Worktop and quality
Every day, we strive to ensure that the quality of our service meets or even exceeds our customers’ expectations. Occasionally, there may be issues with the quality of the measuring, installation, or finishing of the worktop. This prompted us to develop a clear method for assessing the quality of the worktop, which is why this guide was created.
Measuring and installation: general overview and quality standards and tolerances
These standards underpin the services offered by Nordecos.
1. MEASURING AND INSTALLATION IN GENERAL AND TOLERANCES
1.1. The prerequisites for measuring include: all cabinets, additional sides, and cover panels must be installed, attached to the wall, and correctly levelled; and the existing or temporary worktop must be removed (in the case of a vertical waterfall, the floor must also be installed); the place is well lit and accessible; the cabinets do not have distracting items or other accessories. It is important that the customer or customer’s representative is present during the measuring to exchange crucial information with the measurer. This way, you can clearly explain your preferences and requirements to the measurer before the measuring begins.
1.1.1. All equipment to be integrated into the worktop, including the cooktop, sink, tap and other appliances, should be present on-site. The measurer requires precise information about all integrated appliances and their placements on the worktop, including details on the location of the cooktop, sink, tap, hood, and other equipment, as well as the installation method. The measurer examines the appliances, their manuals, or CAD drawings to assess their compatibility with the intended location and verify their dimensions. If specific appliances, drawings, or instructions are not available, the measurer will utilise resources and information found online. In such a case, the measurer needs to know the exact models of all equipment, thus it would be ideal if all the equipment is on-site to ensure that the models are recorded accurately.
1.1.2. We take into account your wishes, measure the location of the worktop and prepare technical drawings (CAD). In addition to traditional methods, we utilise advanced technology like the Prodim Proliner, which guarantees exceptional accuracy. This tool enables on-site viewing of drawings, facilitates immediate corrections, and seamlessly exports data for production. We will notify you if additional cut-outs and support are needed, although we expect that these have already been prepared during the furniture installation. We assess accessibility and identify the need for a hoist or crane if the surface has to be installed on a high floor, in an area with difficult access points, or if the details of the surface are very heavy. We take photographs of the installation location, equipment and access points. We double-check the accuracy of the dimensions on the drawing to ensure that the sink, cooktop and other items match the desired location and installation mode. We co-ordinate the drawing with the customer or the customer’s representative on-site, after which the drawing, along with comments and photographs, is sent to the customer/manufacturer/partner. If the customer or customer’s representative is not present at the time of the measuring, if any solutions remain unsolved, if the sink or other integrated equipment is not on-site, the customer or their representative must approve the drawing before production! The technical drawings enable you to visualise the worktop before placing the order, helping you identify and address potential issues proactively. This avoids wasting both time and money. The measuring results in detailed technical drawings that ensure a high-quality worktop that meets customer’s expectations.
1.1.3. Technical drawings (CAD) indicating the following details and data:
- images of elements with dimensions
- edge profiles and their scopes
- frame overhang areas, counter and seating areas
- joints of elements
- location and dimensions of the sink cabinet
- location and dimensions of the cooktop cabinet
- location of the sink cutout, cutout dimensions, sink model and installation method
- location of the cooktop cutout, cutout dimensions, cooktop model and installation method
- positions of the openings for the objects surrounding the tap and the sink and the dimensions of the cutout
- positions of the openings for electrical sockets and other integrated accessories and the dimensions of the cutout
- other specific requests or solutions and comments
1.2. In addition to the prerequisites for measuring, all the prerequisites for installation are also met: all the necessary inlays and cutouts for cabinets and slats have been made; the necessary support, etc., is installed; all instructions from the measurer have been followed.
1.2.1. General description of the installation: transport of the worktop to the customer’s object (if necessary, the use of lifting assistance or a crane); placing details on cabinets; removal/cutting out of transport supports; harmonisation/matching of joints; gluing details from below to cabinets; filling of joints/seams with silicone; gluing of joints/seams requiring two-component glue; installation of sink and cooktop; installation of recessed electrical plugs and fans.
