IMPERATIV stainless steel

aalverson · Mar 24th, 06, 3:16 pm

Has anyone installed the IMPERATIV rails and stainless steel wall panels as backsplash? I originally wanted simple stainless steel sheet but I thought this might be a cool option with the rail for hanging stuff as well (not to mention a lot less expensive). I'm not really sure how it would work. It looks like the rail is 2 inches and the sheet is just over 15 inches, so it almost creates the standard 18 inches between countertop and bottom of upper cabinets. But what is it like where the panels come together? Do they just hang from the rail.....do they lay pretty flat up against the wall? Anyone have any photos? Also, can the panels be cut to size? The rail specifically says it can but not sure about the panels.

lisa02 · Mar 24th, 06, 6:47 pm

I haven't yet installed them but I have bought them and they're here. Per the IKEAN who helped me figure out what I need-- they come in a couple of different sizes. I'm using mine behind my range and I wanted to cover 36" wide by 30" high... so, I got two that are about 37" wide and 15" high each. They each need two rails -one on the bottom and one on the top. So, mine will basically stack-- 15" high above 15" high. There will be a rail at the top; two rails in the middle and a rail on the bottom.

I opened one of hte panels and it's basically another material wrapped with the stainless which is why you can't cut down the panel. I'm assuming you can overlap them next to eachother within the rails.

Lisa · Mar 25th, 06, 1:06 pm

I have the IMPERATIV rails, but I used the IKEA tempered glass shelves for the 18" wall cabinets as my panels (then I had 3 filler pieces custom cut at a glass shop).

You can cut the rails; however, I was not successful doing it with a hacksaw. My dad makes golf clubs so I ended up using the saw he uses for cutting shafts, etc. Looks like a factory cut now.

To mount your rails, set the bottom clips on a quarter. That's the perfect measurement (well, assuming you're in the States). You'll have a little play in the clips to get them aligned to snap the rail itself into place.

If you have to go tight to a wall, put your plastic endcaps in (if you're going to use them) since they do take up some room - and in IKEA land, 1/8" matters.

If you'd like a shot of the IMPERATIVE/glass combo let me know. Because your local IKEAn will tell you it won't work (although in Europe they do sell glass panels for the IMPERATIV line)

NYLED is the organization stuff that works with IMPERATIV, by the way.

viclua · Apr 9th, 06, 9:55 pm

Hi, I'm about to install the imperativ backsplash, but I would like to see how you did yours, it sounds as if it would look awesome with the combination. Can I trouble you to post the pictures. Thanks in advance,

Lisa wrote:

Quote:

If you'd like a shot of the IMPERATIVE/glass combo let me know.

Lisa · Apr 9th, 06, 10:04 pm

Since this was taken, that gap is filled and the rails butt together perfectly.

http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v1...Picture157.jpg

I'm not sure it photographs all that well, but it looks great in the room.

nedloh · Apr 11th, 06, 1:24 am

We were thinking of the Ikea panels, but we've got about 27 inches of space from stove top to cab bottom, so the Ikea panels wouldn't work.

We ended up getting a "cutoff" sheet from Frigo Design for around $15.00 delivered ($7 for the sheet, $8 for shipping) off of ebay. Find a piece that suits you and if necessary, put in a request for a cut. We didn't need it but were told it would be an extra $10

Here's the link
http://stores.ebay.com/FRIGO-DESIGN_...enameZl2QQtZkm.

We got 24ga 304 stainless with a #4 finish. It has more "grain" than I personally like, but after a few days on the wall I don't even notice it.

We're using Stainless behind the stove, and once we do the base cabinets will use back-painted plexi elsewhere. The Imperativ rail will run on top of everything, tying it all together.

I'd post a pic, but it really doesn't look too impressive right now as we still have our old base cabs and no plexi. (Sigh)