Support base alternatives for 2 cm granite

[degussa]

My current laminate coutertops have 2" x 5/8" strips every 24 inches as a base.

I was wondering if I could use the same idea but go every 8" or so for my 2 cm granite coutertop.  The advantage is easier prep and not buying so much wood than if I bought plywood for the base.

Am I being penny-wise but pound foolish?

Chris

[Mark D.]

A laminate countertop is not necessarily done the same as a granite countertop due to structural considerations. One of the main differences is a laminate countertop is made of presswood and you should have the undersupport equal to help prevent warping with moisture. If you are talking about putting wood strips under your granite for support, it probably is NOT necessary unless you have a stone that easily warps (like green stone, which warps more than any other stone). If you have a stone that has a history of warping you should make a substrate of plywood or cement board to help support it.

On the other hand, if you have a stronger (I use this term loosely) granite like Absolute Black, Dakota Mahogany or even a Giallo Venziano then no subdeck is even needed. You could use silicone to adhere these right to the uppermost ribs of your cabinet that will be touching the underside of the countertop.

I don't want to criticize, but I do think you are being penny wise but dollar foolish (U.S. dollars only at our store). How much are you saving - $25? $50? Certainly not enough to justify doing something that is very uncommon at the least and technically incorrect at the most. If you did make a subdeck of plywood or cement board it won't even cost that much and it is simpler to cut a piece into one shape then make a bunch of ribs and then glue them to the bottom of the granite, not to mention that you have to make sure they don't warp and they are all the same thickness or you will create more installation problems. I won't tell you that you can't do it your way, but I will tell you that I wouldn't do it the way you described.

If you still have questions (and you might) please call me at 800-289-6834 during the day. Don't hesitate as I want to discuss this with you if you think you can get something out of our conversation.

If you are laminating the edge of a granite countertop to give it the appearance of being double thick you would use only one piece for the entire length to avoid excess seams. Sorry to confuse you, but I am not entirely sure of what you are asking so I am answering more than one question in my reply..

Glad to be of service,
Mark