Questions tagged [kitchen-counters]
The kitchen-counters tag has no usage guidance.
168
questions
0
votes
1answer
28 views
Sealing a laminate kitchen worktop
My kitchen laminate worktop easily stains (particularly tea stains) and has started to lift at a joint again. Can I apply some varnish to make it more repellent to tea stains and water or should I put ...
2
votes
3answers
394 views
Can I caulk the corner between stone countertop and stone backsplash?
Since I purchased this home a few months ago, we've noticed water from the sink can sit in this corner and possibly grow fungus or just leave mineral residue when it dries. We have tried to keep it ...
3
votes
3answers
105 views
Can water-based paint be applied to a concrete countertop?
I recently cast a concrete countertop using melamine moulds. Overall, I'm happy with the cast slab but the colour turned out different than what I was aiming for. I was using white cement, aiming for ...
1
vote
2answers
76 views
Is there a minimum required distance between window and kitchen countertops?
I'm planning on a kitchen remodel which will reduce the existing space between a window and the countertop. There is a required electrical outlet in this space.
I was wondering if there is any ...
0
votes
0answers
48 views
Can this heat damage to Silestone countertop be (easily) repaired?
We cooked some meat in a sous vide for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately we must have forgotten to place a trivet underneath the stock pot we used and so there appears to be some heat damage to our ...
16
votes
7answers
3k views
Hole in granite countertop for kitchen faucet slightly small
The hole for a faucet in my granite countertop is 1 1/4 inch. This limits my selection for faucets. I'm wondering if I can make the hole bigger without spending an arm and a leg.
I have lots of ...
18
votes
12answers
5k views
Should hardwood floors go all the way to wall under kitchen cabinets?
I’m putting in hardwood floors and I am at the spot where kitchen cabinets would go. The last strip is going to be narrower than whole flooring boards, and usually I would rip the boards going ...
1
vote
1answer
36 views
What are the standard dimensions for fridges in the US?
I just want to know whatever I can about the (seemingly) existing efforts to standardize fridge sizes.
I found this question (Refrigerator enclosure dimensions), but I'm looking more for a list of ...
2
votes
3answers
284 views
How far should the recessed lights be from 24” kitchen cabinets?
Most of the info on the web calls for lights to be centered at the counter’s edge. However, my upper cabinets are going to be 24” deep - basically matching the counter.
The upper cabinets, as well as ...
0
votes
2answers
516 views
Polish quartz countertop edges
I got this quartz countertop installed. However they did a poor job where it was cut. They used max 200 grit sandpaper with an angle grinder. Also they applied a sealer and now it has some kind of ...
3
votes
1answer
156 views
Heat Damage to Laminate Counter-top Near Gas Range
While deep cleaning our new home, after closing, my wife and discovered what looks like some heat damage to the counter-top next to the gas range. The house was fully renovated about 2 years ago, ...
0
votes
0answers
91 views
Trying to install countertop/bar on an existing halfwall
Being the poor person I am, I am trying to slowly upgrade my kitchen whenever able. My parents got new counter tops and saved their old formica counters for me. I currently have an L shaped half wall ...
1
vote
3answers
420 views
Tiling kitchen spashback with gap between worktop and wall
I'm planning on tiling a kitchen splashback (first time tiling project). Unfortunately due to curvature of the wall, there is a gap between the worktop and the wall. This varies in thickness between ...
2
votes
1answer
107 views
What type of material is my countertop made of and how should I clean/maintain it?
Countertop was installed when before we moved in. It has a solid black appearance, when wiping with stone cleaner, it will be shiny but will dry to a matte finish. Also stains do not appear while wet, ...
1
vote
2answers
63 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
778 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
94 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
41 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
vote
1answer
380 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
vote
1answer
174 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
votes
0answers
155 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
votes
2answers
404 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 ...
0
votes
0answers
38 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
votes
2answers
62 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
333 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
2k 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 ...
0
votes
0answers
79 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
94 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
102 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
99 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
votes
1answer
177 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. ...
2
votes
0answers
213 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
vote
1answer
4k 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
193 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
285 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
70 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
2k 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
175 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
91 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
106 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
466 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
353 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
2k 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
votes
3answers
3k 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
65 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
115 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
301 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
9k 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
7k 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
votes
0answers
4k 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 ...
