Hi all! Today we will discuss with you the euro-cut tabletop - what it is, what are the pros and cons, whether it can be done with your own hands, and how to make a similar project.
Countertops are multifunctional structures. Especially in the kitchen. After all, here it acts as a working area, performs decorative functions, and serves as a stand for various equipment, dishes and household items.
I think many people are familiar with the problem when the tabletop material swells and changes its size and shape under the influence of moisture and heat. This is largely due not only to the quality of the product, but also to the assembly.
The countertops come from the factory in a straight shape. But often you want to make the kitchen L- or U-shaped, or increase the length of the work surfaces. In this case, it is necessary to connect several elements into a single structure.
Disadvantages of Euro saw
The main advantage of the euro saw is a smooth tabletop without visible joints. This connection method also has disadvantages, but they are not so significant. Euro-sawing implies a clear placement of elements - changing them in places is unacceptable. Fixing the top tier of cabinets requires perfectly smooth walls and strictly 90 degree angles. Otherwise, the tabletop will not fit flush against the wall and a gap will form that will need to be masked with a table plinth.
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With a U-shaped layout of the kitchen set, the unevenness of the walls will prevent the correct arrangement of the component elements - gaps will be present at every joint. For this reason, along with ensuring a seamless connection, special attention should be paid to the alignment of walls and corners.
If the curvature of walls and corners is problematic to exclude, it would be more reasonable to make the connection in another way.
Rational option for joining at right angles
Designing a kitchen unit at a right angle is the most popular method for the majority of apartments, especially in older houses. In a compact kitchen, the L-shaped furniture layout ensures the successful placement of all the necessary elements. In addition, space for the table is saved.
The ideal way to resolve the issue is to eliminate the curvature of walls and corners before installing the kitchen. Joining using an aluminum profile will probably be more rational than a Euro saw. Before installation, this profile is coated with silicone sealant - this ensures a tight connection. Such a connection can be placed even near a sink, because the sealant protects well from moisture, which will extend the durability of the structure.
Eurozapil has the ability to increase in size when moisture gets into the gap. Moisture will not have an effect on a plastic surface, but for countertops the most popular material is chipboard, which is susceptible to moisture. To eliminate this situation, it is necessary to carefully treat the ends with sealant before installation.
Another acceptable joining option is a double connection with a trapezoidal element, which is installed at an angle of 135 degrees to the other two. The system with a corner piece contains 2 joints, which are connected with a euro saw or covered with aluminum profiles. It is problematic to make this trapezoidal part at home, and production in a furniture workshop is expensive. The option of joining with an insert increases the comfort of the working surface and makes more efficient use of the angle.
It is possible to use a euro saw at home, but for these purposes you need to buy professional equipment and gain sufficient experience in using it. Therefore, joining a countertop at home under a plank will be much more convenient, because it can be done by anyone without any special skills.
We do European tabletop sawing at home.
More than 90% of all kitchen countertops on the market are made of chipboard. This material is available on the market, has an attractive design, has good performance characteristics and makes the kitchen more practical. If you have a smooth countertop in a straight line, then no problem arises; you create holes for the built-in stove and other accessories, and then carry out installation. If you have an L or U shaped kitchen, then problems arise at the corners. It is necessary to join different parts of the tabletop at a certain angle (usually 90 degrees), but this is quite difficult to do.
Joining a table top with a Euro saw
Previously, different parts of the tabletop were cut at a certain angle, joined together, and a special strip was installed for tightness. Today, euro saw
, because the first option did not show its best side.
Food particles got under the bar and water flowed in over time, which led to damage to the aesthetic appearance and performance characteristics of the countertop in these places. Today, Euro-sawing
at home, which completely solves the problem.
reviews about
, you will begin to understand that everyone leaves them only in a positive way.
This can be understood, because the procedure itself is quite simple; the master uses special templates and a cutter to create an accurate and invisible joint. Once the two parts are joined to each other, it will be very difficult to notice the joint with the naked eye. A transparent sealant is added to it, so the euro-cut
tabletop becomes airtight and its service life increases significantly.
The work can be done at home, it is not accompanied by a lot of dirt and does not create discomfort. The master takes precise measurements down to a fraction of a millimeter, so you will be satisfied with the result. The joint remains invisible, the angle is beveled and smooth, creating the impression of solidity of the entire structure. That is why the euro saw or plank
is in such high demand in the market.
