It is too early to discuss this with my c’top jobber, so I thought I would ask here for some experiences.
Client has chosen a cooktop that has a cutout size of 33 3/4 w x 23 1/4 d. This is to go in a standard depth (25″) stone countertop.
Given the depth requirement of the hole, with only a total of 2 9/16″ total left, front edge and back, we will have a thin slice maybe 1″ width at back, and about 1 1/2″ at front. Can the stone fabricators you work with do this? I know that steel bars are epoxied into plowed-out grooves on the underside to reinforce, but this seems pretty minimal.
Replies
Stinger:
First of all, I don't think your math adds up with the cutout requirements and the countertop depth. In this part of the continent we spec 25 1/2" deep c'tops for a standard 24" deep base cab. If you add up your numbers for the cutout size and how much material you have left it comes up to 25 13/16" in total depth for the top. Is it possible to pull the base cabs maybe 2" to give greater depth to eliminate the concern of a thin rib?
When I have this type of situation with a tight fit of an appliance, I will spec the cutout one of two ways:
1-Push the cooktop back as far as possible and make a "U" shaped cutout with a thin, separate back rib and continuous front rib. I always insist that the front rib recieve a support rod; or 2-fabricate two separate ribs, one for the front and one for the back. In 27 years I have seen too many tops cracked at either the front or back because the top was fabricated and installed as one piece, irregardless of whether or not they epoxied in a support rod. Remember, if stone flexes it will break!
I have no problem with explaining to the homeowners the limitations of natural stone and what can and can not be done with it. Every material has it's limitations.
That's my 2-cents worth. Good luck!
It is not as bad as I thought. The cooktop maker, Dacor, had an error in their "installation guide" paperwork.
The cutout depth is 19 7/8, and we will have, with a 25" countertop depth, a 1-7/8" strip across the front, and 3-1/4" in the back. The stone folks say they do this all the time.
Thanks for your reply.
Your Dacor model will fit? Thats a miracle! I was beginning to think ALL the Dacor appliances were too deep for the ro's
Bad design choice. That is why many cook spaces get the base cab pulled out to make a deeper top. most cooktops I have ever - all of them in fact - done are in peninsulas and islands, not a regular sized run
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