Kitchen Cabinet Countertops With the log cabin's kitchen base cabinets and bathroom cabinets in place, preparations begin for installing the countertops.
- The first step in fabricating a countertop is to make a pattern with strips of thin plywood placed along the outside edges of each of the base cabinets (figure A). The cabinet crew carefully glues and screws the strips together to form a precise template. Each section is then labeled, and the temporary screws holding the strips to the cabinets are removed. The cabinet crew then takes the template to their workshop to fashion the countertops in the selected finish, using the wood pattern as a template.
- Back from their workshop, the installers put the first section -- the long section that will contain the kitchen sink -- in position (figure B). They then do the same for the second and third sections (figure C).
- The installers use a carpenter's square -- and the actual sink that will be installed later -- to determine and mark the precise location of the opening they'll need to cut for the sink (figure D).
- Once they've marked the opening, they drill holes in the corners of the marked template and cut out the opening for the sink using a saber saw. To prevent the cut portion from falling through the opening, they attach two pieces of scrap wood at the edges of the cutout. Once their cut is complete, they carefully lift out the cut portion (figure E).
- With the cutout removed, they check the fit of the sink (figure F).
- The countertop sections are joined at the seams using wood glue, wooden biscuits and a biscuit jointer. Slots are cut in the edges of the counter sections using the biscuit jointer, and the wooden biscuits are glued in place. To make certain they are seated securely in their slots, the biscuits are carefully tapped into place with a rubber mallet. The first joint is completed by applying glue to corresponding slots in the adjoining section of counter, carefully aligning the two sections and pressing them firmly together (figure G).
- Special slots precut in the underneath surface of the counter section allow the installers to pull the adjoining pieces together with bolts as well (figure H).
- The process is repeated to form the second joint, completing the counter surface.
- With the main pieces of the counter in place, the installers apply a bead of adhesive along the backside of the sink section, then press and tap a backsplash strip in place. Strips of scrap wood running from the ceiling to the backsplash apply pressure to hold the strip snug while the adhesive dries (figure I).
Bathroom Vanity - Similar steps are used to install the bathroom vanity countertop, although the process is somewhat simpler since there is only on counter section involved.
- Once measurements are taken and the holes for the two vanity sinks have been cut in the countertop, the countertop is set in place and attached to the base with a series of screws.
- A bead of adhesive is applied to the back and the side of the countertop to secure the wraparound backsplash. The sections of backsplash are pressed into place and held secure by several strips of scrap wood while the adhesive dries (figure J ).
The next phase in the cabin-interior project will include installing wood trim around windows and concealing rough edges with decorative trim pieces.
RESOURCES :
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Log Home Repair and Restoration Services
Website: www.loghomerepair.com
The Complete Guide to Building Log Homes
ISBN: 0806974869
Author: Monte Burch, Richard J. Meyer, Lloyd P. Birmingham
Sterling Publishing Co. Inc.
Website: www.sterlingpub.com
Small Log Homes: Storybook Plans and Advice
ISBN: 1586850431
Author: Robbin Obomsawin
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Inside Log Homes: The Art & Spirit of Home Planning and Decor
Model: 087905963X
Author: Cindy Teipner Thiede, et al
Gibbs Smith Publishing
Website: www.gibbs-smith.com
Special thanks for DIY's Log Cabin Interiors workshop
Formica Corp.
10155 Reading Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45241
Toll-free: 800-FORMICA (800-367-6422)
Fax: 513-786-3024
Website: www.formica.com
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