1.2.2. Nordecos does not make incisions in cabinets, support slats/walls (front/back/sides). If the necessary prerequisites have not been met in advance, Nordecos reserves the right to leave the ordered goods in a convenient location and regard the installation as complete. In this case, an invoice will be issued for the full cost of the cancelled installation service. Additional work will be invoiced to you or your representative according to the Nordecos service price list.
1.2.3. If you or your representative still wishes Nordecos to make the necessary cuts, Nordecos will not accept any complaints regarding the quality, size, or extent of the cuts. Additional work will be invoiced to you or your representative according to the Nordecos service price list.
1.2.4. Nordecos does not handle plumbing or electrical work, and it does not connect equipment to mains services or install ventilation systems.
1.2.5. Nordecos generally does not install top-mounted bathroom sinks; instead, we only assess the suitability of the respective openings. However, if desired, we can still install them.
1.2.6. Differences in the thickness of the worktop and any unevenness in the base cabinets are adjusted with plastic wedges to ensure that the joints are level. Plastic wedges are used on the sides of the cabinet or other surfaces that are firmly supported. Wedges ranging from 0.5 mm to 3 mm are typically used at the leading edge or in visible areas, unless the base surface can be adjusted in another way.
1.2.7. The installation service does not cover applying silicone joints against existing walls, including the back wall, side slats, or top edges of the background plate. The feasibility of this work (in the case of plastered, wallpapered, wooden panel and brick walls) is assessed by the person performing the work and is offered for an additional fee according to the Nordecos price list of services.
1.2.8. Silicone has a shorter lifespan compared to the worktop, and the customer is responsible for replacing the silicone in joints and around sinks, cooktops, and other areas as needed over time. Silicone can degrade quickly in areas with heavy use or exposure to strong UV radiation. Complaints regarding subsequent issues related to silicone will not be accepted by Nordecos. Nordecos offers a silicone service according to the price list of services.
1.2.9. Slats and backgrounds cannot conform to wall arches or curves, resulting in larger gaps between the slats, backgrounds, and the wall. If the measuring reveals that the walls are too curved for installation, Nordecos will notify you immediately during the measuring. Nordecos is not responsible for adjusting walls or modifying tiles to fit pre-existing wall conditions. In some cases, if possible, wall bends are compensated by cutting the wall relative to the plane, slat or background. We will carry out the installation to the best of our ability.
1.2.10. The weight of the worktop and floors/buildings with a wooden structure may cause the base surface to move, which in turn leads to differences in the worktop panels or spacing between the panels some time after installation. Nordecos is not responsible for any adjustments required due to such changes. It is also not subject to complaints, and Nordecos performs such follow-up work according to the price list of services.
1.2.11. Nordecos is not responsible for any inconvenience or downtime experienced by the customer due to the kitchen, bathroom, or other areas being unusable because of incorrect measurement or installation of the worktop by Nordecos. Nordecos will address and correct any deficiencies as quickly as possible. Please submit all deficiencies and complaints via email, including a detailed description and accompanying photos. Ensure you provide a general photo of the location as well as close-up images of the specific issues.
1.2.12. Plastic wedges are used to level the recessed sink/cooktop with the worktop. Note! Glass cooktops always rest on wedges and never directly on the worktop. The joints are filled with silicone sealant.
1.2.13. When installing worktops and backgrounds, a universal, non-paintable, neutrally curing, anti-mould, and UV-resistant silicone sealant is used to fill joints. Some joints are also bonded with two-component adhesive, and the sealant is applied for fastening to cabinets from below and at the joints of the back wall. Note! The colours may not perfectly match the material; instead, primary colour shades are used.
1.2.14. The visible wall-side joints are filled with silicone sealant, and a soapy water solution or a specialised silicone processing liquid is used to smooth and remove any excess silicone. Excess silicone is removed with joint rubbers, for which the R6 angular radius is generally used. In the case of silicone wall-side joints, the radius R3–R10 is mostly used, but the radius is largely dictated by the coating of the back wall, its structure, its curvatures/relief, etc.
