Granite worktop span

[Christian McArdle]

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.

[PJO]

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]

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.

[Peter Taylor]

Christian McArdle wrote

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

[Andy Hall]

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

.andy

To email, substitute .nospam with .gl

[Christian McArdle]

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.

[Christian McArdle]

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.

[Andy Hall]

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

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