridge a gap between two countertops?
In my kitchen I would like to give myself some more worktop space by filling a gap (of approximately 55cm/21.5in) between two cupboards with an additional piece of countertop. The cupboards either ...
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0answers
20 views
Sealant/joining compound for kitchen laminate worktop installation
What is the recommended sealant and joining product for use with laminate kitchen worktops? I have a butt joint within 10cm of the kitchen sink, and water has penetrated the joint and expanded the ...
0
votes
1answer
65 views
Are there any non-cosmetic differences among quartz countertops?
I'm planning to get a quartz countertop. One contractor told me that all brands of quartz are the same quality since they use the same patented process. Two other contractors told me there is a ...
2
votes
1answer
79 views
How to take care of a butcher block countertop
I have a kitchen countertop which is wood. It is not polished. After 3 years of using, I have many scratches,small black points (I guess mold) and it is getting worse.
I have tried to clean it with ...
2
votes
1answer
76 views
Do I need any kind of separator / release agent when casting concrete in shuttering plywood forms?
We'll be casting my first concrete countertops soon. We already talked thickness, reinforcement and sealing with manufacturer of concrete mix we will be using (great guys!) so on that part, we feel ...
0
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1answer
108 views
Can manufactured countertops warp
I have a friend with a seam in a countertop that has misaligned after about 4 years. It's man made stone but I'm not sure what material. I would like to fix it but I'd like to know more before I try. ...
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0answers
112 views
Can I remove center brace from these cabinets?
We are looking at doing a kitchen remodel, and one of the things that we want to do is move the location of our oven into the cabinet pictured. We will also be replacing the countertop with either ...
1
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1answer
2k views
Installing GFCI outlets in multiwire branch circuit
Background:
There are four power outlets above my kitchen counter: three are located within 1.5 m of the sink, while the last one is further away. None of them are GFCI and some are damaged and in ...
1
vote
1answer
82 views
Can I mount kitchen island countertop supports to the cabinet back panel?
I'm finishing up my kitchen island and have a 36" deep piece of laminate top. It overhangs 12" on the back of the two 33" wide base cabinets.
I know it is common practice to install L brackets to ...
0
votes
2answers
89 views
marking & cutting odd plywood shape
I need to create a non-standard shape of thick plywood (1+") for an extension to a kitchen island. Shape is something like this:
... the size is roughly 3ft-square, and the inside and outside ...
0
votes
1answer
41 views
How should kitchen units be fitted to accommodate walls not perpendicular?
So I got a carpenter to fit a stud wall which butts up against a brick wall of the house. (I could've done it but I thought I'd get a pro so it was perfectly plumb and straight.)
It's all plastered ...
1
vote
1answer
828 views
Normal working time for Quikrete 5000?
I'm having a hard time finding the "working time" specifications for Quikrete 5000.
The Quikrete 5000 Data Sheet says "higher early strength", but I'm only assuming that means it will achieve a ...
1
vote
1answer
82 views
Can I varnish wooden worktops that have previously been oiled?
The previous owners of our house fitted wooden worktops in the kitchen. While these look nice, they need constant maintenance (re-oiling every three months) to stop water getting in - which we don't ...
1
vote
2answers
79 views
Suitable work surface and tolerances for casting concrete countertops
I'm casting 2" thick concrete countertops using ¾" melamine forms/molds. The largest piece is about 26" square and the longest is about 55" x 11".
I thought I'd make a large flat work surface for ...
4
votes
2answers
86 views
sealer on soapstone
I just had a soapstone counter installed and they sealed it before they left. From what I've read, soapstone is oiled or waxed, not sealed. Does the sealer need to be removed if I want to use ...
1
vote
0answers
252 views
How can I eliminate interference between an overhanging countertop and a patio door opening?
I am in the process of remodeling the kitchen and the peninsula countertop coming into question:
It's right next to the patio door and there is only 4 inches space. The countertop is 3 feet wide.
...
0
votes
1answer
153 views
Removing a wax finish from a wood countertop, in preparation for tung oil
I have a wooden countertop in my kitchen that has been finished with Butcher Block Conditioner (mineral oil and natural waxes). It is not satisfactory and I am now preparing to refinish it, using ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
Half wall supporting 18" overhanging counter — can this be done?
As part of an upcoming kitchen remodel we plan on knocking down a (non-load bearing) wall between the dining room and kitchen. We are thinking of converting a portion of the existing wall to a half ...
0
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3answers
551 views
Best way to fit this dishwasher under the kitchen counter?
This dishwasher is about a half inch too tall. Cutting a slot into the underside of the counter would solve the problem, and the lip of the washer would hide the cut, but I don't know the best way to ...
0
votes
1answer
58 views
Should I resurface these kitchen cabinets or throw away? [closed]
I have these old kitchen cabinets and I cannot tell what wood it is. It seem "light" on the weight. No damage or anything.