What are the pros and cons of euro saw?
One of the advantages is that this method of connecting two parts of the tabletop leads to a monolithic structure. You do not see a connecting seam or cut, which, of course, has a positive effect on the design of the created kitchen. In addition to its attractiveness, the client is also pleased with the process of creating such a cut, because it is done at home, takes a minimum amount of time, and does not create a lot of noise and debris. An experienced craftsman will quickly make precise replacements and create an invisible countertop joint. It is also worth noting the advantages of the euro saw
and the fact that moisture, dirt or food particles do not penetrate into the joint, which extends the life of the chipboard.
Of the minuses, it should be noted that the Euro-saw connection
still does not create the same rigidity as a monolithic structure.
It is necessary to make sure that there is a strong support under this cut; the tabletop should not sag when pressing on it in the place of the euro-saw
.
But these are all the disadvantages of the euro saw
, you get an attractive and durable solution.
Advantages of the euro saw:
- The quick connection of tabletops using a euro saw
saves time. - The procedure is performed at home.
- The joint becomes invisible to the naked eye.
- The tightness ensures long service life of the chipboard.
What is Eurobutt
Euro-sawing is one of the methods of hidden joining with the preliminary creation of a pattern. The work uses a milling machine. The manufacturer, in an effort to save money, performs the work on a cutting table.
The price is getting lower, but the quality still needs to improve. The difference in the height and radius of the ends reaches a millimeter or more.
DIY kitchen assembly
Assembling a kitchen with your own hands - prepare an assembly diagram and fittings. There will be plumbing work and sealing of all joints. Stock up on the necessary tools, materials and knowledge.
Reasons for refusing free kitchen assembly
We refused free kitchen assembly for several reasons:
- Firstly, our plans were slightly at odds with the assemblers’ deadlines.
- Secondly, the “free” assembly only involved assembling the body: each tabletop cut, hole cut for a pipe, lamp, socket, shelf attachment and much more was measured in pieces and linear meters and paid according to the price list.
- Thirdly, the long price list for additional paid work was accompanied by a list of work that the assemblers do not perform. The last straw was the phrase in the contract: assemblers prepare furniture for installation of communications. In practice, it sounds like this: the assembled tables will stand chaotically in the middle of the kitchen. That is, it will be difficult to install communications and prepare food for the family during the installation process.
Premises requirements
The quality of the assembly of a corner kitchen is affected by the condition of the walls and floors in the room. Smooth surfaces, straight verticals and horizontals, 90° angles are the basic requirements for walls and floors in the kitchen.
Advice. During redevelopment or renovation, new walls and partitions are erected from durable materials such as brick and concrete. The total thickness of the partitions is at least 10 cm. If the partitions are made of plasterboard, wooden inserts with a width of 15 cm or more are provided.
The repair is completed by the time the countertop is installed, as is the installation of sockets and laying of tiles. Before assembly begins, the room is cleared of unnecessary things, building materials and garbage.
Floor preparation
Similar requirements apply to the floor surface. It should be straight horizontally and have a flat surface. The angles of connection with the walls are 90°. A difference in the floor at the furniture installation site of more than 1 cm leads to the formation of gaps between the base and the cabinets.
Attention! The presence of a strictly right angle at the installation site of the corner kitchen helps to avoid problems when installing the set and the corner countertop.
After the walls and floor are leveled, proceed to the installation of the corner kitchen table.
What is it for?
The tabletop is connected through a euro saw without any bending or height differences.
Using a euro saw, the tabletop is connected smoothly and without height differences.
There are three mounting methods:
- right angle - the canvases are placed at an angle of 90 degrees;
- with T-shaped aluminum profile;
- with a turn through the segment.
The most important thing in this method is to carefully sand the joints with a milling machine. If all conditions are met, the difference in height will be no more than a hundredth of a millimeter, and the joint is quite difficult to notice with the naked eye.
The joints must be carefully sanded with a milling machine.
Clear benefits
The low cost of euro-cut tabletops offered by different companies is complemented by high protection against moisture getting into the structure of the part. A room with high humidity is a dangerous place for wood that is not properly protected.
If the gap is minimal, then water will not in any way affect the durability of the coating and the furniture will last quite a long time. Before assembly, such saw cuts must be treated with plumbing sealant, which creates additional protection from moisture.
