What can one do when the side of the countertop does not fit flush to the wall. It turns out the side wall is not square to the back wall. I have cut into the wall and shift everything over. I have install molding. I have caulk. I also have done nothing. The countertop is Formica with a backsplash. I wouldn’t want to attempt cutting the countertop. Lets say widest point in the gap is about 3/16 inch.
btw, has anyone fixed/squared the wall first.
I would like to hear what other people have done
Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
It turns out the side wall is not square to the back wall.
When do they ever square up to each other?
If you are going to tile the backsplash you have more room to play around. Otherwise it's a combination of scribing the formica backsplash and/or floating mud. If it's really out of square you may have to adjust the miter.
In most cases it's infertile to square the walls.
Just my 2 cents.
I scribe the couter top to the wall. 3/16ths is to much gap.
You can float out the wall to the counter top but thats a lot more work scribing.
Doug
You doing a backsplash?
Also...you from another country? Just curious : )
View Image
I just read all the reply's. thanks. I'll reply to this one, because I'm curious why you ask if I am from another country. If you are asking where I was born, then the answer is yes.
But, this is what I really want to say. I'm sorry my question was not clear. When I say backsplash I mean the part of the countertop that goes vertical about 4 inches along the "back of the countertop" up the back wall. It seems like everybody thought I was saying there is a backsplash along the side also. Well, most times I call that a side splash. Sorry about the confusion. Hummm, may it's because I'm from another country.
It's interesting to see that some people would scribe it. That's to much of a challenge for me.
I was just curious because I know some people from other countries that sort of write as you do. No offense at all.
I've been known to cut out a section of wall to get my "stone" counters in an additional 1/2" if necessary. A whole lot easier than cutting the stone. I've even gonea s far as notching the studs behind the wallboard.
a...
View Image
O, OK no problem. And thanks for your reply. Well, I just finished the kitchen today. I caulked the gap. I'll call them back in a month or so to see how "everything" is.
thanks
Is the backsplash a postformed backsplash or does it just sit on top of the counter?
If it is onepart with the counter at the back - scribe it
If the backsplash is on the side it usually is separate from the counter; in this case remove the backsplash and re-attatch it without gap
I have seen matching sidesplashes that cover such a gap quick fix. I'd scribe the countertop if that 3/16 is screwing something else up down the line. Ex. stove won't fit or to tight. But make sure moving the countertop over that little bit won't expose the top of the last cabinet in line. If it will sidesplash it if possible.
scribing a countertop to awall about 3/16 is easy, the scribing section of the backsplash is about 5/8 or up to 3/4
just remember that scribing well efectively shorten the top if there is a mitre, so go carefully
ps a belt sander with 36 grit belt is great tool for scribing
Edited 2/8/2006 9:26 pm ET by steve