Granite countertops have been increasingly popular these past years. Many homeowners prefer them over other materials because of their durability, stain resistance, and heat resistance. Granite countertops also prevent scratches, chips, and burns. Therefore, these countertops retain their luxurious appeal for an extended time.
Suppose you’re considering installing granite countertops anytime soon. In that case, you may want to know what and how to prepare your countertops to make them perfectly fit for granite installation. In addition, you want to maximize your time, money, and effort in installing the new countertops. For that purpose, continue reading for some tips to guide you.
Choosing the best granite installation contractor is the first step in preparing the counters. In this part, homeowners can compare the services and reviews of the contractors in their area. They can also look into their previous installations through their samples and social media pages. If you’re in Orlando and its adjacent areas, you may consider looking for the industry-grade granite countertops Orlando has to offer.
Look for a contractor known for top-of-the-notch products and services as much as possible. You may also select the different granite designs that would fit your kitchen’s motif if you’re in this step. Before going to the contractor, it would be better if you already knew the countertop sizes so you can coordinate immediately with the contractor about the size, thickness, and style you’d want for your countertop.
After choosing a contractor, you may start clearing your kitchen. Begin by removing the cabinet’s contents, such as stored food, cutlery, and cooking equipment. You may also move your heavy appliances and some kitchen fixtures to other rooms to provide enough space for the installation. This could also be a way to organize your kitchen before and even after the job.
However, leave the sink and some appliances for templating the granite countertops. This is necessary to know the exact spaces where the contractor will install the countertops and how much granite to cut. This way, there’ll be enough gap from the countertops to the walls and other surfaces.
If your counters have existing countertops, you may consider removing them yourself, although you can leave this task to your hired contractor. If you choose to remove the old countertops your way, you’d need a sharp knife to separate the countertops from the surfaces where they’re attached. Then, you need to remove the screws present to make way for the installation.
A leveled counter surface is vital in maintaining the countertop’s durability and usability for a long time. Uneven countertops may move out of the template, leading to occasional wobbles. To avoid this, ensuring that the countertops are leveled well is necessary.
You may use a carpenter’s level to determine if the countertop is already flat and aligned according to standards. If it isn’t leveled, you may put shims under the countertops. You may also consider using pieces of plywood to achieve the desired leveling. However, applying plywood can add more weight, requiring more structural support.
Because granite countertops are heavy, you must ensure that the support will be strong enough to carry the weight. Apart from the supporting brackets that add weight, you may also consider the base supporting structure. As a rule of thumb, you may need to install countertop support that reaches within 4 inches of the countertop’s edge.
Besides, you may consider planning the countertop’s dimensions carefully. You may think about the countertop weight to support the strength ratio. Consider adding brackets or corbels if the supporting structure can’t bear the granite material. Fasteners or heavy-duty adhesives are also ideal for firm attachment of the frames and corbels.
However, avoid using steel brackets as they rust over time. You may also refrain from using weak fasteners and overhangs over 4-inch long. Likewise, weigh the cabinets and support first to check whether they can manually carry the granite or not. Lastly, choose supports with at least 2-inch-thick steel or wood.
If you’re replacing your old countertops with granite types, the chances are that your kitchen already has a complete and fixed plumbing system. Perhaps you have functional faucets, pipes for water supply, and plumbing fixtures and equipment. These components are typically installed within the countertop’s area.
Because of this, they may occupy a space where you or a contractor will work, making the installation challenging. Thus, you may need to remove the plumbing facilities. Turn off the water system before you start the removal. In addition, you can place them in a room or label them accordingly so it would be easy to fit them back once the installation is complete.
Cleaning your property in preparation for the granite countertop installation includes decluttering the path from the front door toward the countertops. It also requires that the way is free from slippery surfaces, so homeowners need to mop the floor from the entrance to the kitchen. This may also prompt removing toys and fixtures that may trip people.
With this step, the contractors can carry the granite materials and their equipment to the kitchen with unobstructed access. In addition, you may avoid damage to furniture, fixtures, and other stuff if the countertops accidentally fall.
Wrapping Up
If you’re in Orlando or its nearby areas, you may go to the best provider of granite countertops Orlando has to offer. You may seek here the finest granite products and designs. After selecting the products that appeal to you, you can look for a seasoned granite contractor to execute the project you have in mind. You may also do the installation the DIY way if you have the experience and expertise for the job.
Then, go back to the tips and tricks this article provides. You may follow the sequence or modify it according to your needs or preferred style. You may also consider asking some friends who recently installed granite countertops for some ideas. Furthermore, ensure your kitchen countertops have an excellent balance between aesthetic and structural qualities.
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