[kakapo]

Apologies if this question has already been asked and answered, and I hope I'm in the right forum:If I'm using the Pragel countertop (DIY, or with the help of a builder), is there a way to do the corners beautifully, such that the seam is virtually invisible? I'm not wild about those stainless steel "bridges" that they sell to plug the gap, especially since I'm leaning towards the stone effect black. Isn't postformed formica usually joined with a diagonal seam and silicone caulking and perhaps some sort of support underneath? Any reason not to do this with the Pragel (or indeed the butcher block)?Â*Just seems like it would be so much tidier looking...And while I'm at it, does anyone have the stone effect black? Love it or hate it? Is it holding up OK?Â* I'd be eager to hear your opinions.Cheers!

[jen_va]

Welcome to the forums!

The only reason the Pragel laminate countertops join at right angles instead of mitred is that in Europe, people apparently take their kitchens with them when they move. So the Ikea way is easy to assemble and disassemble. There's no reason you couldn't do a mitred corner -- I wish I had the technical know-how to tell you how, but hopefully someone will come along that can help. We're doing the Pragel stone effect black, but the kitchen is taking so darn long that I don't have the patience to do anything fancy as far as mitring the corner. However, my husband is trying to find out if he can get the joining strip anodized, so it won't stand out visually.

I do know that it's a bad idea to mitre corners on butcher block, due to the expansion and contraction of the wood. Butcher block needs a butt joint -- I can't for the life of me remember if the grain on the two joined pieces should go in the same direction or perpendicularly, but a simple internet search should answer that for you.

Good luck!

Jen

[bogiesan]

Look for countertops or custom cabinetry in your Yellow Pages and make a few calls. The big custom shops have large machines designed to clamp the material, miter the countertop corner precisely and protect the finish from splintering while routing slots on the underside for special joint hardware. A bit of glue, couple of twists with an allen wrench and the corner is done perfectly. Costs vary, of course (I paid about $30 ten years ago for each of two corners). david boise ID

[kakapo]

Thanks, guys - these are both really helpful. Point taken about the butcher block - luckily the part I want to use it for is a straight run.I'll definitely call around and see if I can find a place to do the corner. Can I ask a clarification question, David: did you take your own formica to the shop to get its corner made? Was it tricky to transport the completed piece back home in one piece? And did you get a sink cut-out done while you were at it? (That's the other part of the project I'm figuring out whether to DIY or get the professionals involved).Thanks again!

[bogiesan]

> David: did you take your own formica to the shop to get its corner made? Was it tricky to transport the completed piece back home in one piece? And did you get a sink cut-out done while you were at it? (That's the other part of the project I'm figuring out whether to DIY or get the professionals involved).Thanks again!<

We loaded the eight, six and ten foot spans into a pickup truck and went to the shop. We called ahead, made an appointment. We had to call about five different shops before we found a helpful fellow with time to do the cuts for us. The process is very fast. You will assemble the corner back at your place. You do not need professionals to handle this for you at all. However, let me point out we were using preformed laminated countertops from a home center. They have an integrated backsplash. You MUST carefully consider whats called "the scribe", a 3/8" lip on the back side of the splash. You will scribe your wall (with a scribe or compass) and cut the profile with a saber saw. I mention this because the geometry gets weird with a corner, weirder with two corners. Try to draw yourself a picture to clarify, it can't be explained here in these little posties! I urge you to plan your kitchen so the runs of counters are interrupted with a range or the fridge. If not, then, yes, you might want to have the professionals do it for you.

luck, david boise ID