DIY Flip Projects >> How To Install Granite Countertops

How To Install Granite Countertops

Granite countertops always make a kitchen look beautiful and durable. Aesthetically, they are unmatched compared with other materials used for countertops. This material is now the trend in kitchens and bathrooms and is really ideal for homeowners who want to make their favorite parts of the house look great and last long.

Granite is the hardest material popularly used in countertops. It is quite expensive as a square foot costs an average of $60. The cost, however, does not stop many homeowners in using them for their new or refurbished homes. 

In remodeling homes, there are certain projects which we can do by ourselves especially if we have enough time and patience. But with granite countertops, they are best done by professionals who have gained the right training and who have the proper equipment to install such materials. 

Readying your kitchen

Before installing the granite countertops, clear your kitchen by removing the range tops, sink and old countertops. Keep in mind that granite should be handled in an upright position and not any other way. 

Installation process

Upon ordering your granite countertops, a representative from the company will normally go to your house and measure the cabinetry and create templates for the installation. When the templates are made, the representative will tell you the location of the seams. You will also be informed about any specialized tools that will be needed for the sink and range cutouts. 

Before the installation process, metal rods and plywood will be placed on top of the cabinet to ensure a sturdy and level surface that will support the sink and range. This part is crucial as it aims to prevent the granite slab from breaking during regular use. Special attention is required on the varying thickness of the slab to successfully install the countertop. 

It is important to note that a granite slab has high and low spots on its bottom part. Leveling is therefore strongly required in order to protect the stone. When not properly leveled on the cabinetry, there’s a tendency for the granite to crack later on. The MDF material is more preferred in leveling as it is flat and not absorbent compared to other materials. There are some cement board that can also be used. 

When leveling the granite, the stone is glued to the decking. You can use liquid nails, clear silicone or other types of glue that don’t expand and will dry within an hour. Avoid using too much glue. At least four dots of glue that are about 18 inches apart are ideal. 

After the glue dries up, seal the granite before putting the grout. The grout should be mixed to a consistency similar to a cake mix before putting it in the seams. Use a latex glove when you do the grouting. 

A granite slab is usually cut with a diamond tip saw to fit the templates earlier created. The seams then will be sealed and the edge treated to provide a smooth perimeter. Trim inlays such as those made from metallic materials or a separate solid color requested by a homeowner can be added by the installer. After that, a sealer will be applied and the installer will polish the surface for a smooth finish. 

During installation, the position of the electrical outlets, sink and faucets have to be carefully noted as well so as not to affect the granite’s thickness
 

DIY Flip Projects >> How To Install Granite Countertops

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