Granite Countertop Installation

Granite Countertop Installation

There’s nothing like fresh a slab of granite getting ready to make your kitchen 10 times more beautiful. You’ll greatly anticipate the complete look, but you must first have the granite installed. Whether you intend to install it independently or you’re curious about the professional approach, here’s the essential information about the installation of granite countertops.

Phase by phase:

Create a template

The crucial aspect of installing a granite countertop:

MEASUREMENT

All measurements need to be exact so the natural stone can be cut to near perfection. You can make minor cutting modifications during installation, but it’s preferable to steer clear of significant adjustments.

The simplest way to measure is by creating a cardboard template. You lay the cardboard over the current kitchen countertop, label the edges and the cutouts — sink and fixture holes — and then cut the cardboard to shape. Once cut, the cardboard should be the exact size of the countertop and the holes should perfectly align with the cutouts.  

Measure the cardboard and use those measurements for your granite slab.

Choose your granite and granite edge

Now, for the fun part, you get to select your granite! Before you head to a granite shop, it helps to narrow your search online. There are so many different granite designs, color and patterns that your search may be overwhelming at first. Determine the ideal color — gray, white, black, beige, brown, blue, green — and then go to the shop to find THE ONE.

Beyond the slab, you’ll also have to decide on a granite edge. Of course, there will be plenty of options.

Some of the more pristine edge types include bullnose, ogee, and beveled. Though, straight edge and square edge can certainly add sophistication to the kitchen. Finally, a waterfall edge possesses a distinctiveness that can truly make a statement in a generously sized kitchen.

Discuss your options with the fabricator or contractor and inform him/her of your final decisions. If you provide your measurements, the professionals will cut the slab to meet them. This will simplify transportation and installation.

Transport

Granite carries substantial weight, necessitating the involvement of multiple individuals for its transportation. Your contractor will take care of it, but if you’re transporting on your own, be sure to secure the slab vertically. DO NOT lay it flat. It needs to be strapped down (or, in this case, up); there should be a 0% chance the slab falls.

Once it arrives to your Allen, TX home, have a handful of capable individuals surround the granite, pick it up, and carry it in like you’re carrying a heavy glass table. A broken slab will basically ruin the entire project, so be very cautious.

Place the slab on top of the base cabinets and it will only require slight movement from there on out. Now the granite countertop installation process really kicks in. 

Fabricate

Granite carries substantial weight, necessitating the involvement of multiple individuals for its transportation. Any unlevelness needs to be resolved through the use of a wet saw. A wet saw can precisely slice through granite while minimizing the mess. Be sure to wear protective eyewear while sawing.

A saw can be rented from a granite shop of department store. Use it only if you possess familiarity with it and can maintain a steady hand.

It’s important that the base cabinets are level as well. If they are not, a shim can be added between the cabinets and the floorboards. Don’t add the shim between the cabinet and the granite or else the edge width and design will be affected.  

Make the seams disappear

Slabs are commonly three meters long, requiring installers to address at least one seam. Seems are not noticeable from afar, but they’ll definitely prevent your granite countertops from reaching the stage of perfection. Given the total costs of the project and the time it takes, you deserve a perfect kitchen counter!

To rid of the seam you’ll need to lay tape over it. Apply a two-part epoxy and distribute it along the seam. Make sure you choose an epoxy color that complements the shade of your granite. Once it dries, you can scrape the excess epoxy with the putty knife that you used to spread it.

Countertop contractors frequently arrive with a pressurized machine capable of seamlessly connecting the two edges that form the seam. The practice is tricky so we recommend you rely on the pros if you’re wanting the job done in the most effective way.

Fasten the countertop to the cabinets

Caulk will secure the granite countertop to the cabinets. We suggest using an acrylic caulk instead of silicon. Silicon has the potential to result in staining or discoloration of the wood grain. Allow the caulk to settle for a few minutes, and your granite should be firmly fixed in its position.

Caulk, along with the many other materials or tools we’ve mentioned thus far, can be purchased from your local department store. Some of the bigger, more advanced items can even be rented. Renting is ideal, as you probably won’t take on too many projects of the same or similar labor.

Create the edges

We discussed the edge types earlier. Creating the finished edges is a job best left for the professionals. The task requires expertise with a saw. The edges may need to be rounded and many of the designs demand precise craftsmanship.

You can leave the edges as is, but the look will suffer. They are also sharp and pointed, posing a potential risk to you or any children who may be running nearby.

Talk to an expert and take a look at the various edging that is available to you. There may be a lot to think about when it comes to granite countertop installation, but the good news is bad choices are very difficult to come by. You’ll without a doubt find the right granite for your kitchen. The installation will be the finishing touch to the kitchen you dreamt up long ago.

Flooring Source of Texas

Flooring Source of Texas is your route to flawless granite countertop installation. Our experts have installed so many countertops that the process is purely second nature. We’ll help you choose your granite, we’ll transport your granite, and we’ll install your granite. Once it’s all said and done, your kitchen will look incredible!

To learn more about our home remodeling services, please visit https://flooringsourcetx.com. If you are looking for additional helpful tips, head to our blog.

Nadine Floors Company

 

Ensure the best granite installation by calling (972) 778-6855!