Someone suggested to me that the construction quality of the cabinets sold by IKEA are not up to the structural requirements necessary to support stone or countertops. That is their side walls not being able to handle it without flexing. Anyone have experience or even an opinion on this? I may have to take another look at their product due to budget concerns.
Thanks
Replies
Granite weighs about 170 pounds per cubic foot, so one square foot of 2 cm. (nominal 3/4") weighs less than 12 pounds. Would you be comfortable sitting or standing on the Ikea cabinet? If so, the the weight of the granite is not even an issue. If not, maybe you should think about another cabinet regardless of what counter you end up putting on it. I wouldn't own a cabinet that wouldn't hold my weight.
There's been a lot of discussion on this topic over on ThatHomeSite's Kitchen forum (http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/kitchbath/ ), and the consensus is that the cabinets can take it. Several people there have soapstone or granite installed on their Ikea cabs, and have had very good results.
Check the specs on the cabinets. I couldn't find the threads that referenced it, but the cabs could take something like 200+ pounds/square inch of weight. And, don't forget, Ikea tests the $*#& out of their cabinets to make sure they'll hold up.
Leigh
I have 2 inch concrete counters over my IKEA cabs. They are fine. If the cabs are put together well and placed level, I think they are strong as can be. I also assembeled mine with melamine and wood glue for added factor.