Having come into a small amount of money unexpectedly, I've decided to spend
it by not going for Iroko worktops, but to do it properly in granite. The
current layout (which would have been fine for the wood) has 3 integrated
appliances in a row, giving a 1.8m span, supported at the back by a
substantial batten. Would granite be fine for this application, or do I need
to rejig the appliances to give only a 1.2m back supported span? I can't
guarantee that the appliances will provide much support, especially if
removed for repair. Rearranging the appliances may be problematic, but if I
have to do it, then it must be done.

Would the thickness of the granite make a difference? Probably going for
30mm, although 20mm is an alternative.

Christian.

With granite is all down to price. The more you pay the better the granite.
Simple.

Across openings such as sink some manufacturers insert stainless steel
reinforcement underneath. Another idea is to double up the granite at the
front edges. Looks good and becomes very strong.

I also think you need go to a specialist granite supplier and talk it
through properly.


"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
. net...
Having come into a small amount of money unexpectedly, I've decided to
spend
it by not going for Iroko worktops, but to do it properly in granite. The
current layout (which would have been fine for the wood) has 3 integrated
appliances in a row, giving a 1.8m span, supported at the back by a
substantial batten. Would granite be fine for this application, or do I
need
to rejig the appliances to give only a 1.2m back supported span? I can't
guarantee that the appliances will provide much support, especially if
removed for repair. Rearranging the appliances may be problematic, but if
I
have to do it, then it must be done.

Would the thickness of the granite make a difference? Probably going for
30mm, although 20mm is an alternative.

Christian.

Across openings such as sink some manufacturers insert stainless steel
reinforcement underneath. Another idea is to double up the granite at the
front edges. Looks good and becomes very strong.

I'm not worried about the Belfast sink cutout. Apparently, the total length
of the worktop is way too large for one piece anyway, so there will be joins
at the Belfast sink. It is just the 1.8m section that will only be supported
on 3 sides that I'm worried about.

I have:

+----+----+----+---+----+---+---+
| WM | TD | DW | +----+ | |
| | | | 1 |SINK| 2 | 3 |
+----+----+----+---+ +---+---+

Support profile:
^ 1.8m ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

WM = washing machine (600mm)
TD = tumble dryer (600mm)
DW = dishwasher (600mm)
1,2,3 = units (500mm)

I could swap 1 and DW without too many plumbing issues. This would leave
another 1.2m gap, as the dishwasher and sink unit wouldn't be load bearing,
as far as the granite is concerned.

+----+----+---+----+----+---+---+
| WM | TD | | DW +----+ | |
| | | 1 | |SINK| 2 | 3 |
+----+----+---+----+ +---+---+

Support profile:
^ 1.2m ^ ^ 1.2m ^ ^ ^

The only other alternative is to move the sink over a unit as well, giving

+----+----+---+----+---+----+---+
| WM | TD | | DW | +----+ |
| | | 1 | | 2 |SINK| 3 |
+----+----+---+----+---+ +---+

Support profile:
^ 1.2m ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

Although this gives the best support profile, this leaves an unbroken 2.8m
length of surface, with only a small 500mm on the end next to the sink, not
enough to put the microwave on. The sink can't move further right or left
and I strongly prefer the lefthand position.

Christian.

Christian McArdle wrote

It is just the 1.8m section that will only be supported
on 3 sides that I'm worried about.

etc

I think this is far too long Christian. I bought a piece of 20mm granite 2m x
300mm for the shelf over the concealed cistern in my Bathroom. I collected it,
put it in the back of my estate supported on 3 cross battens, wrapped it in a
blanket and tied it with a rope. I drove home like I was following a funeral,
but when I got there I found the bl**dy thing in two pieces! I was really
surprised how weak granite is in tension - the strength varies with the type of
granite and the size of the quartz particles apparently.

I would say you need to talk to the suppliers (and get them to deliver it!)

Peter

On Fri, 6 Feb 2004 09:24:04 -0000, "Peter Taylor"
wrote:

Christian McArdle wrote

It is just the 1.8m section that will only be supported
on 3 sides that I'm worried about.

etc

I think this is far too long Christian. I bought a piece of 20mm granite 2m x
300mm for the shelf over the concealed cistern in my Bathroom. I collected it,
put it in the back of my estate supported on 3 cross battens, wrapped it in a
blanket and tied it with a rope. I drove home like I was following a funeral,
but when I got there I found the bl**dy thing in two pieces! I was really
surprised how weak granite is in tension - the strength varies with the type of
granite and the size of the quartz particles apparently.

I would say you need to talk to the suppliers (and get them to deliver it!)

Peter

...... and template for it and install it. Also, apply adequate
Vaseline to shoulders.




..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

I think this is far too long Christian. I bought a piece of 20mm granite
2m x
300mm for the shelf over the concealed cistern in my Bathroom.

Well, I've redone it by inserting a couple of column pillars which I had
bought with the kitchen that I had lying around. So I now have:

++----+----++----+---+----+---+---+
|| WM | TD || DW | +----+ | |
|| | || | 1 |SINK| 2 | 3 |
++----+----++----+---+ +---+---+

Support profile:
^^ 1.2m ^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

The 1.2m section is back supported and may have a little support from the
appliances below. The granite is 30mm thick, rather than 20mm, so should be
a little stronger.

Christian.

P.S. I'm DEFINITELY getting them to template, deliver and install.

The 1.2m section is back supported and may have a little support from the
appliances below. The granite is 30mm thick, rather than 20mm, so should
be
a little stronger.

However, a little birdie has told me that 1.2m may be too much anyway.
Apparently, I must put a 40mm front batten on too. I wonder if I'll get away
with a 30mm plywood flat panel instead. I haven't drilled the holes for the
door hinges yet, so I can probably get away with dropping the appliances
around this much. Any more and I run out of height.

Christian.

On Mon, 9 Feb 2004 09:33:01 -0000, "Christian McArdle"
wrote:

I think this is far too long Christian. I bought a piece of 20mm granite
2m x
300mm for the shelf over the concealed cistern in my Bathroom.

Well, I've redone it by inserting a couple of column pillars which I had
bought with the kitchen that I had lying around. So I now have:

++----+----++----+---+----+---+---+
|| WM | TD || DW | +----+ | |
|| | || | 1 |SINK| 2 | 3 |
++----+----++----+---+ +---+---+

Support profile:
^^ 1.2m ^^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^

The 1.2m section is back supported and may have a little support from the
appliances below. The granite is 30mm thick, rather than 20mm, so should be
a little stronger.

Christian.

P.S. I'm DEFINITELY getting them to template, deliver and install.

Very wise. Point out the spans and the appliances being fitted as
well, and while you're at it, don't forget to apply at least one tub
of Vaseline to each shoulder. :-)


..andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl