As a homeowner, I know you often feel a sense of wonder during home renovations, especially when it involves the kitchen. After all, you’re ridding your house of the old so you can ring in the new. Seeing that new granite kitchen countertop will often give you that magical feeling – and that’s lovely.
Kitchen renovation projects really do bring a sense of wonder – such a wonder that most homeowners would want to do it themselves, even if they really don’t know how to do kitchen countertop installations. Are you planning a kitchen countertop installation project anytime soon? We’ve broken down the steps for you so installing a granite countertop will be as easy as counting to 8. Here are the steps.
The average cost to install granite countertops is a little high. If you don’t have a set budget, you could end up spending way more than you would have wanted or could afford. Determining how much you are willing to spend on your granite countertop installation project should be your first priority to avoid spending way more than you could – and should.
Installing granite countertops isn’t just a small-time project. It requires a significant investment – and commitment – from you. That is why you need to take time and plan your project. Here are some considerations you have to make while planning for your kitchen countertop:
Choosing a granite vendor early on should be a priority to ensure you get the best slab of granite you can find. This will allow you to purchase whole slabs instead of prefabricated pieces. This will allow you to save a significant amount of money and time in having to redo the project all over again. This will also guarantee the quality of the stone as well as the look you want, which will save you from a lot of heartbreak.
Once you’ve selected a vendor, make sure you ask them about the slabs they have available. More importantly, you have to visit the showroom to make sure you choose the right slab that contains the right pattern for the look you’re going for.
In a previous post, we explained how to measure and calculate the dimensions of your stone countertops to determine how much granite you will need for your project. We recommend that you check out that post to find out how to take measurements. This ensures two things: you get the right-sized slab for your countertop and you don’t go over budget. Take note of those measurements and give them to your vendor or manufacturer. They should be able to take care of those for you.
Granite is one of the hardest substances on earth, making it nearly impossible to cut yourself. At Granite Selection, we switched from conventional diamond-tipped blades to an ultra-precise cutting laser to cut your granite slab to the exact specifications of your template.
Once preparation is done, we can proceed to the actual granite slab installation. Here are some tools you’ll be needing:
All of these materials and equipment are necessary for everything to go smoothly.
Wondering what your granite countertop will look like after installation? Check this Black Galaxy granite project to get an idea.
The installation of granite is a complicated process. To make sure everything goes smoothly, you will need to prepare your workspace. Make sure that your workspace is clear from clutter. Also, follow the steps below for a seamless installation of your granite countertops.
First, go under your kitchen sink and turn off the water and disconnect all tubes and hoses attached to the sink. At this point, you can remove your sink from the countertop by prying it out with a screwdriver or crowbar. Simply carve away the caulk, glue, or rubber lining around the edges and lift one side until you can get a good grip.
Score the edges of the backsplash along the wall to remove any caulk or glue and prevent damage to your paint, drywall, or wallpaper. Then gently pry the backsplash from the wall with a screwdriver or crowbar.
To detach your countertop, begin by looking for any screws that may be fastened into your cabinetry. They may be hidden behind the cabinets or cutaways. Then pry the countertop off after scraping away glue and/or caulk that is holding it on.
Remove your old appliances by switching off any electrical circuits leading to your kitchen or countertop area. Pull out any ranges, ovens, dishwashers, and other appliances that are attached or obstruct the countertop.
Now that your countertop and appliances have been removed, you can finally install your beautiful new granite countertop! Position the granite pieces on top of your cabinetry and affix them to your sink and appliances with the holes your granite vendor or designer has fabricated for you. Enjoy your new granite countertop for years to come!
Clean the edges of the slab, especially at the point where the seams will join. Lay the two pieces of granite side-by-side and align them carefully. Add tape to the edges to protect the countertop surface from the epoxy. You can peel this off easily later. Apply epoxy to the attachment region and join both slabs together. Use a clap to secure the slabs in place.
Place a bead of caulk on the plywood to secure the countertop in place. Add more caulk on top of the sink rim to waterproof the gap between the sink and the countertop. Get someone to help you lift the granite slab and lower it gently on the kitchen cabinets.
Clean the countertop surface with a kitchen cleaner. With a dry piece of cloth, wipe the entire surface sufficiently dry. Make sure not to use any acidic substances on the surface. Leave the countertop surface to air dry for 24 hours before applying a sealer. Once you’re ready to apply the sealer, make sure to read the label on the sealant you’re using. It’s always best to defer to the manufacturer to know the best way to seal your countertop surface.
Choose a slab from over 200 stones in our catalog, and we’ll handle the rest.
Having a new granite kitchen countertop installed in your kitchen is one of the most satisfying things for your home. But doing it yourself takes a different kind of commitment. It requires investing time and money to ensure everything goes perfectly. That is why it is important to plan ahead and prepare things beforehand so you know the cost to install granite countertops.
But oftentimes, installing a granite countertop yourself takes too much hard work and poses a risk of damaging the slab itself or other parts of your kitchen. It’s always recommended to seek the help of a kitchen counter installer to ensure everything is safe and secure.
Make Granite Selection your best choice for slab vendor, manufacturer, and kitchen counter installer. To learn more about how we can get you started on your dream kitchen countertop, give us a call at 888-906-3317 and schedule a consultation today!
Do you have questions about granite or quartz countertops in Chicago?
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