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WILSONART - TOP TEN WORKTOP ADVICE
ARE YOUR COMPACT INSTALLATION TECHNIQUES UP TO DATE?
Wilsonart shares its top ten tips for working and fitting compact laminate worktops
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Wilsonart’s Zenith surfaces have recently launched into merchant distribution with a brand-new range of twenty designs that look and feel like stone and marble, but are much easier to source, move, cut and fit, since Zenith surfaces are made of compact laminate.
Compact laminates are fast becoming top of the list for residential projects thanks to superior benefits that cannot be matched by real materials, including durability, waterproofing and tough performance. The Zenith range takes things one step further with a unique life-long antibacterial protection that comes as standard with every product.
To ensure that installers are ready to cater to this growing demand for compact laminates and are equipped with the knowhow to carry out installation with confidence and ease, Wilsonart’s expert fitter and head trainer Paul Graham has shared ten tips for working safely and efficiently with Zenith compact laminate surfaces, to guarantee great results every time.
Read the Installation Guide from cover to cover Every Zenith worksurface comes with an installation guide, and there’s a whole series of guidance videos available online. We highly recommend reading the guide cover to cover, or watching all the videos (or both!) before every installation. That way our experts’ best practice advice will be fresh in your mind for every fit.
Plan Carefully, considering joint, cut out and sink positioning When you’re fitting a kitchen, we know you’re working to a plan. Remember to factor in a two-person lift for every Zenith surface and flat storage in a well ventilated, dry, enclosed area. Before the fit, plan out the positioning of joints to ensure no intersection of hob or sink cut outs, and account for appropriate proximity to heat generating appliances, such as an Aga.
Always use the correct PPE Cutting into Zenith throws dense dust into the air so we recommend that you cut outside wherever possible, and the whole team uses the correct PPE including an extraction unit, face mask, goggles and gloves to keep safe while cutting and sanding.
Measure twice, cut once As with all installations, measure twice and cut once for every cut. You don’t need to worry about marking out measurements with a pencil on Zenith surfaces. For darker decors, we recommend using masking tape to show up pencil marks.
Always use new sharp blades We recommend using good quality machinery fitted with a new, sharp blade for every Zenith surface, and allowing the tool to reach full speed before you begin. This makes it much easier to cut accurately, and create a smooth, professional finish at the end.
Always cut the material face down Zenith surfaces are double sided, so there’s a decorative finish on both sides. We recommend deciding which face will be the “top” and working with the material face down for applying measurements, and ultimately cutting to size into the face of the top, not out. Plunge in several increments of 3-4mm to cut cleanly through the Zenith surface Zenith is a compact laminate with a solid thickness of 12.5mm. Trying to cut through the full thickness of the material in one go can be difficult and is sure to blunt blades and overwork machinery. Instead, best practice is always to plunge into the surface of the material 3 or 4 times, cutting down only a few millimetres at a time. Taking it slow and steady at the cutting stage will save time and effort throughout the overall installation.
Easily refinish edges after cutting As a solid compact laminate, Zenith will never need edging strips, no matter where you cut. However, cut edges can be refinished easily using a 240 grit sanding block to lightly soften the edge; or shaped with a router to create a pencil round radius.
Create a designer finish with integrated drainer grooves Since it’s solid all the way through with a consistent coloured core, Zenith surfaces are ideal for use with undermount and Belfast style sinks. Finish off the designer look with bespoke drainer grooves – starting at the furthest point from the sink, use a hand router and jig to plunge up to 4mm into the surface, then hand sand to finish. If fitting an undermount sink, remember to position sink inserts between drainer grooves.
SIGN UP FOR FREE INSTALLATION TRAINING
For expert installation guidance from the team that developed Zenith, sign up to the Wilsonart Installer Network and be first to join upcoming training sessions. It’s free to join, and everyone is invited – installers, designers and salespeople are all encouraged to attend. Find out more at www.wilsonart.co.uk/wilsonart-installer-network or email customerservices@wilsonart.co.uk.
