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HOQ FABRICATION GUIDE

Professional Standards for Every Installation

This guide covers everything fabricators and installers need to know about handling, cutting, polishing and installing House of Quartz surfaces. HOQ slabs are 93% natural quartz — please follow these instructions carefully to ensure a perfect result.

93%
Natural Quartz
Each slab is unique
±1.4mm
Thickness Tolerance
2cm or 3cm nominal
3500
Max RPM
For polishing machinery
3mm
Min Wall Clearance
Allow for expansion
01
Quality Control & Inspection

HOQ slabs are 93% natural quartz — each slab is unique and may vary slightly in dimension, thickness, colour, texture, shade and quartz distribution. Careful inspection for obvious irregularities is essential before cutting.

Slab Nominal Sizes

Standard Slabs
305 × 140 cm
Thickness: 2cm or 3cm
Jumbo Slabs
325 × 160 cm
Thickness: 2cm or 3cm
  • No visible cracks, cuts, transportation damage or polish defects on the edge (except 5cm tolerance around perimeter).
  • No visible cracks or cuts on the face side of the slab.
  • The unexposed surface shall have a regular appearance.
  • Thickness shall not deviate from nominal by more than ±1.4mm.
  • Flatness deviation shall not exceed 4mm over slab length or 2mm over slab width.
⚠ Important Note
HOQ (Rocks Forever) will not accept claims for any of the above if the slab is modified in any way. It is the fabricator's responsibility to determine if slabs are fit for purpose before cutting or modifying.

Although HOQ Quartz Slabs are 93% Quartz (a natural product), there may be slight variations in colour and texture from batch to batch. Wherever possible, ensure slabs for an individual installation are from the same batch. Always inspect slabs prior to cutting to ensure an acceptable colour match under the same lighting conditions as the installation site.

02
Slab Handling & Storage Procedure
  • Slabs should always be stored away from direct sunlight, in a dry environment.
  • Slabs should be stored in a manner that prevents warping.
  • During storage and transportation, slabs should be on edge using an “A” Frame or racking — never flat.
  • Slabs should be stored and transported face-to-face.
  • Slabs should only be handled, moved, loaded or unloaded by trained staff in compliance with safe handling techniques as prescribed by the HSE.
03
Fabrication Instructions

Cutting

  • Cutting should only be carried out in a well-ventilated environment by trained professionals wearing appropriate safety wear.
  • Individuals must wear appropriate breathing apparatus — dust is extremely injurious to health if inhaled.
  • The cutting table should be stable and flat.
  • Maintain a continuous flow of cold water over the blade or polishing pad while in use.
  • The diamond cutting disk must be in perfect condition — no missing parts or worn disks.
  • Cut-out corners should never be square — this creates stress points that increase the potential for cracks.
  • All polishing and grinding must be carried out wet to prevent overheating the area.
04
Cut-out Reinforcement

Corner holes should first be drilled by a large diameter core bit and then a diamond blade used for cutting between the corners. For installations where the measurement between the cut-out and a joint is less than 15cm, reinforce the area with a minimum 20mm strip of HOQ Quartz.

  • All cuts should be carried out using only water-cooled diamond cutting tools.
  • Always allow an extra 3mm between the appliance and the edge of the cut-out to allow for thermal expansion.
  • All cut-outs and fabrication should be completed at your workshop — not on-site.
  • If a joint is overlapped by any cut-out, reinforce the joint by placing support strips beneath.
  • Ensure all joints are placed at the junction of the base cabinets or fit a solid slat under the joint.
05
Polishing
  • Polishing of edge profiles should be carried out progressively using granite or marble polishing pads.
  • All polishing tools should be water-cooled — this prevents excess heat which can cause micro fissures.
  • Ensure polishing pads have sufficient diamond grit before using on finished works.
  • Polishing machinery should not exceed 3,500 RPM.
  • Do not attempt to re-polish or hone the already polished face of the slab.
06
Mitered Joints
  • Mitered joints should always be cut at 45° — cutting at less than this angle makes them likely to chip or crack.
  • Adhesive should be evenly distributed across the joint and free of voids.
  • Ensure the edge of the mitre joint runs parallel.
07
Transportation
  • All slabs and finished pieces should be securely fastened with no movement during transportation.
  • Cut-outs should be braced during transportation.
  • Slabs or finished pieces should be transported face-to-face or back-to-back.
  • Slabs should be transported on edge — never flat. Use an A Frame for this.
08
Installation Instructions
  • All cabinetry should be fixed together and secured to the wall to prevent any movement.
  • Ensure all cabinets are levelled and supported prior to installation of the tops.
  • If cabinets are on adjustable legs, ensure all legs are evenly tensioned.
  • Ensure surrounding edges of all cut-outs are properly supported underneath.
  • Avoid placing integrated dishwashers or washing machines directly beneath or adjacent to joints — these appliances cause considerable vibration.

Fitting

  • Allow space of at least 3mm at each wall — quartz may expand or contract due to temperature changes.
  • Quartz worktops must be supported on a strong, stable frame. Provide front-to-back support every metre.
  • Use extra silicone on all corners, joints and around all cut-outs.
  • Countertop pieces should be pressed together with contact surfaces and clamped until adhesive sets.
  • Support is required across the top of a dishwasher space and over an under-counter oven.
  • Under no conditions affix mechanical fasteners (screws, nails, etc.) directly to HOQ slabs.

Adhesive & Seam Lamination

Join lamination seams with 2-part polyester, epoxy, or acrylic adhesives. Traditionally, colour-matched 2-part epoxy adhesives are preferred due to their strength and UV stability.

  • Clean seams and contact points well with acetone or denatured alcohol, then rinse thoroughly.
  • For all sink or basin installations (top-mount or under-mount), follow the sink manufacturer’s instructions.
  • For under-mount sink installations, bevel 3–4mm the edges around the cut-out to reduce chipping risk.
  • All sink installations should be fully supported independent of the HOQ top.
  • Cast-iron or heavy sink installations should be supported using plywood underlayment or a support rail system.
  • Leave at least 3mm clearance on all sides to allow cooktops and sinks to expand.
09
Post-Installation Steps

Clean installed worktops and counters to remove any adhesive and silicone residue left during installation using acetone, then clean off the acetone using a liquid cleaner as specified in the Care and Maintenance instructions, and rinse thoroughly with water.

⚠ Important Note
If further construction work is to be performed at the installation site after the surface is installed, ensure the HOQ surface is properly protected. HOQ Quartz Worktops are not suitable as a platform to stand upon or to bear heavy weights beyond normal kitchen or bathroom use.