Community Forums

TJ · 08-25-2017, 08:38 PM

I would like to install a new kitchen faucet and soap dispenser in my 2014 Ventana LE and doing so would require drilling a new hole. I've seen several how-to-do-it videos on drilling Corian and it seems relatively straightforward. That said, I'd like to be sure the countertop is really Corian before I start.

Has anyone here drilled a new hole in their kitchen countertop? With real Corian, a sharp hole saw will cut it cleanly. If it is something else, I want to be sure it will cut properly before I start.

My existing faucet has developed a severe restriction that only passes a thin stream of water. I've cleaned the filter screen, but no improvement. When I remove the pull-out head from the supply tube, there's plenty of pressure and flow, so I'm pretty sure something inside is clogged. I don't see any way to disassemble the head further to sort out the problem. And, the "lady of the coach" would really like to have a taller, gooseneck spout to make filling water bottles, pots, etc. easier. I have found a faucet that satisfies her desire and appears to be an easy replacement. The one fly in the ointment is that it could only be purchased as a set with a matching soap dispenser. And, who wants to waste a perfectly good soap dispenser?

TJ

HavingABlast · 08-26-2017, 09:06 AM

I was waiting for more knowledgeable folks to comment on the drilling part of your question. Since none have come forward, I will address the "Corian" portion.

When we picked up our 2015 VTDP at the factory, I asked the same question. Our tech told us that it isn't exactly "Corian", the trade marked material. It is Newmar's generic version of Corian.

Any team leader in service could answer your question about drill ability. Our team leader was Leander Hochstetler (very knowledgeable). While the customer service folks are good at some things, their level of hands on experience seems to be widely dispersed. I would go directly to those that actually do the work for an answer to this question.

imgoin4it · 08-26-2017, 02:56 PM

The cabinet maker who remodeled our S&B kitchen told me how to work with solid counter tops. Cut them like wood and polish like a car. He actually custom fit the top using a regular wood hand saw. Couple years later I was putting a new faucet in our S&B bath and had to enlarge a hole. Just used a wood hole saw.

dennis45 · 08-26-2017, 04:05 PM

"When we picked up our 2015 VTDP at the factory, I asked the same question. Our tech told us that it isn't exactly "Corian", the trade marked material. It is Newmar's generic version of Corian."

That's an interesting comment that I think I would call out.......

When we had our DS remodelled, the company doing the work ordered a full sheet from a local Spokane dealer and it was an "Exact" match.
They worked it almost like plywood. Marvellous product, IMHO....but I don't believe its exclusive to Newmar.

Mr_D · 08-26-2017, 04:23 PM

I drilled a new hole in the countertop of our '02 DSDP. Just used a hole saw set from Harbor Freight. No problem at al.

siggyd · 08-26-2017, 05:08 PM

Once you rip out the stupid "anti siphon gizmo" inside the kitchen faucet,you would have plenty of flow. Ask me how I know this,it drove me nuts.
Siggy

TJ · 08-26-2017, 05:42 PM

Thanks, folks! I appreciate the confirmation that the countertop is some form of plastic and can be drilled. I didn't want to get started and leave an ugly mark that I couldn't cover. I may make a small test drill on the underside of the countertop as a final confirmation.

The "lady of the coach" will be pleased to have her new, high-style faucet and matching soap dispenser. Now, to find the time to do the job.

TJ

harleyjt · 08-26-2017, 05:50 PM

Mine is not Corian, but a Corian clone by Samsung. I forget the name on it, but it is marked Samsung. You can usually find a manufacturer marking on the underside of the countertop somewhere.
jt

tizzyfit · 08-26-2017, 05:52 PM

I thought my kitchen counter top in my 2002 KSDP was corian..............It's not! I have developed a crack 18" long in the top and my only option(s) are"1. live with it or 2. replace the counter top. If anyone knows a way to repair this kind of crack, please share it. Thanks!!!!!!

harleyjt · 08-26-2017, 06:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tizzyfit

I thought my kitchen counter top in my 2002 KSDP was corian..............It's not! I have developed a crack 18" long in the top and my only option(s) are"1. live with it or 2. replace the counter top. If anyone knows a way to repair this kind of crack, please share it. Thanks!!!!!!

I would contact a countertop fabricator. I think they can repair them.
jt

TJ · 09-01-2017, 05:27 PM

Got the new kitchen faucet installed in the 2014 Ventana LE today. It turned out that no additional drilling in the Corian (or Newmar equivalent) was required. The existing hole in the countertop was 1-1/2"; just right for installing a conventional kitchen sink faucet.

The install job was pretty straightforward, though the limited space under the kitchen sink made it a bit of a challenge for an "old guy" in the 200# class. My body just doesn't bend quite like it used to.

Here's the final result:

(Sorry; can't seem to get the photo to rotate upright)