Backlighting Onyx and other stone surfaces can be tricky, here is a list of Frequently asked questions
How much space should be allowed between the back of the stone and the light panel?
It depends on the type of stone that is illuminated, we find that the majority of the stone that we have backlit in the past does not require any spacing, however we have noticed that some white onyx and honey onyx that is quite uniform (little veining, fissures etc) does allow for more light transfer so you will find that there can be a brighter area along the illuminated edges. If the design allows for it you can avoid this completely by spacing the stone between 1/2" and 1". Also, if you are using 3/8" onyx laminated to glass I would suggest that the spacing be at least 1".
How much light will pass through the nose profile of my countertop?
This varies depending on the type of nose profile used:
Mitered- 45 degree join (recommended):

Having a mitered nose profile allows for maximum light transfer through the edge of the stone (see Illuminated Counter top example PDF) if the LED panel is sandwiched with direct contact to the underside of the stone you should get about 1" to 1 1/2" illumination down the front face.
Doubled up / laminated- double layer of onyx

Having the edge doubled up will only allow the light to travel through the top of the stone; this will usually result in a dead spot on the front face. If the stone is doubled up and the strip of stone that is laminated to the underside is ¾” to 1” deep there is a good chance that there will be some light transfer. Anything more than this will result in a dead spot on the front of the nose profile
Can I order the LED panel with drilled holes, voids for basins, sinks, plumbing or electrical outlets?
Yes, this is a unique feature of our Nu World LED Light Panel; we require that a CAD file is submitted by the customer to ensure that the voids are cut correctly. Alternatively the panels can be cut on site using a router capable of cutting acrylic
Other than Onyx, what materials can be backlit with the Nu World LED Light Panel?
Apart from Onyx and Marble Nu World LED Light panels can be used to backlight the following materials:
Can the LED Panels support a heavy onyx slab?
Yes the Nu World LED Light Panel can support the weight of an onyx slab however there are a few important steps that need to be taken to achieve this:
- 1.The LED panel is a 5/16” acrylic sheet with LEDs embedded in the edges so it is important that it be supported so as to avoid bending the panel when the stone is placed on top.
- 2.We recommend that there be a minimum ½” finished plywood substrate below the LED panel. Care must be taken to ensure that there is no possibility of a fulcrum being created which can crack the panel once the stone is placed on top. Make sure that all screws are countersunk properly and the plywood substrate is smooth, flat and free from debris.
Can your LED Light Panel be used to backlight onyx or glass tile in a shower/steam room?
Yes this has been achieved before but extra care must be taken to ensure that the LED panel is not exposed to moisture
Does the LED Panel require special electrical grounding or Ventilation?
The LED panels are powered with Class 2 power supplies so short circuit and overload protection is built in. Our LED panels have integrated heat sinks so cooling and ventilation provision is normally not necessary. In some high temperature environments it might be required to vent the area that the LED panels are in – please send us as much info about the application and we will get back to you with suggestions
What do I do if my counter top is “boxed “ and I need to support it from below , will the supports not show through the stone?
If you have opaque supports (plywood, mdf etc) underneath the stone you will see a distinct dark spot where they touch the underside of the stone. We have worked with many types of stone before and some types are more forgiving when we are faced with this situation. Please let us know the type of stone that you have chosen and we will let you know how noticeable the lines will be. The more fissures, cracks and veining there is in the stone the less visible the line will be. Another solution that can work is if the supports are constructed out of optically clear acrylic.
Should I attach the LED panel to the back side of my stone slab?
We never suggest that this be done. Anything could happen to the LED panel or stone and if they are adhered to one another the cost will be double to replace
What happens if after the onyx is installed, the lights need repair?
It is important to note that this application like all electrical applications are susceptible over time to various potential issues like moisture ingress, damage to counter tops, loose wiring by contractor fault etc. so there are times that the stone has to be removed and access to the LED panels allowed. What this means is that if it is possible we always like to have easy accessibility to the LED panels but unfortunately we do not always have this luxury. The honest answer is that over time anything can happen and there is a risk reward factor that has to be taken into account when implementing a backlit onyx counter top