Download StonePly countertop installation PDF

Notice

Installers should be craftsmen with construction experience. Installers should read the instructions. Follow all OSHA and other safety requirements. StonePly panels are a finished natural stone product. Use care to protect them during installation.

Installation Supplies and Tools

Making Preparations

Before you start, store the StonePly, clean and dry, in the room you are installing it in for at least 2 or 3 hours so it will adjust to the temperature and humidity there. As you unpack the StonePly, it should be placed on padding for edge protection. StonePly panels are impact resistant, but the natural stone face can be chipped if dropped or hit.

StonePly can be installed directly onto an existing laminate countertop that is not loose or damaged. Removing old laminate is time-consuming and often results in damage to the underlayment. If the existing laminate is damaged or loose, screw a sheet of cement tile backer board on top of it to provide a solid base for the new surface.

• Sand and clean the surface, making sure it is even. Completely remove any dust, paint or varnish, so the StonePly will stick properly. If StonePly is going directly over old laminate, roughen the surface of the laminate so the adhesive will bond.
• Measure the dimensions of the countertop, including the backsplash if it will be covered.

Getting Ready to Install

For cutting use a wet diamond handheld circular saw or a 4" angle grinder with a dry cut diamond blade. Place a strip of masking tape over the area to be cut to prevent chipping, and mark the cut line on the masking tape.

• Shut off the power to any electrical appliances in the work area, and disconnect. Remove anything, such as a drop-in range, that may be attached to the countertop.
• Remove the sink.
• Cut the StonePly material to size.
• Dry set (test set) the StonePly panels to ensure that everything fits. Cut out the sink opening. If a drop in sink, the edge of the cut will be hidden. If an under mount, then carefully cut the opening and bevel the backing material on the StonePly so that the StonePly backing is not readily visible from above.

Applying the Adhesive

Apply 1 1/4" diameter dabs of PL 400 at approximately 6" on center, to the counter top. Spread it with the notched trowel. Press the StonePly panels into place starting at one end.

Cutting Corners

When cutting out corners, it is simpler to fit the corners with two square-ended pieces of StonePly. Miter cuts will require more precise measurements to fit together properly. If you are unsure, you may want to cut templates in thin plywood or other thin material to test your sizes, then use the templates to cut the StonePly.

Covering the Edges

• Metal, wood or plastic moldings are available to finish the edges of the countertop. You can also cut strips of the StonePly and apply them with the contact cement or construction adhesive.
• Use two beads of adhesive on the front edge of the counter and one on the StonePly strip. Align the strip along the top with your fingers as you press it into place.
• Hold the edge strips in place with pieces of tape or blocking until the adhesive is thoroughly dry.
  

Use the same method to cover the backsplash.

Finishing Touches

• Seal all seams and edges with caulk to keep moisture and dirt from collecting.
• Replace the sink and reinstall water connections. Replace and reconnect any appliances, and turn power back on to the work area.

Disclaimer and Warning

These are general guidelines, not full instructions. Every job is different and a competent, experienced professional, skilled in construction, carpentry, safety and proper use of tools should direct the work.