How to Install Granite Countertops – A Job Best Left to the Professionals

You’ve selected the right color of granite for your new granite countertop project. Great! Now, who’s going to install your granite slab after it’s delivered to your house? Conventional wisdom might state that it’s always less expensive for home owners to perform as many of their own projects as possible. Heck, you might have even delivered the granite slab to your home, if you thought you could save money and transport it without breaking it!

But, here’s the thing: Granite countertop installation is truly a job that’s best left to the professionals. You might have heard this before, and thought that this was a sales ploy meant to help the granite reseller make some extra cash.

The fact is, there are home improvement projects you’re going to need help with. There are certain tasks that aren’t meant to be handled by layman like you. And, if you need convincing as to why granite countertops should only be installed by professionals, here’s some things for you to consider:

1. The previous counter material will need to be removed.

If you’re moving into a new home, you won’t have intimate knowledge of what your counters are made out of. Many assume that the top surface layer comprises the entire countertop, but unless it’s a stone slab such as granite or marble, or unless it’s a solid surface such as Corian, your counters are comprised of several layered materials. And, they’ll all need to be removed in order to install your granite slab.

Do you have the tool to remove layers of old, bonded countertop material? You’ll be require to remove layers of surface material, wood base, etc. Will you be able to remove the old materials without ruining the structure of the surrounding appliances and fixtures? The counters must be removed in a way that keeps the cabinetry, and the drywall intact.

The backsplash must also be removed, in order to properly fit the slab. Can you remove the old materials without harming yourself? Do you have the time, energy or inclination to remove all the old layers of your counters, in all the areas of your kitchen?

2. Counter remodeling projects will involve plumbing and electrical work.

Professional installers need to be able to work around the sinks, the disposals and any electrical outlets. This means that all of these components must be disabled, and disconnected. Do you understand how to safely perform these actions? Whether you do or don’t, you’ll be responsible for contracting plumbers and electricians to make sure that everything is disabled, and reassembled again, correctly.

3. Seaming is an issue with granite countertops.

Even though your granite counters will be installed in slabs, some of your larger installation projects will require the use of more than one slab. This will create the appearance of seams. In order to prevent the seams from looking unsightly, the seaming must be planned and filled correctly.

Professionals use polyester fillings that are dyed to match the slab’s exact hue. This performs the task of filling in minute gaps while getting rid of the appearance of seams, as much as possible. This is especially important when you’re installing white or light-colored granite slabs.
There’s A LOT more that goes into installing granite countertops. If you’re asking yourself if you can perform the installation on your own, you’re free to try it! But there’s a good chance that you’ll be sorry that you attempted it. Then, you’ll call a granite counter installer to not only perform the installation job, but to also clean up the mess that you made attempting the installation!

Doing things wrong costs you more money, time and often, your sanity! Granite counter project are too lovely to look at for you to feel angry, or disgusted with it. Granite is also requires a hefty financial investment, too. So, make sure that you feel good about your investment. Hire professionals to install the slabs correctly the first time.

What To Do After The Slabs Are Installed

Hopefully after considering the aspects that were mentioned earlier, you’ve probably decided to talk yourself out of performing your own granite installation project. Excellent choice!But now, you’ll need to know what to do after the big installation project has been completed.

The good news is, you won’t have much to do beyond enjoying the beauty of your new countertops. You will need to make sure that you’re not banging heavy objects on the surface of your counters. Sure, granite is a tough, durable material. While it won’t break in half, it will chip away. You’ll also need to reseal your slabs every 1-3 years. Also, make sure to wipe up acidic and oily liquids, immediately. Both can etch and stain the polish of the slab.