One-piece kitchen worktop is a perfectly smooth plane without joints, capable of serving for quite a long period of time. But in L-shaped kitchens, such a countertop cannot be installed. Therefore, it is made of two parts that are adjacent to each other at right angles. Also, sometimes a straight tabletop is joined (if it is too large and cannot be carried into the apartment). The connection technology of the countertop may vary. But the main goal of these works is to get the illusion of a single surface.
Top connection methods
There are currently three connection methods:
- Using euro saw (butt-to-butt).
- Without euro-cut, butt-to-butt.
- Using aluminum T profile.
Next, consider each type of connection between countertops.
Eurosaw:Features
This is a method of processing the end parts of the countertop according to the pattern. On a milling machine, a cut of the ends is performed. But some companies, in order to reduce production costs, use a panel saw for this. However, as a result, uneven planes of the ends are obtained (with an allowance of more than a millimeter). Parts of the tabletop fit unevenly. Usually small firms resort to such technology. Well-known manufacturers have specialized machines on which you can get a high-quality end cut.
The ends machined on a milling machine also have a gap, but it is insignificant. It is not visible to the naked eye, and visually such a surface seems solid. To achieve this result, the patterns must not be worn out, and the machine must be level. By the way, on dark countertops, the connection at an angle of 90 degrees is almost invisible. The surface appears to be completely solid.
But this type of connection has a couple of disadvantages. Since the euro saw is a lock connection, it is impossible to turn the plane relative to each other. Otherwise, the integrity of the structure will be interrupted. If the corner in the kitchen is uneven, when installing the headset in the corner of the room there will be a gap (between the countertop and the wall). And if you move the plane in order to close the gap, a new gap will appear between the parts of the table top. A more rational option is to use a plinth.
When ordering a U-shaped headset, it will not be possible to solve the problem with slots using a plinth, so it is better to install exactly according towalls. And the gaps between the parts of the tabletop can be closed with a T-bar.
Eurojoint
This design looks more neat. Visually, this will be a surface without protruding parts. On the one hand, the butt is processed, and on the other, the longitudinal edge. The complexity of the technology is that the cut along the entire length is straight, and then smoothly goes to the corner. The saw cuts are treated on both parts with a sealant. Experts do not recommend purchasing a countertop with a textured pattern. The joints will be visible on it.
T-bar connection
This connection is made without euro joint. Here the connection is closed with a profile bar (top). But such a design has special requirements for tightness. Therefore, the ends and the rack of the plank are treated with sealant.
Why is aluminum profile relevant? This type of connection has an important advantage over eurosaw. Usually, parts of the countertop are joined in the area of \u200b\u200bthe sink, which is located in the corner (since communications are connected there). Eurozapil has no protection against moisture. Therefore, at the junction, the material may swell under the influence of moisture. Since the aluminum profile is treated with a sealant, water does not get on the material. But in the case of dismantling, it is not so easy to disconnect such a connection. It can only be broken.
Pros and cons of a T-profile
Among the positive points worth noting:
- Easy to install (it's quite possible to do the job yourself).
- Possibility of use near the sink and gas stove.
- Ability to install the structure with uneven walls.
- Overlapping gaps with non-ideal docking.
- Minimum financial investment.
At the same time, the profile does not rust, does not oxidize and is easy to maintain. As for the disadvantages of such a connection, there are several of them:
- The profile will protrude above the surface of the countertop.
- Small color variety. There are few shades of aluminum profiles, so it is very difficult to choose something to match.
Double connection with trapezoid piece
This is a fairly convenient option for placing parts of the countertop. The connection is at an angle of 135 degrees. This design has two joints. They can be connected with eurosaw. You can also use the profile to connect the worktops. But making a trapezoid with your own hands is difficult. And ready-made factory options are very expensive. To get a comfortable work surface, you can connect the tabletop with an insert.
Right angle connection
Right angle connection technology is a complex operation, so you need to prepare:
- Screwdriver.
- Drill.
- Drills with a diameter of 5 and 8 millimeters.
- Cutter.
- 8 mm end mill.
- Wrench for 10.
- Pliers.
- Hacksaw.
As for the materials, for the corner connection of the countertop, you need to prepare:
- Colorlesssilicone sealant.
- Clamps for countertops (clamps).
- Aluminum profile.
