Installing a worktop made from Krion® LUX requires precision, knowledge of the material and following a well-defined technical sequence. This type of surface allows for imperceptible joints, integrated sinks and a continuous finish, but only if all stages of the installation are followed, from measuring to sealing.

This procedure is intended for professional installers looking for a structured guide to tackling kitchen and bathroom installations or contract projects.

What will you learn in this article?

• Preparation prior to installation
• Recommended tools
• Step-by-step installation of solid surface worktops

Preparation prior to installation

Before beginning any work with Krion® LUX, it is essential that the installation space be completely defined. The worktop should not be used to correct previous installation errors. This material requires dimensional precision and structural continuity, so an uneven or out-of-square base directly compromises the final result. Installation can begin when:

• All furniture is in place, levelled and secured.
• It has been verified that there are no deviations between modules.
• Access to the installation site and the transport route has been confirmed.
• The unique features of the project have been identified: pillars, columns, tile joints, downspouts, etc.

If there are any doubts about any of these points, they must be resolved before continuing. The material must be transported under controlled conditions and acclimatised to the installation environment, especially if there have been variations in temperature or humidity during storage, due to its coefficient of expansion.

Recommended tools

The machining and installation of Krion® LUX worktops requires the use of specific tools, adapted to the properties of the material. The correct choice directly influences the quality of the finish, the precision of the joints and the overall efficiency of the installation.

To apply the two-component adhesive, it is essential to use double-cartridge guns that ensure a homogeneous mixture and continuous application without interruptions. When treating joints and transition areas, abrasives of different grain sizes (from P80 to P400) are used, both in disc and belt formats, applied with an orbital or roto-eccentric sander.

The progressive use of the grain allows for colour matching and a uniform finish without marks. Cutting and machining are carried out with a circular saw equipped with a fine-toothed disc, as well as straight-cut milling cutters and copiers for precision adjustments, especially in sink holes and wall joints.

At drilling points — taps, sockets or overflows — carbide or diamond core bits are recommended to ensure a clean cut without burning.

In installations that include sinks, a overflow connection system compatible with the material must be used to ensure watertightness without compromising the integrity of the assembly.

Finally, during the joining and assembly phase, tools such as clamps, suction cup systems, guide rules, squares and spirit levels or laser levels are used to ensure the exact positioning of each piece during assembly and adhesive curing.

Step-by-step installation of a solid surface worktop

The installation of a solid surface worktop does not begin on site, but in the measurement and project definition phase. The aim of this section is to list all the necessary operations, in the correct order, from taking measurements to final fixing. Following this sequence reduces time, avoids adjustments on site and guarantees a high-quality technical result.

Step 1: take measurements of the furniture with a template

Measurements should be taken once the furniture has been installed. We recommend using a template to design and manufacture the pieces with real tolerances, either physical (rigid cardboard, MDF) or digital (measurement with a scanner or CAD tools) to reflect the actual geometry of the space. This includes false squares, wall offsets, the location of pillars or columns, as well as the exact position of sinks, hobs and other built-in elements.

Step 2: define the details with the customer

Before moving on to machining, all the aesthetic and functional parameters of the project must be defined, as they directly affect the cutting of the pieces:

• Exact colour of the worktop
• Height and type of coping
• Skirting design and visible thickness
• Type of sink
• Dimensions available according to the base unit

Step 3: define the position of the joints

The location of the joints is decided taking into account the use of the material, access to the installation site, maximum transport length, the need for partial disassembly on site and the constraints for its location.

Therefore, joints should be avoided in areas subject to heat (hobs, ovens), vibrations (dishwashers) or visually exposed areas (sink front). It is also advisable to keep them away from interior corners or joints with structural elements. The aim is to ensure both the mechanical durability and visual cleanliness of the final result.

Step 4: check the material to be used before starting

Once in the workshop, it is necessary to check that the material selected for the project is correct: colour, thickness, batch number, slab format and surface condition. Any discrepancies must be resolved before starting cutting or machining operations.

At this stage, the final layout of the pieces is also defined, ensuring that the joints of the worktop do not coincide with those of the frames, backsplashes or aprons. In addition, as much as possible should be prepared in the workshop, leaving the minimum amount of work to be done at the installation site, which reduces errors, assembly times and exposure to uncontrolled conditions.

Step 5: Protect the pieces to prevent damage during transport

Once machined, the pieces must be properly protected for transport. This involves covering the surfaces with blankets or foam, protecting the edges with corner guards and securing each module to prevent movement or scratches.

Step 6: lay out the parts to be joined on the furniture

Once on site, a dry run is carried out with all the parts, placing them on the furniture. This step allows you to check the actual fit, confirm that everything is level and evenly supported, and verify that the expansion and contraction tolerances have been respected.

 If there are any deviations, they must be corrected before applying adhesive. Adjusting by pressing or bending the material is not recommended.

Step 7: Apply the adhesive and join all the pieces

The two-component adhesive is applied to the joint areas using a double cartridge gun. It is important to work continuously so that the mixture does not lose its properties.

After application, the pieces are aligned and fixed with clamps, suction cups or clamping tools. The waiting time depends on the adhesive, but must be respected to ensure structural cohesion. Remove any excess adhesive once it is completely cured.

Step 8: sanding the joints and the adjacent area

Once the adhesive has cured, sand the joints and the perimeter area, evening out the texture and tone of the entire surface of the worktop. The process is carried out with a random orbital sander and a specific progression of abrasives: p120, p180, p240, p320, p 400, etc.

It is essential to follow the sequence to avoid visible differences in the finish. Correctly treated joints should be imperceptible to both touch and sight.

Step 9: polish any areas that may have been marked

During transport or assembly, small marks, scratches or discoloured areas may accidentally occur. These are corrected by spot sanding, adapting the grain to the affected area.

In some cases, the entire surface is also reviewed to even out the finish overall, especially in large installations or those with direct lighting.

It is essential to have a good vacuum system to work cleanly and avoid dust accumulation in the environment. This vacuuming will also remove residual dust from the sandpaper and the surface of the worktop, which is important for obtaining a uniform finish.

Step 10: attach to furniture and wall

The final attachment to the furniture is done with flexible adhesive dots that allow for small expansions. Under no circumstances should it be screwed directly.

Where it meets vertical surfaces, a bead of technical silicone is applied to ensure watertightness and absorb movement without fracturing the material.

Frequently asked questions about installing solid surface worktops

What mistakes should be avoided when installing a solid surface worktop?

Avoid working on unstable furniture that is not properly levelled or fixed, as this compromises the stability of the whole unit.

Always keep the material and the environment clean before applying the adhesive, and allow the adhesive to cure before sanding. This will ensure strong, imperceptible joints.

Avoid placing joints too close to areas that can generate heat or vibrations, such as hobs or dishwashers, or trying to fit the pieces without allowing for expansion tolerances.

In some cases, part of the work is left to be resolved or finished on site — such as final cuts or machining — instead of being completed in the workshop, which reduces control over the finish. Always have the necessary tools and sandpaper on site to finish the job.

Keep the installation site clean during assembly with the help of a portable vacuum system.

Which adhesive is best suited for joining Krion® Lux pieces?

A two-component adhesive specifically designed for Krion® LUX must be used, with the colour code corresponding to the material. The adhesive is applied using a double-cartridge gun, always following the manufacturer's instructions.

Generic or incompatible adhesives can cause structural failures, colour variations or loss of cohesion in the medium term.