Trapezoidal corner design
This joining method is quite reliable and simple to implement; a special aluminum part is used for implementation. If you have the necessary tools, you can install the profile yourself or order the work from professionals.
If you don’t rush and do everything according to the rules, then the efforts to implement your plans won’t make you worry. The only downside is the presence of protruding elements in the form of a special device.
Difficulties
When purchasing corner kitchens with a countertop, it is worth remembering some nuances.
- Sometimes this element is located far from the window. It turns out that little light falls on it, which often complicates the work process. To solve this problem, you need to take care of additional lighting in advance.
- If the room allows, the longest part of the tabletop should be placed near the window. This way it will receive natural light and increase the working area due to the space on the windowsill.
- It happens that a corner kitchen seems too heavy. The use of open shelves and facades will help change its appearance.
Dimensions
The thickness of the plank is directly related to its other dimensions. Here is an approximate correspondence for several models:
- with a thickness of 38 mm – width 6 mm, height 40 mm and length 625 mm;
- with a thickness of 28 mm – width 30 mm, height 60 mm and depth 110 mm;
- with a thickness of 26 mm - 600x26x2 mm (products with a thickness of 40 mm are practically not mass-produced, and they must be purchased to order).
Tabletop connector - euro saw: hidden docking (photo)
A method of processing ends that uses patterns. To create it you need a milling machine. Only with high-quality equipment it turns out flawless.
Sometimes euro-sawing is produced on a cutting machine - this significantly reduces the cost of production, however, with such economical production, the ends are obtained with fluctuations of a millimeter or more. Therefore, when purchasing, you should check this point very carefully, especially if the price of a prefabricated kitchen surface is significantly reduced. A poorly made joint will not connect as it should, leaving gaps.
Correctly executed ends after assembly form a surface on which the gap is not visible at all - it is there, but its width is a fraction of a millimeter. If the coating is dark in color, it will not be easy to find where the euro-cut table top was cut (photo).
Such ideal quality can only be obtained using a router, and the patterns must be new or at least not worn out.
Useful tips and tricks
For an even cut, take a new cutter. The grooves must be cleaned of dust after milling.
The holes must be cleaned of dust.
Before installation, the parts are laid face down strictly at the same level. This is necessary for height adjustment.
Before installation, the parts must be adjusted in height.
The sink is installed 2-3 days after the countertop is assembled. If you do this earlier, the glue will not have time to set and the structure will be unreliable.
A few days after installing the countertop, you can install the sink.
Use paper towels to remove excess sealant. Fabric ones are not suitable, as fibers can get into the joint.
Excess sealant is removed with paper napkins.
To prevent construction dust and small debris from getting into the joint during further work, cover it with masking tape. Once the process is completed, the paper tape must be removed so that it does not prevent the glue from drying.
The joint must be sealed with masking tape to prevent construction dust from getting into it.
If debris or construction dust gets on the uncured sealant, you need to wait until it dries and only then remove the dirt.
Docking with a segment
A tabletop segment is essentially the top table for a segmented base cabinet. The standard dimensions of the segment are 900 by 900 mm, with a width of 600 m. Along the front, the edge of the segment can be straight or semicircular.
Related article: Do-it-yourself installation of a mortise sink with a bulkhead of the lower kitchen cabinet
Since the ends of the joining of the table tops are sawn off smoothly, wood glue is used for joining. If such fastening seems insufficient, use special metal connectors for countertops (see photo).
By the way, similar parts are used for household trimming of countertops.
Disadvantages of Eurosaw connection
The positive side of the euro saw is its smooth surface, on which the joint is not visible.
There are also disadvantages, they are few, but they are quite noticeable. Eurozapil is a lock that requires a clearly defined arrangement of parts of the tabletop; they cannot be moved.
Placing a headset with a top panel requires an absolutely flat wall and correct angles. If the walls are uneven, then the countertop will not adhere to it, and there will be a gap between it and the wall.
Expert opinion Maria Vasilievna Mikhailova Manager of a furniture store. Knows everything about comfort and interior design
It cannot be closed by changing its position. You will have to cover it with a table plinth. If the curvature is significant, then the gap will still remain. You'll have to level the wall.
If you plan to install a set with the letter “P”, then the curvature of the walls will disrupt the arrangement - there will be gaps along all the walls.
