Expert Advice: Applying Granite Over Polymer Cabinets

6/8/2012 4:41:33 PM

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When installing a granite countertop over polymer cabinets you should always think of safety first and never go beyond the recommended over hangs of the countertop material. There are plenty of ways to install granite countertops on polymer cabinetry. You can use silicone or epoxy. However, you need a spot to apply the fastening material. You can drill a hole in the cabinet stretchers (rails) front and back. Use a large washer, nut and bolt. Then that becomes your fastening point. The size of the countertop is what determines the number of mounting spots needed. The back stretcher should be fastened into the back of cabinet for strength.

The back of polymer cabinets are very important and should be 3/4 thick material throughout. If the polymer cabinets do not have a 3/4 back, stay away from heavy countertop material. Here is a big thing on polymer cabinets. Polymer cabinetry needs to have the load from the countertop on down to the floor. This means everything in the polymer cabinet must have rabbeted and or dado joints, especially the stretchers (rails) and back and bottom. If not they will just buckle inward (squat) from the weight over time.