5 Points to Consider When Transporting Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are known for their durability. However before they are installed, they are quite fragile. Most of the granite shops which offer installation services also include the provision for transportation. One should understand that with the right preparation and equipment the slabs can be installed without much difficulty. Granite is considered to be rigid by nature. And with proper support, it will resist cracks.

When you are installing granite slabs for cabinets, there should be proper support for the granite; otherwise the stone can be damaged. Without any support, the granite will have cracks. Both glass and granite should be transported on a vertical edge. If the granite is laid on its back, then there will be cracks, when the vehicle comes across bumps on the road. In order to support the stone and provide a frame to the stone, the professional users take help of A frames. The frames are made of wood so that there is solid support for the stone.

Most A frames are built with a 10 degree angle which helps in supporting the granite slab. The vertical and the horizontal supports are clamped together and hold the granite in place so that it is not removed from its place even if the road is bad. Most A frames are large and can be carried with help of pickup trucks. If you are using the granite slab for the counter, then it will be large in size. In case of Undermount sinks, there will be polished granite which is safe for transportation. Polished cut-our granite are not as fragile as ordinary granite.

There are chances that the drop-in sinks, faucets and cook tops crack on the road. If the granite is used for small vanity tops, then they can be carried without the A frame. The granite should be vertically placed in the unpolished edge. The bottom of the granite should be laid on even, flat surface so that there are lesser chances of cracks and scratches. In case of SUV and minivan, the granite slabs should be put on the rear seats and the other seats can be used for giving support to the slabs.

If you are carrying the granite all by yourself, you will need some extra help. It will be impossible to carry the heavy slab all by yourself. When you carry the granite to the car, it should be carried vertically. You can lift both the sides together to give proper support to the heavy slab. Before you carry the granite to the car, you should inspect the slab carefully and see if there are any cracks or holes. Once you carry it outside the shop, it will be your sole responsibility. When you plan to carry the granite top, you should use proper support like an A frame along with clamps and a vehicle which is spacious. If it is a big granite slab, you will need space. The rear seat should be used for carrying the granite slab so that the whole slab can be kept properly.