Installation

General Installation

• Quartz is not recommended for exterior applications, most warranties do not cover exterior applications
• Cabinet tops should be level and true within 1/8 inch of a flat surface
• Use a flexible adhesive to adhere quartz to the support. Running a bead of silicone around the perimeter of the stone and the adjoining material will yield better results
• Only use flexible adhesive to fasten for to wood, steel, ceramic, tile, etc. – do not use to adhere to other products
• Apply quartz backsplashes using flexible adhesive
• Do not install over old countertops

Installation Support

• Outside perimeter (max length = 118”) support is adequate for countertops supported on four sides with depths less than 26”
• For quartz countertops supported on four sides with depths greater than 26”, in addition to the outside perimeter support, every 36” additional front and back underside support is needed
• Countertops supported on 3 sides (i.e., dishwasher design restriction), a substrate is required. For 2 cm thick slabs that are less than 26”, a 2” x 4” substrate is required at widths greater than 24”.  For 3 cm thick slabs less than 26” deep, a 2” x 4” substrate is require at widths greater that 36”
• For cabinets that overhang the support structure, like cabinets, additional support may be needed.  Evenly spaced corbels at 36” or less are recommended for 2 cm quartz countertops hanging 12”-18” over cabinets as well as 3 cm overhanging 15”-24”.  For 2cm countertops hanging more than 18”, or 3 cm countertops that overhang the cabinet greater than 24”, a solid substrate and support leg(s) or columns are suggested.
• Both 2 cm and 3 cm thick countertops may require half wall overhangs for service bars.  Half wall overhangs less than 1/3 the depth of the top do not need any additional support.  Corbels are necessary to support all other half wall overhangs at ¾ of the total overhang depth  with a maximum spacing of 36”, and must be places at wall studs or bearing structure.
• Acceptable support materials include: ¾” plywood, structural steel, and 2”x6” materials.  Particle board is not acceptable for support.

Cut-out Requirements

• All quartz countertop cutouts require radius corners, with the exception of square corners at install site on cook top and drop-in sink bowl applications if needed.
• A flexible adhesive should be used for electrical cutouts in backsplashes, applied on the entire perimeter of the cutout to lock the backsplash to the wall.
• Quartz countertops should be designed to provide 1/8” gap to allow for additional clearance at sides between appliance/sink and top opening, also making it possible for expansion.
• Using fastening clips, under mount sinks must be secured to the underside of the quartz countertop.  Only using an adhesive for sink support is verboten.  Sink support cradles attached to the perimeter of walls or cabinets is okay.

Seam Requirements

• All field seams should be connected with a two-part epoxy
• Field seams must be completely supported, as well as any seam extending into the overhang.

Manufacturing Requirements

• Before manufacturing, the manufacturer must check the sheet for defects
• The manufacturer should check the color match on sheets to be used on the same job before manufacturing
• Using the appropriate tools for cutting to size, shape, and polish
• Lamination seams should be joined with 2-part polyester, epoxy or acrylic adhesives.

Definition of terms and Measurments

• Manufacturer :  a company that fabricates quartz or converts quartz slabs into finished goods
• Common Metric Measurements into SAE Units
• 1.5 mm = 1 1/16 inch, 3 mm = 1/8 inch, 6mm = 1/4 inch, 12 mm = 1/2 inch, 2 cm = 3/4 inch, 3 cm = 1 1/8 inch