A Complete DIY Guide to How to Install Granite Countertop
Granite countertops can greatly improve the look and functionality of your home’s bathroom and kitchen counters. You can cut down on costs by learning how granite countertops are installed. However, be prepared to tackle difficult DIY tasks. Granite slabs are heavy. They can weigh up to several hundred pounds. Granite dust could get into every corner of your home. This guide will explain how to install granite countertops.
Granite Countertops are Worth It
Granite countertops provide many positives that make them attractive for home renovations. Granite is both scratch-resistant and burn-resistant. This makes it a great material for high-traffic areas, such as the bathroom or kitchen. Granite is also resistant to moisture, and it looks beautiful while protecting your surfaces.
How to Prepare Granite Countertops for Installation?
There are several steps you need to take before granite installation countertops.
Establish a Budget, and Select a Vendor
Before you start searching for a granite countertop, decide how much you will spend. Granite prices are subject to variation based on their quality and size. However, knowing your budget ahead of time will help you avoid overpaying for granite countertops that won’t work for you and let you focus on those you can afford.
Select Your Granite Type
Granite can come in almost any color. However, there are three primary types. Find out the pros and disadvantages of each below.
Polished Granite
Polished Granite can be described as a smoother, more reflective version of the same stone. It highlights the colors and designs within the stone. It can also reveal imperfections and spillages. This might not be the best option if you have small children who are often rough on surfaces or leave crumbs.
Honed Granite
Honed Granite is slightly less shiny than its polished counterpart. This gives it a matte appearance which can dull the impact of bold colors or intricate patterns. It’s also less porous than polished Granite, which makes it susceptible to staining. The non-reflective coating hides imperfections more effectively, making it less likely you’ll notice any staining.
Leather Granite
A leather finish can be achieved with a diamond-tipped brush. This brush is considered to have the best properties of honed as well as polished finishes. However, it’s less porous than the honed option and hides messes far better than polished ones.
Granite Countertops
You have already ordered Granite, assembled your tools, and prepared your space. Gather some friends and help you get started. Here’s how you can install granite countertops.
Plan and Measure your Countertops
Start by measuring the space in which you plan to install your countertop. To measure the depth of the countertop, measure from the wall up to the front edge of your base cabinet (the place where it will be mounted) to determine its depth. Next, measure along the sides to determine the length.
The granite fabricator will need to see this and provide you with the measurements. The granite fabricator will make a slab of Granite to your exact specifications. Sometimes, they can even do this without ever going into your home. This will ensure the most precise cut.