1.2cm silestone countertops (white zeus extreme) - IKEA Cabinets-HELP!

5 years ago

last modified: 5 years ago

Hi everyone,

I am installing a modern Italian/German looking kitchen and I want to go with thin countertops (1.2cm approx. 1/2" inch) that you see all over Europe from makers like SieMatic, Scavolini, etc. I am going with Siilestone in White Zeus Extreme with IKEA Sektion matte white base cabinets with the Voxtorp doors which have the "J" channel groove so handles are not necessary. I want to go with 1.2cm on the "L" shape in the picture below and I will use 3cm on the island and waterfall it on the ends.

Fabricators are all nervous to do this job, and now it has me worried. Do I need to reinforce the top of the cabinets or anything? Has anyone ever done this? I don't want to have issues with the countertop cracking. Silestone is quartz, so I know it's a bit stronger.

Here is an image of the kitchen (still under construction).

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Comments (4)

Steve
Original Author
5 years ago
I just had this idea. I could mount 1"x2" (one-by-two's) on the top inside of each base cabinet, then I could screw small sheets of 5/8" inch plywood to each of those and have it flush with the top of the cabinets. This would help reinforce the thin countertop as there wouldn't be open space on the top of the cabinets. Thoughts?
User
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
You need true custom cabinets with integrated fully supportive sub tops, built into it from the beginning. Not those things jacked around. Plus some hidden steel over the DW and openings. Plus a cradle or truss for the sink and anything else normally supported by the countertop. You would have had to design this 4-6 months back in the design phase, with the right KD, and the right cabinet product.

1cm thickness is designed for wall cladding. Not counters. It has very little deflection resistance. Use 2cm. It will look thin enough. Especially compared to the standard 3cm. You’ll have enough issues supporting the 2 cm over the DW and other openings.
Steve thanked User
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PRO
Design Loft Bracebridge
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
I'm with GreenDesigns, use at least 2cm. There's a reason that the fabricators are nervous. If they damage it before getting it down on your cabinetry, they own it. And at that thickness, one misstep & a twist & it could snap. You're asking them to take a risk on what would be considered a substandard thickness for countertop. 1cm is way too thin for countertop.

PS...

From SieMatic.... "... 1 CM LOOK

Its delicate charm is created by the mere 1 cm thickness of the stone surface, combined with an invisible support structure, "

While I'm not familiar with theirs, it reads to me as it may be a substrate adhered to the 1cm material. I may be incorrect. Not a fan of this regardless.
Steve thanked Design Loft Bracebridge
Steve
Original Author
5 years ago
I think you guys talked me out of the 1.2cm and I will just go with 2cm on the "L" shape. Seems very risky to go with the 1.2cm without having cabinets designed to work with the thin countertops.