Installing Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are installed through a process that takes several steps from the estimate, drawing a layout or templating, picking out the right granite for your granite counters, and cleaning/preparing your kitchen for the granite counters to be installed, fabrication and the installation. You can work with your granite counters tech to decide on the counters layout, overhangs, and seams. You shall decide on the color of granite you would like to use for your granite counters. Every slab of granite comes with a certain pattern or grain. When choosing from multiple slabs of granite you can point out that all of the waves in the patterns match up. If you are installing yourself, you must carefully match these pieces to flow correctly in your kitchen, and if you are having a professional install your granite counters, you should work with him or her to agree on the best series of slabs for your kitchen area. You may make the counters template on your granite slab before the slabs are cut.

When you meet with your installation tech (or the next step in your do it yourself preparations) you will be undergoing the measurement process. Your existing counters must remain completely free of appliances and other items in order to get a precise reading. Granite measurements must be correct to the furthest degree. During this time, the layout, overhangs, sink and stove drop in options will be discussed, and you will decide what other accessories are going to be involved in this installation.

If you are going to have new cabinets and new appliances installed, you must make arrangements for these to be done first. Granite countertops are often the last step in renovating your kitchen. After installing the granite some touch up of wall may be needed so save the extra paint from your kitchen.

Last of all, before the installation day arrives, your installation tech is going to ask you to remove all of the wall hangings and loose items from your kitchen cabinets so the work can go smoothly and your pots will not get dusty. They may even ask you to clear the way from the entrance to kitchen, as some countertops pieces may be quite large. Sink cutouts for undermount sinks are cut in the granite shop, but if you have a cooktop the installers will make a cutout at the job site. That will prevent breakage of granite during transport. Be sure to read the information granite shop is providing to ease the installation process and before you sign the job approval, check the counters carefully and make sure you are fully satisfied, especially check for any chips and edge polish. The installation crew is there to finish the job and they can fix most of the problems while they are still there. After they are gone it may be difficult to determine the cause of any chip or scratch. Usually the granite is sealed in the shop and then again right after installation. Make sure you keep sealing your granite once a year to preserve it and make it look like new.