I am fitting my own kitchen and have a problem in that I can't possibly lift normal worktops or even carry them into the kitchen when they have been delivered. In my last house I got round this by making the worktop up of several smaller boards, and covering the whole lot with tiles. I didn't like that because it was hard to wipe crumbs off, they kept getting trapped in the grout lines. So I wondered what if instead of tiles, I topped the surface with flooring laminate? I can stick the pieces together with waterproof glue. The only thing I can think of against it is the joins getting water into them. But is the surface unsuitable for other reasons?
use 28mm and have them delivered onto trestles cut them up there and unless you have a long length you can the carry them.
I have never heard of anything so stupid. Why not fit the kitchen then sub the worktops out to someone who's got a bit of strength in their arms.
One piece I need is 3m in one length. I know I can't do it, I have tried before. This will be my 3rd whole kitchen I have fitted from scratch (plumbing electrics the lot) and so I know my limits now. It would be lovely to get someone to fit them but I have no luck getting builders in this area, especially for anything less than an entire 30k project. You can get loft conversions done alright! So what is actually wrong with laminate flooring on worktops other than it being incredibly unusual?
It would be lovely to get someone to fit them but I have no luck getting builders in this area no offence to anyone but builders- build! kitchen fitters do worktops. im sure a good fitter will not let you down on this.
"So what is actually wrong with laminate flooring on worktops other than it being incredibly unusual" Because you have to float it, you can't fix that much down. It will bow. It will gap It will flex causing the waterproof glue to fail, then it will absorb water and swell on the joints.
Or you could cover it in matchsticks and varnish them like you do in jail ............... erm, not that ive been inside like, it's just someone was telling me about it.
evening audi.. tut tut. hope you havent been a bad boy now. do they teach floor laying inside???? hell of a lot cheaper than college im sure :^O
QUOTE: "This will be my 3rd whole kitchen I have fitted from scratch (plumbing electrics the lot) and so I know my limits now." Why am I worrying so much about part P. corgi, regs etc...?
i watched a programme about inside once, decided it wasnt for me.. gutted now tho because i didnt realise i could have brushed up on my sewing technique. :^O
Don't panic! I know the law. I get a qualified Corgi fitter to make the gas connections and I have an electrician to test and certify my wiring. Believe me I *do HAVE TO* do the work. I still can't get anyone interested in doing the floor tiling, and yes I have tried kitchen fitters now too, not just builders. Some of them come round and never send the quotes, others just say they're too busy to even look. Anyway if I have to do the work myself, as a 54yr old woman with arthritis, who can't even visit a store to collect materials so I rely on what can be bought online. I can't always have the luxury of doing it the standard or best way. So many thanks to those of you who took my question seriously enough to actually answer with why the floor laminate would not be appropriate. The formica idea is not a bad one, but I have not been able to source formica sheet online.
I have seen this done on a few kitchens that I have ripped out and it appeared to have quite durable. I have fitted a few 10mm solid oak overlays which turned out well, the benefit of that was you can throw loads of oil, wax or varnish on it to keep it sealed. I've found you some cheap 65mm x 10mm Merbau that might look nice http://www.hardwoodfloorstore.co.uk/solid_wood_floors/merbau_woodfloors.htm
You say you can't find a kitchen fitter to do your worktops, where in the uk are you?. I would do a supply & fit or fit only on your worktops.