Installing
Granite Countertops
To
be ready for the granite installation, you will have gone
thru choosing
granite with the choice of granite
color and style integrated with the cabinets and surroundings.
Making sure this is a stone you can live with prior to ordering
the fabricating of your stone.
Before measuring out
the surfaces to be fabricated, your cabinets will already
need to be set in place.
A template is then made
for your chosen slabs. This
configures the granite to the cabinets and walls. An important
step since fabricated granite has little tolerance.
If you are figuring on installing the granite,
there are some possibilities to consider.
Ones that normally lead to finding a professional installer --
due to the skill levels,
and
special
requirements of installation, not the least of which are safety
concerns, and fitting the granite. Surely
enough, many first time installers
begin and then find it too much for them. Not only
that, but not a
great
percentage
of
pro installers want to pick up on a job of someone else’s fabrication,
or an install from a novice.
If the cabinets are being re-used with the new counters,
all fixtures
will need to be removed
that would interfere with the installation such as countertop
ranges, built in devices and sinks, along with the removal of
the existing countertop surfaces. If the installer
is
inclined
to
price adjust these, some kitchen owners choose to have them removed prior to
setting
the
granite. Also, all fixtures that are to be set following
the granite, like
undermount sinks, should be accessible.
The wall and base cabinets should be mounted with
the kitchen
paint
on, prior to hanging – though setting the counters
often requires touchup .
With the old countertop removed, plywood
at the minimum is normally mounted at the top of the base cabinets.
This bolsters support over the
long
term.
Cement
boad
for an underlayment is then fastened on this. Onto which the
granite is fitted. Which may need to be
leveled, to form a sheer surface across the countertop.
It's a good idea to discuss seams before the install: The
seams get butted together and sealed. Then
left
to dry, and colored filled to match.
Yet it is critical to conceal the joints, by planning their
position, with the light in the kitchen, with
what is
practical
with
your
slab cuts.
After the counters are set the backsplash
around
the wall perimeter is mounted. The granite may
then be sealed and polished depending on the stone.
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