Installing Granite Countertops
Posted: Wednesday, October 12, 2005
by Jason Gluckman
Granite is not only the hardest material available for countertops it's also the most expensive, with prices starting at $60 a square foot. Though adding granite countertops to any kitchen can be quite costly, they remain the premiere choice in many new and remodeled homes. The beauty and warmth offer an aesthetic appeal that can't be found in other countertop materials.
After the granite countertops are ordered, an individual from the installation company will come to precisely measure the cabinetry and create templates for the installation. At the time the templates are created, the professional should be able to tell you where all the seams will be. The fewer seams, the better, as regardless of how well the joint is fitted, straight lines in the natural stone are very noticeable. At this time they will determine if any specialized tools will be required for the sink and range cutouts.
Prior to the installation, metal rods and plywood will be added to the top of the cabinetry to create a strong, level surface with additional support for the sink and range. This is a critical step, as it prevents the granite slab from breaking during regular use. Success of a granite countertop installation includes attention to the varying thickness of a slab.
Although slabs are carefully cut, there may be high and low spots on the bottom therefore, leveling is an important step of the preparation process to protect the stone.
Installers will later bring granite slabs that measure approximately four-by-eight feet or four-by-twelve feet and are only about three centimeters thick. The slabs can weigh hundreds of pounds and must be properly carried to reduce stress on the slab during transport. If the granite is not carefully laid on the cabinetry, it could crack at a later time during regular use.
The slab of granite will be precisely cut with a diamond tip saw to fit the templates. The jointing seams will be sealed and the edge will be treated to create a smooth, attractive perimeter. The installer can add any requested trim inlays, such as metallic materials or separate indications of a solid color. The installer will then apply a penetrating sealer and polish the surface to a smooth reflective finish.
The installers will note the positioning of electrical outlets, the sink, and the faucets, as the thickness of the granite may alter some of the process for re-installation of these items. The installers will also be trained to make adjustments for setting a cook top and re-securing the dishwasher stabilizer brackets without causing harm to the newly laid granite countertop.
The expertise required for installing granite countertops requires that this be one job left to the professionals. When properly installed, granite countertops are a beautiful and valuable addition to any home kitchen.
Granite Counter Tops provides detailed information on granite kitchen and tile countertops, advice on installing and cleaning granite countertops, information on price and locations to purchase discount granite counter tops, and more.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)I don't feel that you are being honest when you say that a "do it yourselfer" can't install granite counter tops. I am a woman and I hired a helper to help me carry in the granite and did a great job installing them myself. There were very few steps and if a person uses patience they are very simple to install.PLEASE!
Good on you lady. Some people will make it sound so hard just so that they can send their own installers and charge you thousands. I have done a lot of installations for my families and friends and I started off just like you. Patience and attention to details will get the job done.I am glad to see that there are lay persons able to do the job of installing the slabs. i had a kitchen remodel and I did all the installation of cabinets myself but left the granite to a professional and had to have it removed and done over. As I watched the installers I felt I could have done it myself and saved some money. I am ready to do a counter in a bathroom with one sink opening and I think I will try it myself.BC from CAgood for you bc...this is not "rocket science"...the public has been told to leave it to "craftsman".....i also paid a "professional" to install my granite in the bathrooms of my house.....i have since torn the work out and replaced it myself...also installed a complete kitchen with granite..............no big deal.........jt from caTo all those reading about how easy it is to do your own granite counter tops, extremely flippant to say that, unless you are talking about pre-fab. It is very risky work, careful don't cut your finger off in the process of cutting your sink hole as very sharp blades are used to cut stone as well as preparing the cabinet surface with custom cut plywood to support the very heavy counter top. Wear a back brace, too. And if you buy slab, be ready to cut your own laminate edges, and have all the polishing tools that you need to make several "wet" sand passes, starting with the coarsest to the finest, to get your nice polish. Prepare your neighbors for the loud grinding, day after day. Also you need the right glue and precision cuts to hide the seams....so as you may say, IT'S "NOT" a "piece of cake". Pre-fabricated is much easier. Also, have all the diamond blades and tools you need, they aren't cheap either.Oh, and don't forget you need to transport it, so if you don't own a truck or flat bed, you need to rent one. Then you have to have a place to do the actual work which creates a lot of dust and run-off.
I have ordered my granite countertop and I agreed to the original order. The company knew the size they were dealing with and quoted a price. The counters were $56 per sq foot. I have slightly over 51 sq ft. Add $300 for the cutout and tax. We are up to $3300. I get a revised order today for $200 for a 3rd man, that I must hurry and sign and return so they can complete the order. Why did they not tell me I needed the 3rd man to begin with? I feel like I am being duped. I left a message since they are currently closed, but I just need to know if this is common practice. I am a bit of a diy person, but this is something I cannot touch. I also have a very limited budget. I have run into more obstacles and have not had a kitchen since April, it is now the end of July. Can you advise?Yes, you are being duped. Granite can be heavy, so typically 3 people come to install it if you have a pretty big kitchen. It's about 20 lbs. per square foot. But, if you pay the $56 per sq foot, that should include all the labor already priced in. Are they going to charge you for extra blades and other equipment they need for the job? NO, so why charge for and "extra" guy? They just want to sqeeze extra money out of you, probably because you already paid them and are locked in. Say you will help them carry it in. Once it is on the counters, they don't need the "extra" guy.
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