Stretta 160066 Laminate Countertop Installation Guide
- June 13, 2024
- stretta
Table of Contents
Stretta 160066 Laminate Countertop
Product Information
The Stretta Countertop is a countertop installation system that offers a patented installation process for fast and easy installation. It comes with an installation kit that is required for Londoner A/B countertop applications. The kit includes 4 Wood Biscuits, 1 Adhesive, 3 Screws, and 1 Screw Bit. The countertop also supports optional backsplash installation.
Tools Required
- Measuring Tape
- Masking Tape
- Pencil
- 180 Grit Sandpaper
- Utility Scissors
- Cotton Cloth
- Fine Wood File
- Wood Screws
- Silicone Sealant & Gun
- Jigsaw with Laminate Cutting Blade
- Circular Saw
- Optional Backsplash Installation Tools : Cotton Cloth, Drill, Wood Bits, Screws & Gun, Silicone Sealant
- Safety Equipment : Safety Glasses, Dust Mask, Ear Protection
Product Usage Instructions
Step 1 – Test Fit
Place the Stretta Countertop in position and use masking tape to mark the
top of the countertop.
Step 2 – Connecting the Londoners
- For a corner installation, install 4 biscuits into one side of the countertop.
- Apply a generous amount of color-matched adhesive to both sides of the Londoner joint and the biscuits.
- Join the countertops together, allowing the excess glue to squeeze out.
- Let the glue cure for five minutes and then remove the excess with warm water and a cotton cloth.
Step 3 – Secure to Cabinetry
- Slide the countertops slightly away from the wall to access the pockets on the underside of the countertop.
- Using the specialty screw bit included in the Stretta Installation Kit, drive three specialty screws into the pockets.
- Attach the countertop to the cabinets by driving screws through the cabinet corner mounting brackets into the countertop.
- If the countertop overhangs the cabinet by less than 8 inches, additional support is not needed. For overhangs more than 8 inches, use support brackets or corbels every 24 inches.
- Ensure not to use screws that exceed the combined thickness of the corner mounting bracket and countertop to avoid surface penetration.
For any further assistance or inquiries, please contact Stretta Countertops customer service at 888-287-8356 or [email protected]. More information can also be found on their website: vtindustries.com.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
- CAUTION: Stretta should be lifted by two people to avoid injury or damage during installation.
- For Indoor Installation Only
- Store your countertop upright in a dry, climate-controlled environment free from excessive humidity.
- Allow your countertop to acclimate for { x } hours prior to installation.
- Backsplash installation is optional and, in some instances, the backsplash must be purchased separately.
- To finish the ends of your countertop a Stretta endcap kit is required and, in some instances, must be purchased separately.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION DURING INSTALLATION
- Wear safety equipment during the installation process.
- The Stretta Installation kit is only necessary to join the Londoner A and B countertops.
- Backsplash installation is optional.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION AFTER INSTALLATION
- For everyday cleaning use a clean, damp, non-abrasive cloth with a mild detergent or household cleaner.
- To remove stuck-on residue, scrub with a nylon-bristled brush.
- Do not use cleaners containing acid, alkali, or bleach.
- Do not place hot items directly on your Stretta countertop.
- Do not allow liquids to pool on the surface of your Stretta countertop.
- Do not use your Stretta countertop as a cutting board or slide abrasive items across your Stretta countertop.
INSTALLATION KIT CONTAINS
Note: Installation kit only required for Londoner A/B countertop applications.
TOOLS REQUIRED
OPTIONAL BACKSPLASH INSTALLATION TOOLS
SAFETY
STEP 1 – TEST FIT
Place Stretta countertop(s) on installed base cabinetry to test fit the tops
and to determine if you need to modify the length of the countertop(s).
Standard overhang for exposed ends is ½” (Figure 1-1) while those that meet a
wall or appliance have no overhang and fit flush. Prior to cutting the
countertop to length, apply masking tape to the cut line to ensure a smooth
cut. Also, make sure the teeth of the saw enter the top surface of the
countertop. (Figure 1-2)
Note: The following instructions are for a corner installation to join
the Londoner A and B. If you do not have a corner installation, continue to
Step 3.
Before installing, test fit the Londoner® joint (Figure 1-3) to make sure it
comes together tightly. If necessary, sand with 180 grit sandpaper to remove
any rough or irregular areas of the substrate.
STEP 2 – CONNECTING THE LONDONERS
Install 4 biscuits into one side of the countertop. (Figure 2-1) Apply a
generous amount of color-matched adhesive to both sides of the Londoner joint
and the biscuits, so that when the countertops are joined together, the excess
glue
is squeezed out. Pull countertops together. (Figure 2-2) Allow the glue to cure for five minutes prior to removing the excess with warm water and a cotton cloth.
