Adding wood trim to the bottom edge of a quartz countertop can give your kitchen a beautiful, finished look. However, quartz is a very hard, non-porous material that can be tricky to adhere things to. Here is some information on the best practices for gluing wood trim to quartz countertops.
An Overview of Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops, sometimes called engineered stone, are made from ground natural quartz crystals combined with resins and pigments. The result is an extremely durable, stain-resistant, and low-maintenance surface.
Some key properties of quartz:
- Extremely hard – rated at 7 on the Mohs hardness scale
- Non-porous – does not need to be sealed
- Resistant to stains, scratches, heat, and bacteria
- Contains no natural stone pores or cracks
- Available in wide range of colors and patterns
The lack of pores and high density means adhesives have a difficult time bonding to the surface. So gluing anything to quartz takes some special considerations.
Can You Glue Wood to Quartz?
Yes, it is possible to adhere wood trim to the underside of a quartz countertop edge. However, the right combination of adhesive and preparation is critical.
Here are some tips for success:
Choose the Right Adhesive
Ordinary wood glue or standard construction adhesives will likely not work. Instead, use a flexible adhesive made specifically for bonding quartz.
Some good options are:
- 100% silicone: Provides flexibility to allow for expansion/contraction of the wood. Make sure it is clear for minimal visibility.
- 2-part epoxy: Epoxies bond well to non-porous surfaces. Opt for one listed as quartz-specific.
- Acrylic adhesive: Some acrylics are designed for quartz and provide a strong, flexible bond.
Prepare the Quartz Surface
For the adhesive to bond properly, the quartz needs to be clean and a bit roughed up:
- Clean with denatured alcohol to remove any dirt or residue
- Lightly scuff the underside edge with 80-120 grit sandpaper. This creates texture for the adhesive to grip.
- Clean again with denatured alcohol after sanding
Prepare and Glue the Wood
Make sure your wood trim piece is properly prepared:
- Wood should be sanded smooth, clean, and untreated. Avoid wax finishes.
- Cut trim piece to desired size and shape to fit your countertop edge.
- Dry fit the wood trim before gluing to ensure proper fit.
- Apply adhesive to the back of the wood trim per manufacturer instructions.
- Press trim firmly to the quartz for full contact. Use painter’s tape to hold in place until cured.
- Clean up any squeezed out adhesive immediately. Let cure fully before removing tape.
Tips for Long-Lasting Bond
Follow these tips and your wood trim should stay adhered to the quartz for many years:
- Do not try to glue wood trim to factory edges. Only attempt on cut or sanded edges.
- Cut quartz with water, not dry cutting, to avoid micro-cracks.
- Make sure your quartz supplier approves of gluing trim to their edges.
- Consider using quartz-specific glues offered by your countertop fabricator.
- Let adhesive cure fully. This takes 24-72 hours with epoxy.
- Avoid very heavy wood pieces that could put excessive stress on the bond over time.
- Take care not to bump or soak the trim with water.
Conclusion
While it takes some special steps, attaching wood trim or molding to quartz countertops is certainly possible. With the right adhesive choice and surface preparation, you can achieve an incredibly strong and long-lasting bond. Just be sure to use a flexible, quartz-recommended adhesive and properly rough up the quartz surface first. With extra care taken during installation and everyday use, glued wood trim can be a beautiful addition to a quartz countertop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Gluing Wood to Quartz Countertops
Can I use regular wood glue to attach wood to quartz?
No, regular wood glue will not bond well to quartz. You need to use a flexible adhesive made specifically for non-porous surfaces like quartz. Silicone, epoxy, and acrylic adhesives are better options.
What grit sandpaper should be used to prepare the quartz?
Lightly scuff the underside quartz surface with 80-120 grit sandpaper. This roughens the surface for better adhesive bonding, without scratching the visible topside.
How long does the adhesive need to cure before removing painter’s tape?
Check the manufacturer recommended cure time, as this varies by adhesive type. Silicone and acrylic adhesives typically cure in 24 hours. Epoxies take longer, around 72 hours.
Can I glue wood to the factory-cut edge of my quartz?
It’s not recommended. Factory edges are very smooth and difficult to bond to. Only attempt gluing wood trim to a freshly cut or sanded edge of the quartz.
What’s the best thickness for wood trim on a quartz countertop?
Opt for a trim thickness between 1/4 – 1/2 inch. Very thin pieces risk breaking off. Very thick/heavy pieces place a lot of stress on the adhesive over time.
How do I clean around the wood trim on quartz?
Use mild soap and water. Avoid direct water spray onto any seam and prolonged soaking of the wood trim area. Blot dry any water on the trim immediately.