Home renovations can be exciting, especially when upgrading to a beautiful new granite kitchen counter. Knowing what to expect during the granite countertop installation ensures it goes smoothly. If a kitchen remodel is soon, this detailed guide walks you through what to expect during the existing countertops installation process.
Table of Contents
Your new granite installers will handle everything from precise measuring to expert mounting of your new counters. Knowing the phases of the process ahead of time helps you plan accordingly. So read on for insights into successful granite countertop installation.
How to Install Kitchen Granite Countertops
Installing granite countertops yourself can save money compared to hiring pros. However proper planning and preparation are key to a successful DIY install granite countertops installation. This guide covers what you need to know to tackle this project as a beginner.
Phase 1: Plan Your Granite Countertop Project
Research granite suppliers in your area and read reviews to find a reputable vendor known for quality stone and fair pricing. Schedule warehouse visits with the granite company to view slabs in person and get quotes. Choose a vendor you trust to provide the right materials.
Browse granite colors and patterns to find the right design for your kitchen. Consider factors like your cabinet color, flooring, and overall aesthetic. Select a timeless granite pattern that complements your space rather than a trendy style. Be sure to view large samples to get an accurate impression of the coloring and finish.
Phase 2: Gather the Necessary Tools and Equipment
Having the proper tools and equipment is essential for a smooth granite installation process. Before purchasing slabs, take time to acquire all the necessary supplies to handle the job like a professional. You will need:
- Tape measure, level, and straight edge
- Circular saw or wet saw with a diamond blade.
- Jigsaw for cutouts
- Clamps to secure slabs
- Grinder and drill
- Safety gear – gloves, goggles, ear protection
- Adhesive epoxy, silicone caulk, and granite sealer
With the right tools assembled, you’ll be equipped for key tasks like safely moving slabs, making cutouts, and achieving seamless mounting. Quality tools lend confidence for a DIY granite install.
Phase 3: Install Granite Kitchen Countertop Slab
When installing your granite or quartz countertop, following the proper process correctly and safely is crucial. Rushing through steps or skipping preparation work can lead to costly mistakes, damage, and injuries. Instead, take the time to methodically complete each phase of installation in the proper order.
- Measure and Template the Countertops: Take precise measurements and make cardboard templates for your countertops. Templates ensure your new granite slabs fit correctly.
- Carefully Cut the Granite Slabs: Using a wet saw with a diamond blade cut the granite according to your measurements and templates.
- Remove Old Plumbing Fixtures: Detach existing sinks, faucets, and soap dispensers to prepare for granite installation.
- Take Down Backsplashes: Carefully remove any existing backsplash tile or panels on the walls.
- Detach Old Countertop Surfaces: Uninstall old laminate, tile, or solid surface countertops using proper tools and safety precautions.
- Disconnect Appliances: Unplug and move appliances like ranges and dishwashers to allow access for installation.
- Mount the Granite Slabs: Using adhesive epoxy, carefully mount the new granite countertops onto the cabinetry according to your measurements.
- Seal the Seams: Apply silicone caulk between slabs and along edges for an imperceptible seam. Allow proper curing time.
- Reinstall Appliances and Plumbing Fixtures: With the slabs fully installed, replace sinks, faucets, and appliances in their original spots.
- Apply Protective Granite Sealer: Seal the granite surfaces with a penetrating sealer to protect them from stains and etching. Allow to fully cure.
Follow these phases carefully for smooth granite countertop installation. Take your time and don’t skip any preparation steps.
DIY vs Professional Granite Countertop Installation
Installing new granite countertops can transform your kitchen or bathroom into a beautiful, natural stone space. But should you tackle granite installation as a DIY project or hire professionals?
It is a challenging task that may not result in the best outcome if done by an inexperienced DIYer. Trusting professionals often makes more sense for this major home upgrade. Here are 5 key reasons to hire granite installers rather than attempting it yourself:
Granite Slab Transport and Handling
Granite slabs are extremely heavy, often weighing over 100 pounds per square foot. Professionals have special cranes, lifts, and trolleys to safely transport large granite slabs from the warehouse to your home without the risk of cracking or breaking these expensive natural stones. DIY carries a very high risk of damaging the fragile granite during transport or installation.
Specialized Tools and Expertise
Experts bring high-caliber wet saws, routers, grinders, and more to precisely cut holes for sinks, polish edges, and mount the granite slabs properly like a perfect puzzle. The right tools are essential for clean edges, sealed seams, and a properly installed granite sink, with no gaps or cracks. DIY requires purchasing or renting commercial-grade equipment most homeowners don’t possess.
Precision Skills and Experience
Installers have experience measuring, accurately cutting, seamlessly mounting multiple slabs, and sealing your new granite counters. Their expertise ensures a stunning result frees all the cabinets of imperfections that can happen with DIY trial and error. They know all the techniques for a flawless installation.
Ongoing Maintenance Guidance
Reputable granite companies provide instructions on properly caring for your new natural stone counters with sealers and cleaners. Professionals guide you on maintenance musts to keep granite pristine and avoid stains or etching. DIY means researching best practices yourself and potentially making mistakes.
Insurance Protection
Professional installers carry insurance that covers replacement or repairs in case of accidental damage during fabrication or installation, like a cracked cooktop cutout or chipped edge. Any granite damages that occur during DIY projects often have to come out of your pocket, which gets expensive with natural stone.
Hiring professional granite fabricators and installers is the best way to end up with stunning new counters tailored to your kitchen or bath. Their skills make installing granite counters and cabinets a seamless process.
Weighing Your Options
Choosing between DIY granite installation or hiring a pro comes down to budget, skill level, and time commitment. Get quotes from fabricators to determine the overall cost. Factor in potential mistakes, injuries, and project duration for DIY. While daunting, installing granite countertops yourself can save thousands with proper planning. Or have perfectly installed granite countertops installed in days without the hassle of hiring a pro.
Finally
For most homeowners, hiring professional granite fabricators and installers is the best way to ensure a stunning, flawless result you’ll enjoy for decades. Their expertise in transporting heavy slabs, precision cutting, seamless mounting, and providing ongoing care instructions gives peace of mind knowing your kitchen countertops will function beautifully. Whichever method you choose, new granite counters make a gorgeous and valuable addition to any home.
