Installing Granite Countertops
Granite is not only the hardest material available for countertops; it's also the most expensive, with prices starting at $60 a square foot. Though adding granite countertops to any kitchen can be quite costly, they remain the premiere choice in many new and remodeled homes. The beauty and warmth offer an aesthetic appeal that can't be found in other countertop materials.
Granite does cost more than other countertop materials, with the majority of the price coming from labor costs. Installing granite countertops is not a project for the do-it-yourself homeowner, seeking to save money on installation costs. Installation must be left to the professionals who have the right training and equipment. However, a homeowner can save money on some of the preliminary preparation and demolition work. Before the process of installing granite countertops can begin, range tops, the sink and the old countertops must be thoroughly removed. The remainder of the installation process must be left to the professionals.
After the granite countertops are ordered, an individual from the installation company will come to precisely measure the cabinetry and create templates for the installation. At the time the templates are created, the professional should be able to tell you where all the seams will be. The fewer seams, the better, as regardless of how well the joint is fitted, straight lines in the natural stone are very noticeable. At this time they will determine if any specialized tools will be required for the sink and range cutouts.
Prior to the installation, metal rods and plywood will be added to the top of the cabinetry to create a strong, level surface with additional support for the sink and range. This is a critical step, as it prevents the granite slab from breaking during regular use. Success of a granite countertop installation includes attention to the varying thickness of a slab.
Although slabs are carefully cut, there may be high and low spots on the bottom; therefore, leveling is an important step of the preparation process to protect the stone.
Installers will later bring granite slabs that measure approximately four-by-eight feet or four-by-twelve feet and are only about three centimeters thick. The slabs can weigh hundreds of pounds and must be properly carried to reduce stress on the slab during transport. If the granite is not carefully laid on the cabinetry, it could crack at a later time during regular use.
The slab of granite will be precisely cut with a diamond tip saw to fit the templates. The jointing seams will be sealed and the edge will be treated to create a smooth, attractive perimeter. The installer can add any requested trim inlays, such as metallic materials or separate indications of a solid color. The installer will then apply a penetrating sealer and polish the surface to a smooth reflective finish.
The installers will note the positioning of electrical outlets, the sink, and the faucets, as the thickness of the granite may alter some of the process for re-installation of these items. The installers will also be trained to make adjustments for setting a cook top and re-securing the dishwasher stabilizer brackets without causing harm to the newly laid granite countertop.
The expertise required for installing granite countertops requires that this be one job left to the professionals. When properly installed, granite countertops are a beautiful and valuable addition to any home kitchen.
Granite Countertops provides detailed information on granite kitchen and tile countertops, advice on installing and cleaning granite countertops, information on price and locations to purchase discount granite counter tops, and more. Granite Countertops is the sister site of Kitchen Sinks Web.
Latest News
Interior decorators in Central Jersey reflect clients' tastes Scarlet Scuttlebutt, NJ - By BRANDON LAUSCH • Staff Writer • November 27, 2008 BRANCHBURG —The sales pitch of custom interior-decorating business Decor&You basically comes down to ... |
Champlin High seeks money for makeover Minneapolis Star Tribune, MN - Even if Champlin Park gets the donations it needs for an interior decorating facelift, where does it start? "We just don't have one spot where we can focus ... |
Decorator turns Dubuque theater into holiday site Chicago Tribune, United States - "You either got it or you don't," said Meyer, a man with a penchant for interior design and storytelling. "And, no, I'm not going to do anybody's house. ... |
Fathead(R) Offers to Decorate the First Daughters Rooms with Jonas ... MarketWatch - ... about decorating their own rooms, we wanted to reach out to the First Lady's transition team to offer our expertise in the 'Department of the Interior', ... |
 NewsReleaseWire.com (press release) | : New Home Staging Design Guide Takes Guesswork Out of How to ... NewsReleaseWire.com (press release) - In fact, even if you’re an interior designer, decorating to sell and decorating to live are two completely different objectives and need to be handled ... |
Top 10 Home Decor Trends for 2009 - Interior Genius Imperial Valley News, CA - Carmen Natschke -- editor of "The Decorating Diva" -- sees a revival of what she calls “Hollywood Regency.” According to her Web site, this style is ... |
 WHIZ | Holiday Decorating Safet WHIZ, OH - "You want to make sure that you use interior for interior and exterior for exterior. And something safety-wise for your interior, you want to make sure you ... |
Interior decorating trends toward rich color, vintage look Tampabay.com, FL - "We are drawn to old-culture decor — a Tuscan farmhouse kitchen — but we want state-of-the-art appliances in that kitchen. So we are drawn to both vintage ... |
 Pittsburgh Post Gazette | Business partners use house to show off design, decorating talents Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - "A house should be more than a place to eat and sleep," said Mr. Tot, 56, a North Side resident and owner of Nolen Painting & Interior Decorating. ... |
Local shop offers interesting vintage Christmas decor Huntington Herald Dispatch, WV - Brass Rabbit Home Accents has been selling interior decorations for the past five years. "I've been in this kind of business for 15 years and I felt like it ... |
Resources
-
Sorry Currently Unavailable