When using Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL), previously referred to as melamine, for countertops it’s important to note that sometimes the installation can be quite difficult. Sometimes the wall is bowed, or wavy, causing gaps behind the back edge of the countertop. To do a proper installation these areas of the countertop will need to be scribed to the wall. Unfortunately, scribing is a skill that must be practiced over time to master it, so you will need to either practice this skill yourself prior to the installation or hire an experienced installer who can perform this work.
You need to bring to your customers’ attention that with a TFL countertop that is over 8 feet long there will be a visible seam. Some Dealers prefer to have the raw edge of the countertop edge taped so there is less chance of chipping, but this will result in a more visible seam. Discuss the pros and cons with your customer to find out which option they want.
After the countertops have been positioned, use a 1-1/4” pan head screw and secure the countertops by screwing up through the fixed shelf into the countertop. Make sure not to sink the head of the screw as this would cause the screw to come through the top of the countertop causing damage.
Using TFL for the countertops is a less expensive alternative than using High Pressure Laminate (HPL), such as Formica or Arborite, or Solid Surface products such as Quartz, Granite, Marble, or Soapstone. Sherwood Shelving only provide TFL for countertops and if your customer wants something else then you would need to find a local company to supply the countertops.
