Head Technical Trainer

The Size Surfaces North America

Hello Markus,

I would first like to extend my deepest thank you for first showing your interest in our unique product and also for opening a forum to discuss best practices for Neolith as it has been highly requested by many fabricators and consumers alike to gain a better understanding, Hence a better product knowledge to the forefront. We at TheSize understand the importance in educating the consumer, end user and installation professionals to the uniqueness of the product.

As you are aware Neolith is growing leaps and bounds in the design and building community due to its unique physical look offering the ultimate combination of functionality and beauty for interiors, exteriors and furnishings. This in turn has created a huge demand in both residential and commercial type applications. Because of this and due to its relative newness to both U.S markets and abroad there are many misconceptions both in the applications and uses as well as lack of understanding for proper fabrication/installation. So this type of open discussion is one of many ways to help further propagate product knowledge for Neolith and all Sintered Stones alike.

So as to better answer the questions posted by you let’s take a look point by point and see if I can answer these to your satisfaction. If I’m correct to assume there are 4 areas of clarification from your end that you seek advice in.

1-First is the one pertaining to your cabinet countertops made with Neolith and whether the 1/8” round Eased edge profile would help minimize damage from impact.

A- You’ve done your homework!!!! This is absolutely correct the larger the radius on the edge the better Neolith will perform as it would distribute whatever impact to a larger area of mass reducing risk of chipping on the edge as stated in our 2017 U.S fabrication manual page 42.

This 1/8” round over eased edge detail gives you the best aesthetic to performance ratio as compared to larger or even slightly eased edges. So I’d go 1/8” eased.

As to your decorative wood edging for additional support it’s a nice touch to the design and will create an extra layer of support on the edge , but I’d take into account that you don’t want to have these spread to far apart as this creates large voids between material ,but if this is the route you seek it must be supported or applied on the fronts and backs of cabinets stiles and on all areas of partitions (End-panels) for a solid support underneath .Neolith performs better if it is supported with a solid base as illustrated in our 2017 U.S. manual page 40. If further clarification on this particular matter please advise.

2-The backsplash is relatively a non issue,but our recommendation for installation practices as a manufacturer would be dependant on size of panels. The larger the panels in size the closer to a direct bond via Modified thinsets designed for large format gauged porcelain tile panels/slabs. Like,but not limited to an Ardex X77 applying to wall and backbuttering the backsplash and installing.

3- Whether Neolith is safe to veneer to the sliding door proposing to use either aluminum and or MDF as a sub and if some sort of frame is a necessity.

A - It is safe to do so as long as designed properly for the application at hand. Meaning if sliding doors are used the Neolith edges shouldn’t be exposed to having friction or bumping to adjacent objects. Similar to a sliding glass door concept just because glass chips or can chip doesn’t mean it can’t be used .It is and it is used frequently more so than other products due to it’s durability and functionality .As to whether Aluminum or MDF could be used , both can be used just proper adhesion to substrates would be necessary taken into account how functional they are to be. Pictured you’ll see an image of a highly functional cabinet front and doors used on a daily basis that is adhered.

4- Can Neolith Be used in your Kitchen Island with 12” Overhang and are mitering the edges creating more succeptability to chipping ?

A - Neolith can be used in your kitchen Island with a 12” overhang and has been used in many occasion with this application in mind . Even though it’s hard to believe ½” thick Neolith has similar physical attributes as most 3CM granites.

Take a look at this image:

Similar application as to what your seeking .

The key is properly supporting Neolith on the overhang portion so that the material isn’t exposed to undo stresses of flexing. On our ½” thick Neolith proper support past 6’’ would be supports via corbels cantilever Brackets and or a solid framed metal support as you suggested so your idea of creating a support frame is truly ideal . I would highly recommend a Certified fabricator and installer as they should know how to achieve this. If we look at your final point referring to the mitered edge succeptable to chipping as we referred to in the first point we spoke of the eased edge 1/8” would help achieve a reduction in the cases of edges being succeptable to these impacts. Neolith if fabricated and installed properly will perform better than most available surfaces today ,but as all new products education is key not only to the homeowner ,but as well the fabricator and contractor too. I hope I was thorough and able to help you inch a little closer to chosing Neolith and in so achieving your dream kitchen as that is our goal as well.

Please keep us informed of your decision.

Regards.