Do I need plywood under quartz countertops?

8 years ago

I just had white shaker cabinets installed, and am now selecting a countertop. I love some of the quartz options that mimick carrera marble, but the granite dealer is insisting that I need a 5/8" plywood over the cabinets for support. the problem is, I don't want the laminated edge look, rather I'm going for the super sleek thin look that is very popular right now. If I add plywood, then I will be forced to use a laminate edge which will build up the appearance of a thick countertop, and I just don't want that look. the quartz is 3/4" thick.

This is my 4th time having a countertop installed (not at this house), but previous houses I did granite, and Everytime they were placed directly over the open cabinet frames. This is the first time I've been told that I HAVE to have the plywood. is this just to force the up sale on the edging, or is this truly a necessity?

Thank you!

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Joseph Corlett, LLC

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

No underlayment is required by any major quartz manufacturer; 2 or 3cm doesn't matter. Your fabricator has "But this is the way we've always done it" syndrome and cannot substantiate his opinion.

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Comments (15)

Beth H. :
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I found a post you might find helpful. Make sure you read ALL of the comments.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2685433/does-2-cm-quartz-countertop-require-plywood-substrate

this post also talks about the overhang:

http://www.city-data.com/forum/home-interior-design-decorating/2259902-quartz-countertop-overhang.html
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Jackie
Original Author
8 years ago
Thanks Beth! I had read that thread, but I wanted to ask about my specific situation. The person who asked the question went with plywood after all, so I wanted to make sure :) Thanks again for sending the link!

Joseph, thank you for the feedback. I have been suspecting that this is one of those "that's how we always have done it" situations. I'm seeing the very thin countertops everywhere so surely there is a way! Thanks again for your response!
PRO
Stoneshop
8 years ago
While we do not install a ton of 2cm countertops (that's not as much of a trend in our Philadelphia metro area), every time that we have we install the quartz directly onto the cabinetry--NO plywood is needed. As long as the quartz is good quality from a reputable manufacturer, you should be fine.
PRO
JAN MOYER
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Get a different fabricator. Unless you live in the deep woods........there are probably three in your town : ) From the sound of this guy, his templates and seaming may not be up to snuff either. You ALSO want to be sure, especially if you are looking for a boldly veined quartz, that you will like seaming on the perimeter of your kitchen. This is especially true if you have a corner turn.

You want the guy who uses a laser template method, and can SHOW you where seams will be located if any. Don''t sign a thing........until you have approved a drawing and all other details specified. Or you will be baaaaaaaack. here. Physically go and inspect your slab/s too. : )
Jackie
Original Author
8 years ago
Stoneshop, thanks so much for confirming regarding the plywood! It's so great to have so many professionals give input.

Jan, thanks for the amazing tips and advice! Yes, I'm pursuing other fabricators now that I'm more confident that this place isn't up to snuff. I'm confused as to what you meant about the seams on the perimeter. I'm trying very hard to do a seamless counter, but if I should need one, it would be in an L-shaped section. Where do you suggest that seam be (I was thinking of having a 45 right in the corner)? Thanks for your help!
gtcircus
8 years ago
When they did my overhang on my island, I used Sea Pearl Quartzite.but the had to install a steal support. No issues with seeing anything. I don't remember them using plywood.
PRO
JAN MOYER
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Man made veining can not be matched in a corner . Only a book matched slab from mother earth allows that. any disparity will be much more noticeable in bold patterns than in finer more scattered pattern. This is why these bolder varieties are shown in ads that feature large unbroken islands. : ) and no seams.

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/quartz-countertop-seam-dsvw-vd~4684188[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/quartz-countertop-seam-dsvw-vd~4684188)
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
If your quartz is 3/4 thick with somekind of rolled or applied self-edge then the fabricator will need 5/8 plywood under it. If its the thicker 3cm (1-1/4 thick), no plywood is needed. Sounds to me like you need a plywood underlayment
Ruth Lloren
8 years ago
Great info! Thank you!
PRO
Quartz - Stone Care, Cleaning & Repair Experts
8 years ago
Jackie You do not need the reinforcement. Also any good fabricator can pattern match any quartz or stone product unlike what Jan is saying

It will require more stone and hence more cost.
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JAN MOYER
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
"Require more stone,............indeed" Most folks do not PLAN on that "little" issue. Which can mean an entire slab.

That said, a fabricator who will seam at the sink, ( situations where a L turn is on that wall) and some will, and some will NOT, can often avoid the issue entirely.....providing a visual break point for strong veining and no need for a perfect "match" at all.
PRO
Quartz - Stone Care, Cleaning & Repair Experts
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
No different to wallpapering, if you go for a pattern you need to pattern match. I am sure most people plan to use more wallpaper? which would mean an entire extra roll
Vicente
7 years ago
Help, my farm sink sticks out 1” above the cabinets. Countertops guy said It need to be 5/8” Cabinet guy does not install sink countertops guy said they will not install sink. Should I get a different sink or fabricator? Can 1” plywood be used instead of 5/8”?
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
7 years ago
Sorry Vicente, I don't know what "my farm sink sticks out 1" above the cabinets" means.