DIY Network

Best of Both Worlds (2 of 3): Solid Surface Countertop Installed From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-302

	In this week's episode of Kitchen Renovations, host Paul Ryan works with homeowners Steve and Michelle to convert the "before" kitchen you see here ...
	into an updated kitchen that is the best of both worlds ...
	to suit both of their tastes, Steve who likes older styles and Michelle who likes the more modern look.
	In this weeks episode, Steve and Michelle install vinyl flooring that looks like slate, and ...
	a professional installs their new solid countertop.
	Also, in this segment, Steve and Michelle redo their old recycle center to match their new kitchen.

Materials:

For the Underlayment --

Safety glasses
Kneepads
Dust mask
Vacuum
Broom
Tape measure
Underlayment
Jigsaw
1/4" crown pneumatic stapler
Compressor
Hammer
Sander
Taping knife
Nail set
Random orbital sander
50-grit sandpaper
Rubber gloves
Bucket
Portland cement

For Installing the Flooring --

Floor tiles
Feature strips
Pencil
Chalk line
Tape measure
Hairspray
Kneepads
1/16" square-notched trowel
Pressure sensitive adhesive
12" vinyl tile cutter
Utility knife
Pencil propane torch
Floor Stripper
Floor Sealer

For Refinishing the Recycle Center --

Screw gun
Sander
Zipwall
Sanding sponge
Rags
Stain
Brushes
Dust mask
Silicon

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E

1. Steve and Michelle chose solid surface countertops because it is solid all the way through and if you scratch it, you can rub it out. There are many types and they chose a Formica.

2. A fabricator took the measurements for the new countertop so it would be a perfect fit.

3. The counter started out as a sheet of material 1/2" thick, 3' wide and 12' long. The fabricator had to cut, glue, rout and sand his way to the finished product. You do not see any seams at all in the countertop. The only way you can tell it has seams is to look on the back side (figure A).

4. The sink is a separate piece but part of the seaming process. The same gluing, etc. process was used on the sink (figure B). A nice feature about a solid countertop is that without seams, it is easier to clean.

5. The countertop was extremely heavy and required several people to bring it in. After the countertop was set down, the fabricator clamped down a template he had made for the range and then cut it out with a hole saw (figure C).

6. He used a router to cut out the center section (figure D). A vacuum followed the router to catch the dust. Routering solid surface materials creates lots of shavings!

7. The edges were sanded with a 360-grit wet sandpaper.

8. A 100 percent silicone secured the countertop (figure E). Dime sized dollops of silicone hold the backsplash in place.

9. The finishing touch was to use a solid surface polish to clean and treat the new countertop.

For the last segment, Steve and Michelle refinish a recycle center so it will match their new kitchen.

RESOURCES :

Paint (Benjamin Moore)
Where available: Visit the Benjamin Moore Website, link below.
Benjamin Moore Co.
Website: www.benjaminmoore.com

Knight Tile
Brand name: Slate
Model #: T83
Color: Basalt, 12"x12"
Where available: Visit the Karndean International LLC website, link below.

Grout Strips (36")
Brand name: Feature Strip
Model #: 2.0mm thickness
Color: Brown
Where available: Visit the Karndean International LLC website, link below.

Adhesive
Brand name: K91
Model #: Porous and Nonporous Subfloors
Type: Wet Set or Pressure Sensitive
Where available: Visit the Karndean International LLC website, link below.

Clean Start Kit
Where available: Visit the Karndean International LLC website, link below.

Karndean International LLC
Website: www.karndean.com

Countertop
Brand name: Formica Solid Surface
Model #:334
Color: Copper Matrix
Where available: Visit the Formica website, link below.
Formica Corp.
Website: www.formica.com

Single Scroll Knob
Brand name: Atlas
Model #: 102
Color: Craftsman Copper
Where available: Visit the Atlas Homewares website, link below.

"S" Scroll Pull
Brand name: Atlas
Model #:102
Color: Craftsman Copper
Where available: Visit the Atlas Homewares website, link below.

Atlas Homewares
Website: www.atlashomewares.com

GUESTS :

Bob Eckelman
President, Bob's Wood Specialties
Website: www.bobswoodspecialties.com