In this case, small irregularities will have to be covered in this way: the installation is carried out as close to the wall as possible, and the surface should be worked on separately. The gaps in it will have to be sealed with special planks, and the sides adjacent to the wall will have to be filed down.
Therefore, in addition to the question of how to connect a tabletop without a joint, you can immediately figure out how to quickly make the walls straight and even.
For a kitchen with uneven walls and corners that are far from correct, it is better to make a connection using a different type of connection.
pros
- Aesthetic appearance . The main advantage of the euro saw is what the kitchen looks like after it. It takes on more expensive features, and quality work will immediately catch your eye. Of course, even small gaps will not go unnoticed, so you will need the help of a professional.
- Easy to care for . It will be a pleasure to care for a kitchen surface that is connected to the correct technique. Due to the fact that there will be no gaps at the joints, dirt and grease cannot accumulate between them, which greatly simplifies kitchen maintenance.
- No dampness . When installing the countertop, a sealant is used, which provides protective properties to the joints, preventing moisture and microbes from entering there. This way there is no dampness at all.
- Smooth surface . Achieving this is not at all easy, especially if you perform Euro sawing on your own and without experience. But a high-quality connection at a professional level will make the kitchen surface smooth.
- No edges . With a high-quality euro-sawing, the edges will not be visible, especially if the work was done on a dark-colored kitchen surface.
Sequence of work
Before you start assembling it yourself, it’s worth watching a video and photo of the euro-cut tabletop, which will help you understand the details of joining the slabs.
When buying a tabletop, you need to choose the length of the slab with a margin, since after a successful connection it needs to be cut. The first thing to note in the work is the uniform arrangement of the main elements.
Note!
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Throughout the entire assembly process, care should be taken to ensure that both tabletop slabs are strictly horizontal and remain at the same height. When connecting elements with special ties, it is worth pre-fixing all parts involved in the work.
The docking procedure itself can be divided into several stages:
Appropriate cuts are made on both parts of the tabletop using a special template. After this, the slabs are joined together and the quality of the future joint is checked. If the result is satisfactory, you can proceed to the next step. If necessary, the slabs are adjusted to the desired size by cutting off the edges. Next, using a router, grooves for the screed are cut out on both halves
It is important to follow some rules; the depth of the finished grooves should be more than three-quarters of the thickness of the tabletop. After cutting, you need to check the practicality of the grooves by inserting ties into them
If everything is fine, you can proceed to sealing. Before the joint is finally formed, the edges of the slabs are coated with a special sealant (most often it is silicone with adhesive properties). This will protect the connection from moisture. After applying the composition, both halves are joined and pulled together.
After all the procedures performed, it is necessary to wait until the sealant has dried and carry out final processing and cleaning of the surface.
Minuses
- Difficulties with independent European sawing . To qualitatively connect parts of a kitchen surface, you need to have certain experience, skills and be able to use the appropriate tools.
- Subtleties at work . To perform a euro-sawing, you will need to perform delicate work, during which all parts of the tabletop must be in a certain position; they cannot be moved at this time. This arrangement requires compliance with certain standards, namely the presence of smooth walls, floors and correct angles. Otherwise, the countertop will not be able to adhere to the wall, which will create a visible gap.
- There is a risk of water getting into the seam . Water can get into the connecting seam, which will significantly deteriorate the appearance of the countertop and its service life. This may be more likely to happen where the sink has a joint. This only applies to countertops that are made of chipboard.
- Certain conditions are required . In order for the euro-cut to be done with high quality, the kitchen is required to have smooth walls and floors, which is not the case for everyone. Otherwise, the work acquires additional difficulties, which will not be easy for even a professional to cope with.
- High quality furniture . Smooth floors and walls are important conditions for euro-sawing, but it will be impossible to do it without high-quality furniture. So, if the surface initially has any defects, this will affect the overall appearance of the kitchen.
Euro-sawing: how to join kitchen countertops without seams
If you have a small set of tools and have the skills to work with polymer resins, you can make a corner table or a rounded tabletop yourself. Main stages of work:
Installation of cabinets
First, the floor cabinets are installed, they are placed along one line and leveled to a single level. The basis will be a chipboard sheet with a minimum thickness of 15 mm.
