*
We are the proces of remodeling out kitchen and I will be building the kitchen cabinets. I have a question about building a formica countertop with wood trim around the edge. I am weighing two ways: The first way, the formica is installed and trimmed flush with the particle board it is laminated to, then a wooden trim is tacked/glued onto the edge. The second way, the trim is attached to the edge of the particle board before the formica is applied, and then the Formica is glued to the top of the particle board and the solid wood edge. A profile is routed along the wood edge which trims the laminate at the same time.
MY QUESTION:
Would there be a problem with water (e.g. in front of kitchen sink) with the first option? Would water seep into this joint and cause water damage to occur over time?
With the second option, water would just run off the edge easier. However, my wife (and myself to a lesser degree) does not like the brown line where the edge of the formica is exposed.
Thanks for your advice.
Bill
Replies
*
Bill-
We have done formica countertops with wood edges like the first way you mentioned in kitchens before. We haven't had any major problems but obviously the oppotunity for water to get in and cause problems exists. It looks nice but requires you to be careful how much water gets spilled on it. If you don't mind the maintenance it's a nice way to finish the edges.
*Not only will water eventually get in that joint, the finish will soon wear off the trim just through the abrasion of things bein' dragged across it. I highly recommend installing the trim first, then cutting the plam and trim at the same time. If you (I should say "if she") really object to that brown line, you could use color core laminate. It is a little bit more brittle, so it breaks easier, but if you're carefull, you won't have any problems. - jb
*What I really meant to say is that the first way is one technique, but not really the best technique. Jim is right, eventually you will have problems with water.
*Way #2 is the only way to go. The brown line is not noticeable, especially if you stain the edging. Be sure you use a small router to route the edge to within an 1 1/2" or so of dead ends. Also method #2 you dont have to worry about a nail peeling up through the formica when nailing on the edging. Course you could go back to the old days and use formica for the edging too.....LOL
*Not only will you eventually have water and finish problems but its almost impossible to get a really tight joint and keep the edge perfectly flush with the laminate in my experience. It leaves a hairline crack for crud to get into. I've done several tops useing your second method, I use a round over or an ogee bit set deep enough to leave a small fillet or square shoulder on the laminate and the edge of the laminate almost dissapears unless you use a really light wood . Plus its a lot easier and faster. Chuck
*
I don't like brown lines either, except when they lay on top
of BROWN WOODGRAIN! Hardly shows at all.
Looks sorta like wood.
Dog
x
*
Bill
Don't nail the edging,it looks seriously lame, and don't have any joints in it except at corners which should be mitred. Glue the edging on with contact cement.In my experience water based contact cement works well.
If you have a long run, and/or no helper rout a spline groove in the counter edge and solid edging and insert an appropriate spline to help register a flush install.
-pm
*
use method #2 and make the tops a little deeper than normal. because the finish will wear off and the wood will discolor. leaving a little extra means you can trim off the worn area and refinish.
*Bill, The above messages all make sense and are good advice, however if you go with method #1 (which I do not reccomend ) Please use an oil based contact glue then screw and plug the edging on as this will hold mutch better long term and if done symetrically looks very attractive.
*
Biscuits!
*
Thanks everyone for your replies and suggestions! You have confirmed my thoughts. I will expect to go with option #2 as I don't think the brown line will be too unsightly in for our choices.
I just needed the confirmation of my thinking. We saw it done the first way on a new house and it was hard to convince my wife that this is not the best option. It helps to have others to confirm.
Bill
*
We are the proces of remodeling out kitchen and I will be building the kitchen cabinets. I have a question about building a formica countertop with wood trim around the edge. I am weighing two ways: The first way, the formica is installed and trimmed flush with the particle board it is laminated to, then a wooden trim is tacked/glued onto the edge. The second way, the trim is attached to the edge of the particle board before the formica is applied, and then the Formica is glued to the top of the particle board and the solid wood edge. A profile is routed along the wood edge which trims the laminate at the same time.
MY QUESTION:
Would there be a problem with water (e.g. in front of kitchen sink) with the first option? Would water seep into this joint and cause water damage to occur over time?
With the second option, water would just run off the edge easier. However, my wife (and myself to a lesser degree) does not like the brown line where the edge of the formica is exposed.
Thanks for your advice.
Bill