Kitchen Countertops Granite Countertops How to avoid mistakes when installing granite countertops

How to avoid mistakes when installing granite countertops

At around $60 per square foot, granite used for kitchen countertops is expensive and extensive to repair and replace. Installing granite countertops is not a job for the do-it-yourself homemaker but it requires the expertise of a professional builder.

The process of installing a granite countertop starts by removing the old countertop, sink, and stove top. This part of the installation process can be done by the homemaker. This is followed by ordering the appropriate granite slabs from the granite countertop manufacturer. Someone from the company is going to visit your home and measure your kitchen's floor size and cabinetry. The builder is also going to take note of the electrical socket locations. The builder is also going to inform you how many seams are needed and if there are going to be any special equipment needed for installation.

To prevent granite countertops from breaking, wood slabs and metal rods are going to be installed to ensure a flat surface and give additional support. At this point, the builder already knows how thick your granite slabs are supposed to be. The slabs are going to be cut and sawed for fitting and installation. Seals are going to be applied to the seams to further support your granite countertop.

Some common mistakes when installing granite countertops

Installing granite countertops is similar to installing concrete countertops. The only difference is that granite is more expensive than concrete, so it leaves little or no room for mistakes in the installation. The smallest miscalculation in measurement can cause your granite countertop installation to fail.

The most common mistakes that are made when installing countertops involve measurement. Builders and homemakers can misread the measurements they have jotted down, or they could have misread the measurements indicated on the measuring device. These mistakes can lead to buying granite slabs with the wrong thickness, purchasing shorter pieces, and even purchasing less or more granite slabs than what is really needed.

Preventing mistakes when installing granite countertops

Make accurate and precise measurements. Since measuring is the first step in the installation process, then this is the basic tip to follow. Arm yourself with dependable measuring devices. Do not use the ones that are worn or old, or the ones that you have used in the past and have given you wrong measurements. If you are unsure of the measuring, then leave this step for the professionals to do since granite countertop builders are more experienced than you in this area.

Have a visual layout of what your granite countertop should look like. Make a rough sketch of how you want your granite countertop to look like, and show it to your builder. It can help your builder to determine its shape, size, and thickness. This way, the builder would not have to guess what shape or size you want.

Trust your professional granite countertop builder. Remember that your builder is more experienced than you in this particular field. You can have preliminary consultations with him to work out what you want and what is feasible. Be sure to communicate your preferences early on. He can then work on your ideas and suggest other things that can improve not only the look of your granite countertop but its overall function as well.