How to install timber benchtop to a cabinet?

[Beginner20]

Hi,

1. How do I install the Specrite 2200 x 600 x 26mm Golden Teak Acacia Multi Use Panel benchtop on the Flatpax 900mm White Utility 2 Door Base Cupboard?

2. What brackets and tools do I need to use?

3. I saw some Youtube video using Figure 8 fasteners to allow the timber movement however Bunnings doesnt sell them. Do you know what brackets I could use to allow the timber movement? Slotted angle brackets? Which ones? How many do I need to use for a 900 cabinet?

Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @Beginner20 

I suggest using Hafele 23 x 23mm Angle Bracket - 20 Pack in combination with Zenith 8G x 16mm Zinc Plated Hinge-Long Thread Countersunk Head Timber Screws (for the cabinetry). For the benchtop, I suggest the Zenith 8G x 20mm Zinc Plated Hinge-Long Thread Countersunk Head Timber Screws. The Specrite 2200 x 600 x 26mm Golden Teak Acacia Multi Use Panel movement will not be that extreme so it's ok to use the angle brackets on the cabinet and the benchtop.

My best advice is to drill pilot holes for ease of installation. Make sure to use a manual screwdriver on the screws do not use a power tool to drive the screws in to prevent shredding the timber.

If you need further assistance, please let us know. 

Eric

[Beginner20]

Thank you @EricL 

Do I need to install any support bars after cutting out the benchtop to fit the sink?

[MitchellMc]

That really depends on the size of the sink and how much of the benchtop you are removing for the cutout @Beginner20. If only a small amount of timber remains after cutting, then yes, you should definitely add bracing across the benchtop. Even if the cutout is modest, adding support is a good idea to ensure that the remaining portion of the benchtop stays solid and stable.

Depending on how the cabinetry lines up underneath, you might find that the cupboard itself provides some structural support, but you can’t assume it will be enough. It’s always safer to add additional bracing, especially along thin edges at the front or back, if the cutout comes close to them. Leaving unsupported timber in those areas can lead to sagging or movement over time, so reinforcing it will help maintain the strength and longevity of your benchtop.

Mitchell

[Beginner20]

Thank you @MitchellMc. What timber do I use for bracing? How many pieces and how long? The sink is L700 x D450

[MitchellMc]

It looks like the thin strips at the front and back will be largely positioned over the cabinetry and should be sufficiently supported by it @Beginner20.

The size of the timber really comes down to how much room is left between the cabinetry and where the clips for the sink are under the benchtop. You might find there is not much room at all. You'd really need to install the benchtop and sink, and then check how much room you have for support timbers.

Mitchell

[Beginner20]

@MitchellMc which sink clips do you recommend?

[MitchellMc]

They would be any sink clips included with your sink @Beginner20. Sink clips are typically used to secure a sink to the benchtop.

Mitchell