STEP 3 – SECURE TO CABINETRY
Slide the countertops away from the wall slightly to access the pockets on
the underside of the countertop. Drive the three specialty screws into the
pockets using the specialty screw bit included in the Stretta Installation
Kit. Two screw pockets are located on the bottom side of the countertop
(Figure 3-1) and one is located on the back side of the countertop. (Figure
3-2)
- You can now attach your countertop to the cabinets by driving screws (not included) through the cabinet corner mounting brackets into the countertop. (Figure 3-3)
- If the countertop overhangs the cabinet by less than 8 inches additional support is not needed. For an overhang more than 8 inches, support brackets or corbels will be required every 24 inches. (Figure 3-4)cv
- CAUTION: Do not use screws that exceed the combined thickness of the corner mounting bracket and the thickness of the Stretta countertop, otherwise you risk surface penetration. (Figure 3-5)
- STEP 4 – DROP-IN SINK INSTALLATION
- Using the sink template or a pencil, trace the outline of the sink in the desired location. If using a sink to draw the outline, be sure to trace a cutting line 1/2” inside the outline. (Figure 4-1)
- Drill a hole inside the cut line large enough to insert the blade of your jigsaw. (Figure 4-2)
- Cut along the line using a laminate cutting blade, making sure the corners are slightly rounded. (Figure 4-3)
- STEP 7 – FINISH THE SINK INSTALL
- Apply a silicone sealant around the bottom edge of your sink, press firmly, and wipe off the excess.
- STEP 5 – BACKSPLASH INSTALLATION (OPTIONAL)
- Note: Stretta backsplash installation is optional and, in some instances, the back splash must be purchased separately.
- To achieve a perfect bond, it is important to wipe down the backsplash and surface of your Stretta countertop with a dry cotton cloth to remove any loose particles or debris. (Figure 5-1)
- Apply construction adhesive to the back and bottom surfaces of the backsplash. (Figure 5-2)
- Set the backsplash in place and apply pressure so that the excess construction adhesive is squeezed out. (Figure 5-3) Clean up the excess construction adhesive immediately with warm water and a cotton cloth.
- Due to variances in wall straightness, you may need to take additional measures to secure your Stretta backsplash. To further secure your backsplash to the countertop, first drill pilot holes every 12 inches through the underside of the countertop and into the backsplash to prevent splitting. (Figure 5-4)
- Then, using wood screws; screw into the pilot holes while holding the backsplash in place. (Figure 5-5)
- CAUTION: Take care when pre-drilling the pilot holes and screws so that the bit or screw enters straight into the surfaces and not at an angle, otherwise you risk surface penetration.
STEP 6 – ENDCAP INSTALLATION
Note: To finish the ends of your countertop a Stretta endcap kit is
required and, in some instances, must be purchased separately.
Remove endcaps from packaging and test fit them to the exposed ends of the
countertop to make sure they cover the ends. (Figure 6-1) If you need to
finish the ends of the backsplash, cut 4” off each endcap with the utility
scissors and set the 4” pieces aside. (Figure 6-2) With a dry cotton cloth,
wipe the exposed ends of the countertop to remove any loose particles or
debris.
Once the endcap is applied, using utility scissors, trim off as much of the excel material as possible. (Figure 6-4) Then facing the endcap, use a fine file and safety glasses, place the file nearly parallel to the counter. File in a single-direction movement towards the countertop, always from front to back, (Figure 6-5) until there is no excess material and the endcap is flush with the end of the countertop.
CAUTION: Take care while filing so you do not file the surface of the countertop, as it can damage the finish. Masking tape can be placed on the countertop surface to protect while filing, if necessary. (Figure 6-6)
Remove the paper backing on the endcap to expose the adhesive. Line the endcap up with the end of the countertop so that it is flush with the front edge and top of the countertop surface. (Figure 6-3) With your hand, press the endcap firmly against the end of the countertop to activate the adhesive.
CAUTION: Take care to properly position the endcap, as it is difficult to reposition the endcaps after the adhesive has set.
If needed, to finish the end(s) of your backsplash, locate the 4” pieces of endcap material. (Figure 6-7) First, use a dry cotton cloth to wipe the exposed end(s) of the backsplash to remove any loose particles or debris. Then follow steps 2 and 3 above to finish the exposed ends of the backsplash.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
- 888-287-8356
- [email protected] vtindustries.com
- © 2023 VT Industries, Inc. All rights reserved. 0000 01-2023