Should I make it look nicer with some new paint and decoration (how)? Or is ...
0
votes
1answer
82 views
Movable kitchen island on glueless vinyl
My kitchen island is a 66" x 36" countertop supported by two 33" x 24" base cabinets, leaving a 12" overhang on the long side.
The island weighs at least 300lbs empty. Contents will add another ...
2
votes
3answers
208 views
How to remove WD-40 from kitchen surfaces? [closed]
I placed some rusty steel pieces on a plastic or rubber kitchen cutting board and covered the pieces with several lubricants and solvents, including WD-40.
Although the combination loosened the rust ...
1
vote
2answers
5k views
Up-to-code install of under-cabinet electrical outlets
I'm planning to install some plugmold multi-outlet strips hidden under my kitchen cabinets like this:
However, I'm trying to figure out how to hardwire these in a way that passes code. Looking at ...
10
votes
4answers
6k views
Why are kitchen base cabinets usually screwed to the wall?
I can see a few reasons, but so far none are compelling.
Depending on how large plumbing access holes are you may want to ensure that
it doesn't shift. (I did mine with 1.5" holes for water lines, ...
0
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0answers
3k views
Is this seam normal for Quartz counter top
I was wondering if this installation looks normal (see pictures). One of the reasons that we have asked for the quartz countertop was that we thought that the seam wouldn't be that obvious. But the ...
1
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2answers
133 views
Looking for a Kitchen Sink Hole Cover with a opening [closed]
I installed a DrinkPod that connects to my cold water link under the sink.
I routed the hose through an unused hole in our kitchen counter top. Is there a Sink Hole Cover, but maybe with a smaller ...
4
votes
1answer
4k views
What type of material is my countertop made of?
My wife and I move into our very first home together and have been struggling to figure out what type of material our kitchen countertops are made of. We'd like to know
for a few reasons:
• There ...
0
votes
2answers
505 views
How to remove and replace kitchen tile backsplash?
It's time to replace a tile backsplash, which is course textured, thick, and appears cut to fit around cabinets.
Is there a reasonable way to chip it off and preserve the underlying wallboard, or ...
1
vote
4answers
145 views
What is the generic term for kitchen counter laminate without particle board?
I'm trying to see if I can buy the laminate that kitchen counters usually have, but without the particle board underside. I'm trying to resurface a desk with something stronger, and it would be easy ...
0
votes
2answers
385 views
DIY Cleaning Solution for Quartz
I have a water/castile soap/lemon essential oil mix I use for cleaning. We've recently moved and have quartz countertops at our new place. I'm having trouble finding information on what is/isn't safe ...
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0answers
56 views
Granite top loosing shine and looks like cloudy
Our granite is a dark colored(it is granite and not imitation, not sure of the exact details though). We use 409 granite and steel for cleaning every day. I did the granite sealant a month ago after 6 ...
3
votes
2answers
101 views
Is it ok to pad a washing machine against the adjacent cabinetry?
Not sure how to explain this.. have a new wash machine and it has to go under a counter in small space. The floor is in terrible condition (rotting old plyboard and cork), uneven and falling to bits, ...
3
votes
0answers
132 views
cement countertop polyurethane tacky in spots
We had cement countertops installed a week ago. The contractor applied a thick layer of polyurethane (not sure the brand, but he mixed 2 parts of something) within a day or so, most of the poly was ...
0
votes
1answer
224 views
Can quartz be sealed? If so, would it have beneficial effects?
Quartz is not supposed to scratch and is not supposed to stain. Furthermore its not supposed to require sealing (unlike natural stone like granite).
I have what appears to be low quality quartz ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views
What thickness is most suitable for concrete countertops?
If you had to choose between 2" and 2.5" thick concrete countertops, which would you opt for and why? Side note: I've heard that if you go bigger than 2" you need to start adding rebar, etc
0
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1answer
111 views
Which concrete mix is better for these particular countertop dimensions?
Background:
Been going back and forth about which option to go with so thought I should ask the community what you think and which concrete mix is best.
Dimension for each slab are listed in the ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
Can upward-facing receptacles be installed flush to a kitchen island countertop?
I have been digging around on the internet and NEC code but I am having trouble finding this. Is it allowed by code to install upward facing outlets flush into a kitchen island countertop? I am ...
1
vote
1answer
3k views
Install backsplash before upgrading countertops
The granite countertops I'm considering for future kitchen plans are 3cm in thickness, it is my understanding they are mounted flat onto the tops of the cabinets, as I presume my existing laminate ...
4
votes
4answers
8k views
What to do with a gap in the countertop next to kitchen sink?
I screwed up cutting the hole for the 25" drop in sink on my $160 countertop. It's just a little too wide. What are my options besides buying a larger 33 inch sink and being more careful next time?
