attaching countertop
 

I bought a 60" sink base cabinet at HD and when I removed the box, I started wondering just how in h*** one is supposed to attach the countertop to it! the ONLY things that remotely look as though a screw could go through and subsequently into the top are two rather flimsy looking plastic-like corner pieces in the back and nothing in the front. so what should I do, GLUE the top on?

tnx,

That is one way to do it.

so I guess I should use some Elmer's waterproof glue since it's for a sink?

tnx,

Construction Adhesive
 

I've used construction adhesive several times for this application and it works well. There are several different brands available and you apply it like a caulk.

You can use panel adhesive or silicone to do it.

I would use silicone personally.

Silicone

I think if it wuz me, I would use construction adhesive to attach a piece of 1/2 inch plywood to the top.

Then use "flanged insert nuts" to attach the counter top to the 1/2" plywood.

http://www.leevalley.com/hardware/pa...=3,41306,45375

(Just Google "flanged insert nuts" and go to the Lee Valley link at the top.)

In my apartment block, I never removed the old counter tops. I simply removed the laminate from the old square edge tops, laminated the edges of the old tops only and installed the new laminate tops over the old 1/2 inch plywood. You can see what this looks like at my web site at:

http://www.ilos.net/~nkelebay

I've never had any negative comments from anyone about it, so if the tenant's are happy with it, I'm happy with it.

If the tenants like the bath fixtures color...is that a good barometer?:whistling2:

100% Silicone for me.

Another vote for silicone. Although we are assuming, you never did mention what kind of counter top material it is.

Mkae sure you use Google's 'safe search'! :wink:

you guys talking about some sort of silicone based adhesive? not pure silicone,right? can I use that silicone to attach the sink too?
btw: the countertop is your standard particle board with laminate.
maybe I should seal that particle board with shellac or something since it might get wet?

tnx,

Nope, just 100% silicone. That's what all of my solid surface (Corian), quartz and granite tops use to adhere to cabinets. You'd be surprised how hard it is to remove something that's been siliconed in place!
No need to seal the particle board. The laminate itself keeps it from getting wet. You should have laminate on the edges too and some sort of a backsplash. Silicone the joint between the backsplash and the counter. I always attach the backsplash to the wall NOT the counter. Walls move independently from the counters. Attaching to the wall will keep it from creating a huge gap between the splash and the wall. Worst case is it starts separating from the counter. If that happens, just reseal with silicone.
I assume it's a drop-in sink. If so, either use plumbers putty or silicone around (under) the rim of the sink before attaching. This will keep water from getting in that way.
I personally don't use laminate tops but I surely remove a bunch of them during remodels. Rarely do I see water damage on the particle board if the above recommendations are followed.

100% silicone. I like to seal the edge of the particle board especially around sink cut-outs, and in front of them between the front edge and the carcase. It seems like that stuff starts to puff up and flake if it smells like water. It won't hurt a thing!

which blade in my scroll saw should I use to cut the sink hole?

tnx,