A Lot Of Preparation Goes Into Granite Countertop Installation
Posted on: 3 February 2020
Granite is a perfect material for kitchen countertops because it resists scratching and it's durable. Plus, granite countertops give your kitchen a bit of glamour. Having granite countertops installed is a meticulous process since the slabs are hard and heavy. Here are some things to know about granite countertop installation.
Measurements Are Done In Advance
When you choose your granite countertops, you go to the fabricator and pick the slab of granite you want based on color and swirl patterns. Then, the contractor comes to your home to take exact measurements of your kitchen setup. You'll need to know exactly where your sink and dishwasher go because changes can't be made to the slab later. The contractor makes a pattern of your kitchen layout and places that on the slab of granite as a guide for making cuts. Then, when the day comes to put in your new countertops, they will slide right into place with openings for the sink and other parts lined up perfectly.
You May Need To Prepare For The Installation
Talk to your installer about how you need to get your kitchen ready for the work. You might need to bring in an electrician and plumber the day before to unhook your old service so the old countertop can be pulled out. The contractor might also want you to empty the contents of your lower cabinets due to the dust created in the installation process. You should also clear space for maneuvering the granite slab through your entrance and to the kitchen.
Some Cutting May Be Done On Site
Most of the cutting work is done before the slab is brought to your home. However, it's possible the installer will have to do some cutting during the installation phase. This can create a lot of dust, but vacuum is used at the same time to control as much dust as possible. Be aware that you may need to leave the area if you have respiratory problems and you might have to clean up dust when the work is complete.
There May Be A Seam
One advantage of granite countertops is that they are installed as a big slab so there are no to few seams. Depending on the length of your counters and configuration of your kitchen, it may be necessary to seam two slabs together. When it's necessary to have a seam, the installer closes the seam and camouflages it as best possible so it isn't too noticeable.
An Overhang Has Limits
If you have an island with seating in your kitchen, the installer has to calculate the size of the overhang. A granite slab can have an overhang of several inches, but the exact amount is determined by the width of the slab that's supported by the island. You may want to know these measurements in advance if an island overhang is important to how you use your kitchen.
For more information, contact a company like Granite & Marble Depot
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