Installation of formwork
The base is fixed on the surface of the modules, and formwork is installed around its perimeter. For its manufacture, polystyrene sheets or plywood are used. Where holes for a sink or slab will be cut, restrictive edges are installed inside the formwork itself. The shape and size of the internal formwork follows the configuration of future installation holes.
To give the product rigidity, reinforcement is placed on the base. Welded steel mesh or rods connected with knitting wire can be used as a reinforcing material. The mesh is laid in such a way that after filling with the solution it is exactly in the middle of the slab at a horizontal level.
Pouring formwork
After all preparation is completed, you can begin preparing the solution. To do this, mix cement and sand in a certain proportion, add granite chips and coloring pigments. To obtain a panel with the desired properties, modifying additives and plasticizers are introduced into the solution. The mixture is mixed well, poured into the formwork in one go, leveled, and left until completely dry and strengthened.
Finishing
When the material hardens, the formwork is removed. The ends are ground, polished, and coated with a compound that fills the pores. After processing, the surface takes on the appearance of natural polished stone. Plates made of composite materials are very durable, they do not absorb water, and are not afraid of temperature changes or hot steam. They are easy to care for - to remove dirt from the surface, just wipe with a damp sponge. If the table is heavily soiled, you can wash it using any household cleaners and detergents.
Docking using a strip
The plank is attached with self-tapping screws to the ends of both elements. Such connections require the mandatory use of sealant; it protects the connections from moisture. For light-colored slabs, it is better to use colorless silicone sealants. Decorative connecting plates hide uneven joints well, so they are often used for installing corner kitchen countertops. The slats are made of aluminum, which greatly simplifies the work.
Among the disadvantages of this method, it should be noted that there is a small selection of profile colors, as well as the fact that the connecting part protrudes above the main surface.
Connection with ties
A screed is a furniture fitting that allows the elements to fit tightly together. Before embedding the ties, places for their fastening are marked on the inner surface of both parts. Despite the rigidity of the fastenings, they need reliable support. This must be taken into account when arranging the lower modules. Do not load the joint with household appliances or embed a sink and hob very close to the connection. With heavy load or pressure, the risk of connection rupture increases.
Eurozapil
You can make a reliable connection between two corner elements of the table top using a Euro saw. This is the name for hidden joining, since if done correctly, the parts are connected without visible seams or joints. To install a corner tabletop you will need a milling machine and patterns.
When using a euro saw, the parts must be located strictly on the same level. Otherwise, the joints will be visible, especially for light-colored tables or patterned slabs. To protect the seams from moisture, they are coated with silicone before joining.
This method requires good skills in working with the machine because you can easily ruin the MDF. To minimize the likelihood of damage to the material, you should take parts that are slightly longer than necessary. If the Eurosawing is successful, the far edges of both plates are cut to the specified size.
Basic fasteners
To install the countertop you will need several types of fasteners. Their number depends on the dimensions and shape of the plate attached to the table. The master must prepare in advance:
- Tongues. These are elongated parts with locks that connect several elements into one monolithic structure.
- Metal or plastic corners with self-tapping screws - two thin plates connected perpendicular to each other. Used to prevent deflections when working with chipboard.
- Eccentrics. These are cylindrical bushings with plugs for screwing the tabletop to the base.
- Eurobolts are long screws used for tightening corners.
Also, fastenings can be combined. To do this, two types of connections are used simultaneously - mechanical and adhesive. In this case, tongues are used together with corners. This method is considered one of the most reliable when working with chipboard. It is what is most often used by professional furniture repair and installation specialists.
Tongues
Corners with self-tapping screws
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DIY template for Euro saw
This is not a ready-made solution, not a ready-made drawing, but rather information for thought.
Careful measurements of the Festul template. Maybe it will be useful to someone. The jig is designed for use with a router, on which a copying ring with a diameter of 30 mm and a groove cutter with a diameter of 14 mm are installed. All main sizes are shown in the photographs. (Information from the site:)
The diameters of the holes for the thrust rods are 10 mm. A very important nuance lies in the radii located in the corners of 135 º (internal and external), it is not clear how to measure them with high accuracy, and it is precisely this point that remains a “dark horse” that prevents these measurements from being recognized as a normal drawing.
I think it is quite possible to make such a template from plywood, plexiglass, or milled on an aluminum plate.
Semi-amateur homemade templates for euro saw.