How is the island countertop secured?

[KSC_Travels]

Hi folks!

So, we had an unfortunate surprise when we went out to check on our 303 in storage in February. The island countertop developed a crack in the solid surface which I can only attribute to thermal expansion/contraction and perhaps a defect in the solid surface material or when the sink opening was routed out. It was really cold here for a few weeks in December (-35 C).

Happily, Grand Design has once again come through and sent me a replacement countertop.

As soon as the weather warms up a bit I will be changing this out. My question... does anyone know how the countertop is fastened to the cabinet? I am guessing some type of silicone between the top of the cabinet and the countertop? The countertop does have a wood backer on it but I do not see any mechanical fasteners (other than for the sink). In my mind I am heading out with an oscillating tool and carefully cutting between the countertop and the cabinet. But if there is something I am missing on this please let me know!

I did a forum search but haven't come up with any info. Apologies if I have missed something.

Cheers!

Ken

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Ken & Sandra,

In our 2015 303RLS, there are wooden strips stapled the to the top edges of walls of the island and Robertson head screws up through these strips into the wooden underlay of the counter top. I don't see any signs of glue or other sealer . . . I think you just have to remove the screws.

Rob

[KSC_Travels]

Hi Ken & Sandra,

In our 2015 303RLS, there are wooden strips stapled the to the top edges of walls of the island and Robertson head screws up through these strips into the wooden underlay of the counter top. I don't see any signs of glue or other sealer . . . I think you just have to remove the screws.

Rob

Thanks Rob! That would be brilliant! Let's hope that's the case. I will report back what I find when I get out there.

Cheers!

[KSC_Travels]

Got some warmer weather yesterday and was able to get out the rig to deal with the countertop.

Just to close this out, Rob's Cate&Rob description was spot on. About 8 or 10 Robertson screws holding the countertop from underneath. Also as expected, the sink had a small amount of silicone sealant around the edge but was attached to the underside of the countertop with mechanical fasteners.

All in all a very simple job made more time consuming by the need to contort yourself into small, upside-down working spaces!

Ken