So, at the first stage, you should mark the places where the fasteners are to be installed. They are selected in such a way that in the future the fasteners do not interfere with the installation of built-in appliances or a sink. You also need to understand that a solid countertop will always be stronger than a combined one from several parts. Therefore, we need to provide for the installation of additional side walls. The edges of the parts of the countertop will rest on them. Clamps alone will not be enough. They withstand the load of breaking, but easily bend. To push through the edges, just put a pot of water on the hanging joint.
Dimensions for clamps will depend on the parameters of the fastener. Ties are available in various lengths and diameters. The most popular and easy to use are ties with diameters of 6 millimeters. The length is 100 millimeters.
How to join the surface with such ties? First, markings are made on the back side of the surface of the products under the washers of the clamps and grooves. In this case, the distance from the washers to the edges of the tabletop is 55 millimeters. The same distance is followed when using a T-profile with a thickness of one and a half millimeters.
If a sink or household appliances will be installed at the joints, the distance from the edge of the countertop to the wall should be from 7 to 15 centimeters. Usually two ties are mounted. If one is installed, then it is located closer to the middle.
If for docking two parts of the countertopa T-shaped bar is used, holes are drilled in it, which exactly correspond to the location of the clamps. Thus, the profile is clamped with ties that pass through the vertical bar. The profile is applied at the installation site. Marks are made on the element through the grooves made. For this, 8 mm drills are used. It is not necessary to drill metal. You can make holes in it. To do this, use two vertical slots. Further, part of the profile is torn off with pliers. Using a hammer, the folded edge is leveled. As a result, we get an opening that is located exactly at the place of installation of the clamps. Our T-profile should be mounted to one of the parts of the table top. Therefore, holes for self-tapping screws are made in three places. But you need to take into account that the caps of the screws do not interfere with docking.
It is important that the fasteners fit flush into the profile. To do this, you need to trim the profile. The length of the profile should advise the width of the countertop (usually 60 centimeters).
Preparing seats for clamps
For this we take Forstner drills. Their diameter should be 35 millimeters. Using them, we make holes for the C-shaped washer. The depth of the hole must correspond to the thickness of the plate under the countertop. The clamp is placed in such a way that it is located in the middle of the plate in thickness. Then four blind holes are drilled for two ties.
Then, using a drill with a diameter of 8 millimeters, holes are made in the ends. This hole willconnect blind grooves for C-shaped washers and ends. In order for the hole to be accurate, it is recommended to first drill the product with a five-millimeter drill.
Then start milling. It is necessary to make grooves with a width of 8 millimeters. For this, a drill and a groove cutter are used. It is necessary to walk with a cutter from a blind groove to the ends. So we will remove the outer layer of the material from which the countertop is made.
Connecting parts
So, we have already prepared seats for tightening products. Next, we mount the T-shaped profile. We attach it to the end and fasten it with self-tapping screws.
Screw until the caps are recessed into the body of the metal. Previously, experts recommend lubricating part of the surface of the countertop and the end face with silicone sealant. After installing the bar, the surface is also treated with a sealant. It is important to lubricate blind holes and grooves. The better the insulation is, the lower the risk of moisture getting inside.
What's next?
After that, the two parts of the countertop need to be connected together. Clamps fit inside the grooves. In the blind hole, which is in the opposite place from the nut, the tightening head will be placed. Washers are placed under it. Then we tighten the nuts with a wrench and attract the two parts of the table top to each other. Clamps are tightened crosswise, alternately. It is not recommended to immediately tighten the nuts to the end. The whole process is carried out gradually.
How to join a countertop without an aluminum strip?
This operationperformed in the same way, except that the ends are glued together with a sealant. After pressing the two planes, excess of it is removed with a sponge or a clean cloth. But many refuse to use this type of countertop connection. The seam between the surfaces will not be protected. Joining a countertop without a sealant strip is only a temporary and unreliable protection. Over time, such a sealant will move away due to frequent and constant mechanical stress.
Summing up
So, we found out how the connection of a wooden tabletop is made. As you can see, you can perform this operation yourself. However, whichever countertop connection is used (with or without a plank), it is important to take waterproofing measures. It is impossible for moisture to penetrate between the ends. Otherwise, the life of such a design will be short. By connecting the tabletop with ties according to the rules, you can get a durable and wear-resistant design. The service life can be more than ten years. When connecting the tabletop with a strip one and a half millimeters thick, the aesthetic indicators of the structure deteriorate slightly. But thanks to this bar, the gap is closed, and the structure itself does not bend.
