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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Carpentry Questions >> Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall? https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1242250140 Message started by UserError on May 13^th, 2009, 10:29pm

Title: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by UserError on May 13^th, 2009, 10:29pm

Hello,
I'm just about to install our kitchen. The existing worktop (not fitted by me)obviously has a slight fall to the back and left as water splashed from the sink travels to the wall then along maybe 2m! (I blame the kids, though the tap does seem rather splashy) - this is not good & it struck me that although the fitting guides bang on about the base units being level, would it be a good idea to induce a small fall to the front?
Anyone advise me on this as I didn't have this problem at our last house I installed a kitchen.
Cheers
J

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by FLOW on May 14^th, 2009, 1:39am

Hi user error and welcome to the forum, firstly, you are not the first person to enquire about a fall to the front of a work top,

if the work tops are just straight runs, then this is not a problem..

it becomes a bit of a problem when you are fitting worktops with returns all nicely scribed (direct butted together and no joiner strips)

on the occasion i AM asked to fit worktops with a forward slope, i usually, use 2-3mm packing pieces (the plastic strip one available readily ) and place these on the front corners of the cabinets, place the worktop on to the cabinets, then when all is level, remove the front packers, and screw in the worktops.. giving that slight slope forward, not a visable slope, but enough..

you say that the existing tap is "Splashy".. are you re-using the existing tap/sink....

may be the new tap/sink (if being fitted) will not be so "WET" around the worktop.....

most taps are installed with full pressure from the mains feed, and this does not help, in giving a nice even flow of pressure, which would avoid the splashing as the water hits the bottom of the sink...

hope the above helps

Wolf

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by Joiner on May 14^th, 2009, 8:58am

Interesting about the front fall Wolf. Can't say that it's something I've ever done, nor, if it comes to that, even given a thought to, being more concerned with getting it all level.

I can see that it would be a good idea on occasion. However, presumably that fall would have to be on ALL surfaces, so where you've got a corner, how do you get the scribed edges to accommodate the (albeit slight) compound angle introduced by the fall, because you've effectively moved off the 90 degree edge/45 degree mitre?

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by FLOW on May 14^th, 2009, 9:36am

using a 1mm pre made spacer on one side of the worktop jig...

the trick is remembering which side, AND to swap it , when doing the opposing cut!!!

or it gets REAL annoying!!!

and as for not giving it a thought you should meet some of my clients... testing ideas or what... :o :o :o

hang on! i think in fact i will spare you that pain and discomfort!! ::) ::)

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by Joiner on May 14^th, 2009, 10:07am

God, bloody obvious when it's pointed out to you!

See, never too old to learn something.

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by FLOW on May 14^th, 2009, 11:31am

Joiner wrote on May 14^th, 2009, 10:07am:

See, never too old to learn something.

oh Yes.....even at my age , i am still learning.....

the late, gent that taught me joinery, once told me, that if you learn one new thing a day, then it's been a good day!!

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by lla_gib on May 14^th, 2009, 7:06pm

funny that i think -----------------

l l l l l
-------------------------\l/ \l/ \l/ \l/ \l/

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by FLOW on May 14^th, 2009, 7:15pm

eh??????

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by lla_gib on May 14^th, 2009, 10:37pm

they are supposed to be arrows pointing at my script

"we are all still learning"
if the dont look right then i have bu66erd it up ;D ;D ::)

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by FLOW on May 14^th, 2009, 11:58pm

right, gotcha now!!!

well it had been a Looooooooooooooooooooooooong day!! seeing as i answered the question originally at 1/4 to 2 in the morning, and STILL have yet to get to bed!!! :( :o :o :o

AND I AM STILL UP!!

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by Grindod on May 19^th, 2009, 11:39am

In my 32years of fitting kitchens I have never been asked or would I fit worktops out of level. Granite, Corian, Marble and other synthetically materialed worktops need to be level. Always seal your worktop joints and seal the rear edge where the tops meet the wall tiles/back panels. The other solution to spilt water is to mop it up then you wont have a problem. Good luck with your installation.
wrote on May 13^th, 2009, 10:29pm:

Title: Re: Kitchen worktop: level or slight fall?
Post by FLOW on May 19^th, 2009, 12:11pm

welcome to the forum, Grindod...

out of interest, the kitchens you install, are they pre-man'ed or total customs...

(this is leading somewhere!!)