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3.2 Material

a) Materials used for the construction of Product covered within the scope of this standard shall adhere to the requirements set forth in AWI 300 - Materials (latest edition).

b) Materials used for the same purpose, within the scope of this standard, shall be consistent throughout a project.

c) Concealed surfaces shall permit defects. At blocking, fillers, and shim stock, any sound material is permitted.

d) When chemical resistance is required, fasteners at access panels and/or removable ledges shall be stainless steel.

e) Sealants and/or adhesives exposed to view shall be compatible for color to adjacent surfaces.

f) Core material shall have a minimum modulus of elasticity (MOE) value of 2,000.17 Newtons/mm sq. [290,100 PSI].

3.2.1 Decorative Laminate

a) High Pressure Decorative Laminate meeting the requirements of ISO 4586-3 (latest edition) shall be used for exposed decorative laminate surfaces. See AWI 300 -Materials (latest edition).

b) The work surface shall be a minimum of horizontal grade [HGP].

c) Splashes shall be a minimum of vertical grade [VGS].

d) Backer material is required on all countertops and splashes.

e) Build-up shall have backer material, or moisture-resistant sealer, or be of moisture-resistant core.

f) Core material shall be a minimum nominal thickness of 18 mm [.709”].

3.2.2 Solid Surface

a) When solid surface is referenced in these standards, it refers to filled cast polymeric resin panels. See AWI 300 - Materials (latest edition).

b) Work surface and splash material shall be a minimum nominal thickness of 12 mm [.472”].

3.2.3 Epoxy Resin

a) When epoxy resin is referenced in these standards, it refers to panels produced from a composite of epoxy resin, silica, inert fillers, and organic hardeners cast and cured in ovens at elevated temperatures, homogeneous throughout, and nonabsorbent. See AWI 300 - Materials (latest edition).

b) Work surface and splash material shall be a minimum nominal thickness of 25.4 mm [1"].

3.2.4 Natural/Engineered Stone

a)When natural stone is referenced in these standards it refers to quarried stone including but not limited to granite, marble, slate, soapstone, or limestone. See AWI 300 - Materials (latest edition).

b)When engineered stone is referenced in these standards it refers to a composite material made of crushed stone bound together by a resin. See AWI 300 - Materials (latest edition).

c)Work surface and splash material shall be a minimum nominal thickness of 2 cm [.787”].

3.2.5 Wood

a) When wood countertops are specified without stipulation of solid wood or veneered wood, then solid wood or veneered wood may be used at the manufacturer/supplier option. See AWI 300 - Materials (latest edition).

3.2.5.1 Solid Wood

a) Product shall be finished with a finishing technology in accordance with ANSI/AWI 0400 - Factory Finishing (latest edition) unless otherwise specified.

b) Work surface and splash material shall be a minimum of 25.4 mm [1"] thick.

3.2.5.2 Veneered Wood

a) Product shall be finished with a finishing technology in accordance with ANSI/AWI 0400 – Factory Finishing (latest edition) unless otherwise specified.

b) Countertop core material shall be a minimum nominal thickness of 18 mm [.709”].

3.2.6 Solid Phenolic

a)When solid phenolic is referenced in these standards, it refers to panels of melamine-impregnated decorative overlay sheets over a kraft phenolic core. See AWI 300 - Materials (latest edition).

b)Work surface and splash material shall be a minimum nominal thickness of 19.1 mm [.750"].