Countertop Installation ?

[Jarkat2002]

We have decided to turn our breakfast nook into office space. I am planning to install an "L" shaped counter top over some nice wooden file cabinets (that we already own) to create a computer and work area. My in-laws have kindly donated a wonderful like new counter top that already has been mitered. The problem is that one side will be to long (easy to fix) but the other side will be about 21 inches shy of the wall. So. we have 3 options. Forget it all together, and buy new counter top This is the least frugal and the very last option that I would consider. Build a shelf that will fit into the space between the countertop and the wall. This is my second option, but I'm not crazy about this one either. Or the 3, which is really what I want to do but don't know if it's posable. Take the excess countertop that was cut from the other side and attach it to the end of the counter that is to short. There will be enough. I don't know if 1) it's possible or 2) it will look good. Is there something that we can use to fill the line that would make the Formica appear to be all in one piece and the line invisible? I would move it to another wall, but this is the only way we will be able to set up. Any ideas would greatly be appreciated! Thanks! ~Kat

Planet Claire has pink air All the trees are red No one ever dies there No one has a head

[peter]

Since you are going to use this counter for an office rather than a kitchen, your plan is feasible. You will have no water on the counter regularly to leak through the crack.

Several ways to join the two pieces come to mind. Look at the way the mitered corners you have are put together. They probably have a special device whose ends fit in a hole in the bottom side of each piece and pulls the two pieces together as it is tightened. You can get similar hardware and copy this arrangement.

Another possible method is simple to screw a board on the bottom of one counter piece that extends beyond the end. Place the other counter piece on the board and butt it as tightly as you can against the first counter piece. Screw the board to the second counter piece. The board keeps the two pieces even with each other.

You cannot make the seam invisible. It will always show as a seam. You can find a seam sealer specially made for countertops that will somewhat cover the crack.

In short, you cannot make this a showpiece. You can make it functional.

Good luck.

Peter

[Mike Columbo]

Also: use biscuits to keep the countertop flush and inline. and bolts underneath to pull them together. don't forget to glue the joint.

they sell colored silicone for laminate seams to blend it in somewhat.

M.C. "Pleasure in the job put perfection in the work".