Once you have decided to upgrade your kitchen countertops with granite, of course you want to get the installation process started right away. Who can wait once they are ready to experience the beauty and efficiency of natural stone? There are a few things about granite countertop installation that you want to be aware of before getting started. Walk into this process with knowledge and insight to avoid mistakes and to enjoy your kitchen’s transformation process from color choice to installation day.
1. Is Your Kitchen Ready?
Are you renovating your entire kitchen? Before starting the granite countertop installation process, you want to have your other structural pieces in place. Cabinets should be installed and appliances need to be in your kitchen. This is necessary when it comes to preparing the template – proper measurements need to be made in order to cut and shape your granite to fit your kitchen.
2. Think Through Your Design Choices
Which type of granite are you going to use? What are you looking for in terms of color, pattern, and edges? Don’t worry if you don’t have your answers ready – it is time to visit the showroom to check out the look and feel of different types of granite! A good natural stone company will consult with you to help you make the right decision for your kitchen – after all, with proper care your new granite countertops will last as long as you want them.
A useful tip – bring in items from your kitchen to help find the right natural stone for you. A piece of cabinet, paint colors, flooring, and backsplash tiles can all help to make the perfect choice. You also want to decide on your edge profile. Essentially, the simpler the edge, the easier it is to clean and maintain your countertops. Depending on the style of your kitchen, however, more intricate edges may make a better fit.
3. Template Time
Once you have chosen your granite slab and you have had all your questions answered at the showroom, it is time to make the template. An estimator will come to take accurate measurements of your kitchen in order to determine how the granite will fit.
Don’t forget the sink! What sink are you going to use to complement your new natural stone countertops? The sink is attached once your granite is installed. It is a good idea to have your sink ready when the estimator comes to make a template of your kitchen. It may even need to go to the shop where your granite is fabricated to use for the sink cutout.
4. Fabrication
Now it is time for your granite to be transformed from stone slab to work of functional art. A fabricator will cut, shape and polish the slab that you chose to meet the exact specifications of your kitchen. This is where the importance of using a granite provider with a skilled artisan comes in.
5. Installation Time
What do you need to do to prepare your kitchen on installation day? Make sure everything is removed from your existing countertop surfaces. Alsom clear a space wide enough for the granite to be brought in. It is a good idea to remove as much excess from your kitchen as you can to make the granite installation process more efficient.
Installation only takes a few hours, although larger projects make require longer installation times. Once the countertops are installed, your sink is attached, and your granite upgrade is complete. Also, check out our latest article about the uses of granite!