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This page explains the steps to take for installing single and multi-piece TFL countertops. Prior to beginning the installation, ensure you completed all steps of installing the system skeleton and ensure all base cabinets are in place according to the system elevation.
Page Contents
Skill Requirements
Tools & Hardware
Installation Steps
Single Piece Countertop
Multi-Piece Countertop
Related Training Materials
Final Steps & Delivery
Certification
Tips from the Field
Terms & Definitions
BOM Codes
Types of Installation: Off-the-Floor, Floor-Based, Wall Bed
Installer Level Required: Apprentice Installer
Products Required: TFL Material
Tools Required
Tape Measure
Pencil
Drill Driver/Impact Drill
Hardware Required
#8 x 1 1/4” Screws
Dog Bones
(Hafele #262.96.945)
Installation Steps
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times when handling material and operating the power tools mentioned throughout this process. Review the PPE Matrix for further guidance.
Single Piece Countertop
Inspect the countertop for damage and dry-fit. Inspect all 4 edges, the top surface, and the bottom surface.
Place the countertop on top of the fixed shelf and gently push the countertop against the wall.
If the countertop is being placed across multiple sections, Step 2 applies to all fixed shelves across the section.
Check to ensure all overhangs are even or installed according to the elevation.
Attach the Countertop to the shelf using 1 ¼” x #8 screws.
Countersink all attachment points by driving the screw through the TFL to allow it to be inset of the material.
If the material begins to separate slightly while driving the screw through, retract it slightly and drive it in again.
Do not nail for attachment. Nails are not strong enough and the countertop is at risk of detaching.
For attachment across a single section: Use 2 screws; 1 in each back corner of the fixed shelf, and 1 in the front center to secure the countertop.
For attachment across multiple sections: Use 3 screws in the end sections; 2 in the front and 1 in the back outer corner. Use 1 – 2 screws in the sections between the ends, towards to front of the section, to draw the shelf tight to the countertop.
If the countertop is going over a drawer section, you will not need to use screw caps. If there is a chance screws will be seen, cover them with fast caps.
Ensure the countertop is attached by checking for any gaps between base cabinets and the countertop.
Install any accessories/grommets/additions according to the elevation. Verify any placements with the customer or designer.
If the countertop does not fit, or was measured wrong, contact the shop to confirm if it will be a save or a go-back.
Multi-Piece Countertop
Inspect the countertops pieces for damage and dry-fit. Inspect all 4 edges, the top surfaces, and the bottom surfaces of each piece.
Ensure the seam is in the correct location as specified by the elevation.
Place the countertops on the system to prepare for attachment.
NOTE: If the countertop is being placed across multiple sections, Step 3 applies to all fixed shelves across the section.
Install dog bone hardware to join the seam together.
Ensure seams are in alignment once dog bones are tightened.
Check to ensure all overhangs are even or installed according to the elevation.
Attach the countertops to the system using 1 ¼” x #8 screws.
Do not nail for attachment. Nails are not strong enough and the countertop pieces are at risk of detaching.
For attachment across a single section: Use 4 screws; 1 in each corner of the fixed shelf to secure the countertop pieces.
For attachment across multiple sections: Use 3 screws in the end sections; 2 in the front and 1 in the back outer corner. Use 1 – 2 screws in the sections between the ends, towards to front of the section, to draw the shelf tight to the countertop pieces.
Ensure there is at least 1 screw in the back center of the countertop.
NOTE: If the countertops are going over a drawer section, you will not need to use screw caps. If there is a chance screws will be seen, cover them with fast caps.
Ensure the countertops are attached by checking for any gaps between base cabinets and the countertop.
Install any accessories/grommets/additions according to the elevation. Verify any placements with the customer or designer prior to drilling for any countertop accessories.
Related Training Materials
Skeleton Fundamentals
Complete the Installation
System Touch Ups
Cleaning the System & Jobsite
Delivery to the Customer
PPE Matrix
Final Steps & Delivery
Inspect the installation and complete any touch ups if necessary.
If there are no more components to install, remove all stickers/labels.
If there are no more components to install, complete the clean up process.
If there are no more components to install, complete the Professional Installation Experience by walking through the space with the customer and delivering the final product.
Certification Steps:
Countertop is placed in the correct locations with the applicable overhang according to the elevation.
There is no visible gap between the countertop and the section below.
All attachment points are countersunk.
If applicable: Attachment points are covered with fast caps or wax crayon.
Single-Piece across a single section: Countertop is attached using a minimum of 3 screws; 1 in each back corner and 1 in the front center.
Single-Piece across multiple sections: Countertop is attached using 3 screws in the end sections and a minimum of 1 - 2 in the middle sections.
Tips from the Field
Tips submitted by fellow installers and leaders in the field. These optional tips are intended to make this install process simpler.
Click here to submit your own tip from the field.
Terms & Definitions
BOM | Bill of Materials; Parts List |
Countersink | A cutting tool which puts a conical hole into an object, to allow the head of a screw to sit flush or below the surface. |
Elevation | The CAD Design Plan created by the Design Consultant with the client. |
BOM Codes
The purpose of this section is to provide guidance when confirming details on the BOM. This list includes all individual parts typically associated with this process.
CT | Countertop |
CTTL | Countertop Top Layer |
DBN | DogBone |
ICT | Island Countertop |
LTR | Ecodomo Leather |
PNL | Applied Panel |
Text Note | Scribe to the wall |
The codes in the table above are directly from the Corporate CAD database and may not reflect all codes included in the Supported Franchise Database or Independent Franchise Databases.
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