Calculating zinc kitchen countertop installation expenses |
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How much does it cost to install a zinc countertop? Cost of a zinc kitchen countertop defines by number of factors and total expenses depend on the prices of zinc per square foot and labor cost to complete the work. But calculating total expenditures for installing a new zinc kitchen countertop number of additional factors should be taken into account. Contractor or a local metal fabricator will calculate the cost after in-home measurements and analyzing work complexity. Itemized estimate will reflect all fees and charges associated with the zinc countertop fabrication, delivery and installation as well as expenses for materials which have to be bought to perform the work. Estimating zinc countertop installation cost
Zinc is one of the most expensive countertop materials available on the market. The cost of zinc which is sold as metal sheets different sizes depend on the thickness and grade. Thinner zinc will have lower price, but it is more susceptible to dents which is very hard to repair and eliminate from the countertop surface ones it’s installed. For most residential kitchens 18 – 15 gauge zinc is recommended.
Fabrication, delivery and in-home installation of the zinc countertop will define the labor cost. Shape and size of the kitchen will impact the cost of man power. Gluing rectangle single piece of zinc sheet with square edge over plywood and installing a drop-in sink will be estimated at minimum charge. Creating custom shape with involving welding and polishing seems will be priced at much higher rates. The cost will go up for making an integrated zinc kitchen sink.
Home improvement retailers normally do not have zinc in stock, but some of them can design and place special order for fabricating, delivery and installation zinc counter after in-home consultation. It is the most convenient, but typically the least cost effective option. Local sheet metal shops might offer much better deals and they typically are much flexible with prices. Before choosing material for kitchen countertop make sure you understand the properties of zinc. It is require maintenance and even with a proper care it has an ability to react on water, liquids or even moisture content in the kitchen by changing its appearance overtime. It can be scratched much easily comparing to other solid surface countertops or stainless steel.
It will normally take 5 – 7 hours to install 40 – 45 square feet fabricated in shop zinc countertop in the L-shape kitchen for two professional installers. The work will include demolishing an old countertop, building support from particle boards or plywood, making sink cut out, welding and polishing two seams, gluing zinc sheets to the core and sink installation. If no welding will be involved the time will be significantly reduced. Fabricator or contractor typically will schedule installation in 3 – 4 days after taking measurements. In busy season fabrication might take longer.
Difficulty of work will depend on the kitchen layout and size. Handy homeowners can easily manage installation of 6 – 8 feet long fabricated in shop sheet of zinc over plywood and a drop-in sink. Welding multiple pieces together as well as making seams nearly invisible requires skills and experience. Zink is not a cheap product and trying to cut labor while investing into material is not a smart idea. The whole countertop might look far away from any expectations if poorly installed. It is always better to hire a professional contractor who will guaranty the work quality for completing such project. |
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