News release

Tiled countertops at their finest

Plattsburgh, NY - January 2006

Ceramic and stone tiles are ideal for countertops due to their innate resistance to heat, abrasion, and staining.  Now, thanks to the Schluter-Countertop System, you can install virtually any ceramic or stone tile on a countertop.

Schluter-Systems combines its popular Schluter products with two new profiles to create a maintenance-free, tile countertop system that eliminates the need for caulking and enhances both the aesthetic look of your countertop as well as the technical integrity of the installation for years to come.

The Schluter-Countertop System waterproofs the countertop and protects the tiles and grout from cracking.  Schluter-DITRA, a universal underlayment specifically designed for ceramic and stone tiles, serves as an uncoupling layer between the countertop’s wood structure and the tile covering by allowing the wood to breathe and move independently from the tiled surface.  

The possibility of damage due to water leakage from sinks and steam from dishwashers makes waterproofing a countertop extremely important.  In the Schluter-Countertop System, DITRA waterproofs the top of the countertop while Schluter-KERDI-BAND, a waterproofing strip, is used to seal butt joints and countertop/backsplash connections.

Schluter-RONDEC, a finishing and edge-protection profile for the outside corners of tiled surfaces, is available in a variety of colors and finishes.  RONDEC is used in the Schluter-Countertop System when installing a tiled-under sink, which creates a neat appearance and is easy to clean since there is no lip to trap debris.  Schluter-RONDEC inside and outside corners form a clean, smooth connection between profiles and are available in all RONDEC colors and finishes. 

One of Schluter-Systems’ newest profiles, Schluter-RONDEC-CT, was introduced in January 2005.  It is a double-rail edging profile for countertops that are to be fitted with a ceramic or stone tile covering.  The face of the profile features a recessed section with dove-tailed grooves to which field or accent tiles are bonded.  RONDEC-CT provides a user-friendly method for finishing tiled countertops and allows the customer to choose tile without considering the availability of ceramic trim pieces.  This profile is available in a variety of colors and finishes, with matching inside and outside corners.  

Schluter-Systems introduced another new profile in January 2005:  the Schluter-DILEX-AHK.  DILEX-AHK is a cove-base profile for countertop/backsplash transitions, inside wall corners, and floor/wall transitions in areas with strict hygienic requirements.  It is available in a variety of colors and finishes, and features a 3/8-inch (10 mm) radius for a seamless integration into countertop applications.  The profile is designed with a single anchoring leg for ease of installation.  Accessories include inside and outside corners, connectors, and end caps.