Cracks in kitchen counter

[DrBubb]

Has anyone else delt with this problem?

My friend wants to buy a flat in CC, and has seen one he likes, but he is put off by a large crack in the kitchen counter.  Apparently, it was caused by the heat from the burners.

Patching it is not an option, since the crack has spread enought to make the surface uneven.

Has anyone delt with this?
Can you given an estimate of the cost?
Is there anyone you would care to recommend to fix it?

[Zorro]

Hi mate. many people rip out the kitchen and put a new one in. you can get a new ikea kitchen for about HK$10,000. the kitchens provided by the developer are of a very cheap spec. csts sweet f a to pull em out and stick a new one in.

[DrBubb]

New kitchen?
Thats one think I didnt think of.

Any idea of what it might cost for a good one- for Flat A?

[mango on the run]

I know on the Chinese forum someone mentioned a service provider who patch up cracked counter for a fee, around $500. The work involve applying some kind of plaster, then polishing to achieve a smooth surface. Please let me know if you want the contact, as the this is not shown and I need to ask for you.

[Netboy]

I have this patch done by Cheung Kong on my first year moved in. It looked like new after polishing job. But it'll crack again soon. Now I have 2 cracks and one is around 6 inches long.

Checked with expert that no permanent solution for this except replacing a new quality one.

Heard lots of CC flat got the same problem.

[mango on the run]

I have this patch done by Cheung Kong on my first year moved in. It looked like new after polishing job. But it'll crack again soon. Now I have 2 cracks and one is around 6 inches long.

Checked with expert that no permanent solution for this except replacing a new quality one.

Heard lots of CC flat got the same problem.

Yes, crappy material they use. It is advisable not to put too heavy load on the counter.

[Gooner]

Same problem here .. the crack started small but it's spreading real fat.

Zorro, new kitchen for 10K ? I guess you're referring to the slab.
If not Ikea, are there other options available ?

[Netboy]

Any picture of them?

[DrBubb]

I have this patch done by Cheung Kong on my first year moved in. It looked like new after polishing job. But it'll crack again soon. Now I have 2 cracks and one is around 6 inches long.

Checked with expert that no permanent solution for this except replacing a new quality one.

Heard lots of CC flat got the same problem.

The problem is that there are three cracks spreading from the same point, and patching isnt ideal, since the crack has now different elevations, so a patch-job would look very obvious. 

I think the new kitchen solution will need to be looked into.

Recommendations will be appreciated

[Gooner]

Getting in a contractor to check if the whole slab that sits on top of the shelves / cupboards can be replaced is an option. Or if that doesn't work, re-modelling of the kitchen needs to be done and that would be a costly affair.

Does anyone have a better suggestion ?

[DrBubb]

I told you.  Just mix resin with coloring pigments into the crack.  The counter is still functional.  Mixing the pigments is time consuming be it takes time to get the right combination of pigments to match what the pigments would look like after it dries with the resin.  My guess is that most folks have not idea where to my the pigments.  Pigments cost HK$2.00 color for a bag of one cup.  Perhaps $5 now since it was two years ago.

My challenge is that one of the cracks is on top of the drawer, so any resin or crack repair material may fall into the drawer.
There's a risk that it may contaminate the tableware

[Icarus]

I extended my kitchen and had whole refit. Surfaces cost between $300 and $2000 per linear foot (i.e. measurement along back wall) fitted depending whether you have Corian style artificial stone or marble. Artificial stone can be made to appear seamless whilst marble must be joined. Best prices are in specialist shops in Shanghai Street, Mongkok.

Hope that helps.

[Poppet]

Perhaps it would be useful to tell people where to purchase the pigments then Big Moonster....

[DrBubb]

I visited Shanghai street last weekend.

In general, a new kitchen counter will cost between $300 and $800 per foot,
with "Corian" from Dupont on the high end of that

[DrBubb]

That's included in those figures