INSTALLING PRIMA STONE ON COUNTERTOPS

We often get questions like: “We want to use marble on the countertop that matches the backsplash. Can we use Prima Stone for both?” The answer is YES! Here’s what you need to keep in mind when designing a space to include Prima Stone Countertops.

1) Include an over-mount, flush-mount or vessel sink in your design. Because Prima Stone has an engineered backing, planning to use the right type of sink is a must. We love Top Zero! http://www.topzero.com/

2) Make sure the substrate is level, flat and square. It’s best to get your millworker to construct a solid wood base for your countertop. Remember that Prima Stone is a cladding material and will conform to the base. Ensuring the base is flat will produce the best results!

3) Allow for a minimum 2” mitred return on the face of the countertop. Again you’ll need to plan to cover the backing of Prima Stone, so the stone will have to be mitred. Don’t be afraid to go chunky here! Thicker countertops can look extremely luxurious and skilled installer will match the vein pattern around the mitre! Please keep in mind you will need to add an extra two inches of material for each mitre. For example, if you require a 24" deep counter top with a 3" return, you will need 29" of Prima Stone.

4)Because there may be slight inconsistencies in the substrate and the stone, you’re going to have to plan to have the butt joints polished to ensure that you don’t experience lippage.

5) Finishing treatment. Decide if you want to fully protect your marble with a wrap or simply seal. Depending on use, you may want to opt for a full stone surface protection film (wrap) on your countertop, especially in areas of heavy use. We love Tuff Skin! https://wescanmarble.com/tuffskin-surface-protection/

Others like the natural wear patterns of marble and choose to just use a heavy duty sealant. If you choose to stick with just a sealant, we recommend caution with acidic liquids on the surface (such as alcohol and coffee) which can cause etching if you’re not using coasters. Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur and for goodness sake, don’t cut beets or blueberries directly on the surface!

6) If you want to design a backlit countertop you will need to allow enough depth to ensure appropriate disbursement of light and plan for additional costs for framing of countertop in acrylic.

For more information on using Prima Stone on your countertop or about finishing treatments, please give us a call at 1.800.936.0702 and speak with the sales representative for your area.