If anyone can help me, please do.
I have a client where I am replacing their entire kitchen countertops with new countertops as part of a kitchen makeover. In this makeover they’re getting a new look by choosing a new laminate material. Their existing countertops are 24″ deep with a rounded edge and the top of the edge has a little “knub” on it to contain any spills. I am able to order the new countertops with this “knub” feature with the new laminate they’ve chosen. This is not where the problem is. Just some background.
The problem is that part of this makeover is I”m removing a wall and putting in a small “island upon which a matching countertop is to be mounted. This “island” abuts a vertical wall, so the countertop will be exposed on all 4 sides. The customer settled on an 18″ x 62″ pattern, which I am able to get in a matching style (with the knub on each long edge of the top) and matching laminate.
But, they called today, and said they thought more about it. They don’t want an 18″ wide top now, they want one that is 22″ or 23″. Well guess what, my countertop supplier in the area says I can only get 18″ or 26″ in that style, neither of which they want. 26″ is just too wide, 18″ is too narrrow. Sigh. so what to do.
Is there any other special custom countertop makers that might make this for me in that style? I’m told I CAN get 22″ wide if I get a square corner edge or a beveled edge, but that wouldn’t match the rest of the countertops I’m replacing. The customer will settle for the square edge or beveled edge on all the other countertops as a last resort if it’s the only way they can get the 22″ wide top for the bartop. But I’d like to be able to give them what they really want if at all possible.
Edited 8/17/2005 9:57 pm ET by WillieWonka
Replies
I think that little bump is tacky ... but it's not my house. What about a ceramic tile top ... you can get cap tiles with that same bump, and make the top any size they want.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
There are shops that will do custom postform, you choose the lam and the shape and the dimension. Be prepare to pay though. I am sure if you are close to a big city you should be able to find one of these shops.
Agree with the above poster, it's much better to do a square edge or better still one of those European edges.
Go to the laminate supplier's website (Wilson, Arborite, et al all have websites) and check for a fabricators list. If there isn't one, then send them an email or exercise their 1-800 number and ask them who to call close to you.
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
Go to the laminate supplier's website (Wilson, Arborite, et al all have websites) and check for a fabricators list.
Good idea, in fact the laminate the customer chose happens to be from Wilsonart, too. If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
One of those new textured stone laminates ? They look really good and don't show scratches. That comes in over-sized sheets, so the only problem is finding someone who fabricates over custom forming..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
I struck out with Wilsonart, they said they don't carry a list of counter manufacturers, only those who order their laminates and that they don't know who does what with their laminates to tell me of anyone that might do custom heating/bending of it. I did find a place that will make the countertop shell for me with the knub but they don't laminate. Tried finding someone to do the laminating. Struck out every turn. Like is this a lost art? The HO says he used to work with construction guys that cut custom tops and glued on the laminate, trimmed it, etc, all the time and doesn't know why I can't find someone to make the counter to his specifications. Really is irking me, I want to give them what they want, I pride myself in that. and yet I'm feeling embarassed because initially when he threw the curve ball I said it shouldn't be a problem giving him what he wants. Eating crow <g>If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Bummer ! The only think I can suggest is to try a couple of the other laminate suppliers (my counter guy carries about 4 lines, so it's likely that an Arborite fabricator also fabs Wilsonart.PS, do you have online Yellow-Pages in your part of the country ? Or maybe some other look-up by product online facility (I use Canada411)..
Phill Giles
The Unionville Woodwright
Unionville, Ontario
It's not a lost art......there should be post-formers around who can do a custom job almost anywhere. What you're looking for is not difficult......their bread and butter is the standard kitchen top/vanity top/bar top sizes, but they should be able to handle an odd size for an upcharge.
When you're looking around, are you looking for people that advertise as post-formers? Alternatively, suggest you try looking one tier down from Wilsonart.....they will be dealing mostly with regional distributors who place large orders.....it's the local distributors who will know who does post-forming near you. These guys will be in the phone book under suppliers to the cabinet/millwork trade......they may also sell plywood and lumber, or they may also sell tools and supplies.Cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
In my experience, only large postforming companies like Hartson-Kennedy and VTI could produce a blank that was consistently dimensional. The guys with 'the postform machine in the backroom' are not going to make a countertop of the same quality. If you want to make sure everything matches, then you'll be buying all the blanks from the small shop. I would be concerned about everything lining up in the miters (if there are any) and future delamination or hollow spots under the laminate.Postform countertops, IMO, are for rental units, DIYers and budget housing. If you're gonna go laminate, I would stick with self-edge or a bevel edge top.jocobe
Edited 8/19/2005 8:30 am ET by jocobe
Sounds like an easy order for a Corian fabricator