1.2.15. After installation, all openings, edges, and surfaces are thoroughly inspected to ensure there are no damages, chips, or cracks. Photos of each issue are taken immediately, and the client is notified to find a solution.
1.2.16. Silicone residues / cleaning agent traces: we clean surfaces during installation, but some silicone residues or cleaning agent traces may remain on the worktop or cooktop glass after excess silicone has been removed/cleaned. In most cases, they may remain around the recessed sink/cooktop and in places where silicone sealant has been used. The removal and cleaning of these traces is straightforward and everyone should be able to manage it independently. Use warm water and a microfiber cloth, or simply a dry microfiber cloth, and rub vigorously to remove the traces. Note! Do not rub with an abrasive sponge. Avoid scratches on the surface or glass.
1.2.17. Floors must be covered with a slip-resistant material. Due to the weight of the stone worktop, our installers wear safety shoes to comply with occupational safety requirements. We recommend covering the floor with a durable non-slip material. In the absence of floor protection, we are not responsible for damage to the floor.
1.2.18. Protect nearby furniture and appliances, as dust may accumulate during the installation process. For fragile natural stones, the reinforcement strips used during transport are removed immediately before installation. In the case of a vertical continuation of the side of the worktop, we grind the junction part on-site. We use a vacuum cleaner, but some dust may still accumulate on certain materials.
1.2.19. On the day of installation and two days after the installation, the room temperature must be at least +15º C to ensure the durability of silicone joints.
1.2.20. Nordecos will cover the cost of any damage to the worktop or the customer’s furnishings that occurs during installation, in line with the property damage insurance terms agreed upon with our insurance partners. This applies unless you or your representative has not met the required conditions for measuring and installation.
1.2.21. It is important that you or your representative are present at the installation to exchange important information with the installation team. This way, you can communicate your wishes and requirements to the installation team before they begin, and then review the final result together.
1.3. The permissible tolerance for overhanging edges or overhangs from cabinets/doors/cover boards of the worktop is +/- 3 mm (calculated from the measuring point, which is generally the front and rear sides of the cabinet row, not the door or drawer panel). If the row of cabinets is not straight, the overhanging edge may be wider or narrower in the middle.
1.4. Right angles +/– 2% (unless other angular measures are prescribed).
1.5. Joints (width) +/– 2 mm.
1.6. Joints (height above the surface) +/– 1 mm.
1.7. Flexibility +/– 3 mm
1.8. Thickness variation of the same order +/– 2 mm. The leading edge of the worktop may be sanded to achieve a level surface, though this may not always be the case. It may also have height differences of 1–2 mm.
1.9. Dimensions of length and width of parts +/– 2 mm.
1.10. Dimensions of recesses and openings +/– 2 mm.
1.11. Surface tolerance of +/– 2 mm in the case of a flush-mount sink or cooktop (depending on the product, if the glass of the sink or cooktop is more curved than 2 mm, we recommend contacting the supplier and generally replacing the product anyway and not installing it).
1.12. Joints between the wall and the surface may vary by +/– 4 mm. For panels, tiles, wood, or other uneven wall surfaces, deviations greater than +/– 4 mm are acceptable. Nordecos is not responsible for filling large gaps. Uneven walls are the responsibility of the customer. The customer has the opportunity to cover the back wall with silicone, acrylic, tile, glass, cover strip or something else. You can request that the service provider fill the back wall joint with silicone sealant. The feasibility of this work will be evaluated by the technician performing the task.
1.13. For background plates installed beneath wall cabinets (between the wall cabinets and the worktop), a gap of +/– 4 mm between the background plate and the cabinet is generally acceptable. The background plate is typically measured to be at least 2 mm smaller on each side to ensure safe installation without causing damage to the furniture or walls.
1.14. When continuing the worktop on the vertical side (waterfall) at a 45° angle, the size of the joint bevel between the panels may differ from the leading edge of the horizontal surface. The joining phase depends on the type of material (graininess, crystal size, which can cause chippings on the cut). As a rule, the phase size is 2–5 mm, but it can vary. Also, the filling trace of the adhesive about 0.5–1 mm remains visible. Note! The glue is not completely in the same tone as the material!