H-20 Works with solid surface material and custom countertops

Overview

Solid surface is a composite material, used mainly for countertops, windowsills and backsplashes. The RSOS expects cabinetmakers to be able to apply and repair it, but treats this as a specialized skill that requires certification to validate warranties.

Task H-20 runs from breaking out materials (H-20.01) → fabricating (H-20.02) → installing (H-20.03).

Lists that repeat across the sub-tasks

• Material properties (which vary by manufacturer) include: polishing and seaming ability, brittleness, colour, photo and chemical sensitivity, pliability, profile and edge treatment, stability.
• Material dimensions include: sheet sizes, thicknesses.
• Knowledge common to all three sub-tasks: solid surface materials and their properties and dimensions, manufacturers' specifications and certification program requirements for working with and warrantying the material, and use of solid surface in custom applications.

H-20.01 Breaks out materials

What you do

• Select and use tools and equipment to suit the application.
• Inspect sheets to identify damage, defects and colour variation.
• Optimize material using the shop drawings, cut list and optimizing software data.
• Machine and cut edging, substrates and solid surface material to the shop drawings, cut list and optimizing software data.
• Machine components for hardware and accessories following shop drawings and site requirements.

What you need to know

• Solid surface materials, their manufacturer-dependent properties and their dimensions.
• Manufacturers' specifications and certification program requirements.
• Types of sinks; solid surface in custom applications.
• Tools and equipment for breaking out, and break-out procedures.

Range of variables

• Tools and equipment include: saws, routers, CNC machines, measuring tools, optimizing software.
• Hardware and accessories include: counter bolts, biscuits, sinks, plumbing points, electrical points, hinges.

H-20.02 Fabricates solid surface material

What you do

• Select and use tools and equipment to suit the application.
• Prepare components for seaming by cleaning them with methyl hydrate so the adhesive bonds adequately.
• Apply glue blocks and seaming tools following industry practices, to get ready for seaming.
• Assemble solid surface substrates with glues, clamps and seaming tools.
• Apply edging with adhesives and fasteners, adding glue blocks if needed.
• Apply adhesive and hold the parts with closely spaced spring clamps so the joint is seamless.
• Remove clamps and excess adhesive once the adhesive has dried.
• Profile edges to the approved shop drawings.
• Machine cut-outs in the countertop following approved shop drawings and mechanical requirements.
• Sand and polish components to the desired finish.
• Incorporate solid surface into other materials – e.g. a solid surface edge on a laminate countertop.

What you need to know

• Solid surface materials, properties, dimensions, specifications and certification requirements.
• Solid surface adhesives; types of sinks; custom applications.
• Tools and equipment for fabrication; thermal forming processes.
• Integrating solid surface into laminate edges; fabrication procedures; polishing methods.

Range of variables

• Tools and equipment include: routers, hole saws, specialty adhesive guns, palm sanders, seaming tools, vacuum system, clamps, polishers.
• Polishing methods include: wet and dry sanding, compound polishing.

H-20.03 Installs solid surface material

What you do

• Select and use tools and equipment to suit the application.
• Cut, fit and scribe solid surface material to site conditions.
• Seam joints on-site following industry standards and site conditions.
• Sand, polish and clean the material so the joints are seamless.
• Pre-fit fixtures according to manufacturers' specifications.
• Secure the material with adhesives according to manufacturers' specifications.
• Repair solid surface material on-site according to manufacturers' specifications.

What you need to know

• Solid surface materials, properties, dimensions, specifications and certification requirements.
• Solid surface adhesives; types of fixtures; custom applications.
• Tools and equipment for installing; handling and transportation procedures.
• Installation procedures; fixture installation methods; polishing methods.
• Repair techniques used during installation.

Range of variables

• Tools and equipment include: routers, sanders, seaming tools, clamps, specialty adhesive guns, caulking guns.
• Industry standards include: AWMAC, AWI, WI, CKCA, shop-specific standard.
• Fixtures include: sinks, faucets, cooktops, soap dispensers.
• Adhesives include: silicone, manufacturers' glues.
• Polishing methods (installation) include: wet and dry sanding.

---

Source: Red Seal Occupational Standard – Cabinetmaker, Task H-20 (pp. 136–141).