DIY Network

• Another decision to be made is the type of edge to go around the countertops. The couple get to walk through the plant (figure C) to look for the exact piece they desire.

• Since the stone can only be cut once -- and it must be correct -- a template maker creates an "exact" copy of the countertop in wood. Even the sink and faucet were given to the template maker in order for him to take back to the plant to make the exact cuts for the holes.

• On the template an overhang of approximately 12" was created (figure D) for the island countertop. This meant that supports would be needed underneath the structure.

• At the workshop a stone cutter shapes the slab of granite using a laser (figure E) to guide the saw blade around the template. The laser can get the cutter to within 1/8" and then he has to use the saw blade for the exact cut.

• Next, the holes for the sink and faucet are cut out, and then another craftsman finishes the countertop with custom handwork that includes the edging.

• The countertop is then polished and polished until it shines!

• About the same time the island countertop was being cut, the installers arrived with the Corian® countertops that will be fitted around the sink and faucet. A template was also created for these countertops.

• The installation went off without a hitch, and the gap between the two pieces of countertop (figure F) disappears after an epoxy that makes the joint invisible is applied. When the clamps come off the top is sanded smooth with nary a trace of gap detected!

• When the granite countertop of the island arrives, so does a problem -- the installers have to figure out how to fit a round sink into a square hole?

  Result: A router, reciprocating saw and a hammer and chisel are used to create a round hole for the sink (figure G).

• Then the heavy granite countertop is muscled upon the island for its fitting. Thanks to all the planning everything aligns (figure H) perfectly.

For more information on countertops, simply do a search at the top of this DIY article page and you'll have several projects to peruse.

In our last segment the finishing touches are added to our homeowners' dream kitchen.

RESOURCES :

Cabinets
Manor House Kitchens
Website: www.manorhousekitchens.com

Lighting
Sterling Lite, Inc.
Website: www.sterlinglite.com

Tile (Best Tile, Inc.)
Best Tile Distributors, Inc.
Website: www.besttile.com

Molyneaux Tile and Carpet
Website: www.beautifulfloors.com

Faucets
Kohler Co.
Website: www.us.kohler.com

Sinks and Fixtures (Nicklas Supply, Inc. / Splash)
Nicklas Supply, Inc./Splash
Website: www.wit-co.com
or www.nicklassupply.com

Builder
Hendolhurst Homes
955 Markman Park Rd.
Baden, PA 15005
Phone: 724-935-5658
Fax: 724-935-0884
E-mail: buildm@zoominternet.net

GUESTS :

Brad and Lynn Oberg
Homeowners
Company: IBACOS (Brad)
Title: Co-Founder/Chief Technology Officer
Website: www.ibacos.com

Henry (Hank) Swierczynski
President
Hendolhurst Homes
955 Markman Park Rd.
Baden, PA 15005
Phone: 724-935-5658
Fax: 724-935-0884
E-mail: buildm@zoominternet.net

Greg Allen
Site Supervisor
Hendolhurst Homes
955 Markman Park Rd.
Baden, PA 15005
Phone: 724-935-5658
Fax: 724-935-0884
E-mail: gcrbs@adelphia.net

Allen Kline
Senior Kitchen Designer
Manor House Kitchens
See contact information above under Resources

Todd Kline
Installer
Manor House Kitchens

Ryan Wigfield
Template Maker
BC Stone, Inc.
376 Industrial Blvd.
Everett, PA 15537
Phone: 814-652-2397
Fax: 814-652-9235
Website: www.bcstone.com

Glenn Cogan
Stone Craftsman
BC Stone, Inc.
See contact information, above

Eileen Barron
Artist
Phone: 724-443-4209