Install Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are a lovely addition to any kitchen or bath. Because of the nature of the granite product, until recently, it was hard for a do-it-yourselfer to do. But now there are pre-shaped granite products that come with detailed directions on how to install granite countertops that allow even a novice to successfully complete the project. If you have a kitchen or bath area that you want to install countertops which has more than one corner or any unique features, you may still want to consider hiring a professional. Otherwise a one- or two-piece installation should be fairly easy if you follow these directions.

Steps

Measure the Countertop Carefully

1. Install your cabinets. Make sure they are level and securely attached to the floor and wall.
2. Make sure walls are square. If they aren’t, make necessary allowances as you take measurements.
3. Use Kraft paper or other lightweight, solid material to create a template of the countertop. Precisely mark the location of the sink hole and any other cuts in the granite.
4. Decide what kind of edge you want on the countertop. Allow for an overhang on your template.
5. Choose your granite material. You may want to also choose matching material for a backsplash.
6. Get installation advice from the supplier on how to install granite countertops. As you make your final decision, double-check your template for accuracy.
7. Order the granite.

Prepare the Cabinets to Hold the Weight of the Granite

1. Install ¾-inch (1.905-centimeter) plywood to the tops of the cabinets. This supports the added weight of the granite. Cut the plywood even with the front of the cabinets.
2. Make sure the plywood sets level on all the cabinets.
3. Attach the plywood to the cabinets with screws. Drill pilot holes into the cabinet first to prevent the wood from splitting.

Work with the Granite Slab

1. Find adequate help to move the granite slab(s) into place. Handle with care, because the granite is breakable.
2. Set the granite in place. Make sure it’s going to fit properly.
3. Use a pencil or marker to mark the exact line around the hole for the sink on the plywood reinforcement.
4. Remove the granite from the base cabinets temporarily. Stand it upright in a safe location to prevent it from breaking.
5. Make a pilot hole in the middle of the sink opening with a spade drill bit. Use a jigsaw to continue cutting out the hole in the plywood. You can cut outside of your line as much as 1/8 inch (0.3175 centimeter).
6. Install the sink.

Level the Granite and Glue It Down

1. Put the granite back on the cabinets. Push all the seams together as tightly as possible.
2. Make sure the granite is level. Once it is, raise it one more time.
3. Apply silicone sealer around the edges of the plywood. Space circular dollops every 6 to 12 inches (12 to 30 centimeters).
4. Run a bead of caulking around the sink rim on both the plywood side and the granite side.
5. Lower the granite slab into place. Make sure it’s level once again.

Fill the Seams

1. Run blue painter’s tape on either side of the seam.
2. Mix polyester-based resin with color similar to the granite. For best results mix three batches of slightly differing colors.
3. Add 3 percent hardener to 97 percent resin to the medium color. Press it into the seams with a putty knife. Repeat the process with the other colors to get a close match with the granite countertop. Work quickly, because once the hardener is in place, it sets quickly.
4. Remove the painter’s tape as soon as you finish the seam. When the seam dries, smooth it out using a seam stone.

Tips

• Allow time, usually 3 to 4 weeks, for delivery of the finished granite countertop.

Warnings

• Always wear proper safety equipment when working with power tools.
• Allow adequate ventilation when working with resins and hardeners.

Things You'll Need

• Kraft paper or other lightweight solid material to make a template of the countertop
• Carpenter’s level
• ¾-inch (1.905-centimeter) plywood
• Circular saw
• Drill
• Drill bits
• Screws
• Pencil or marker
• Spade bit
• Jigsaw
• Silicone sealer
• Caulking
• Caulk gun
• Blue painter’s tape
• Polyester-based resin
• Putty knife
• Seam stone

Related Articles

• Buy an Undermount Sink
• Seam Granite

Sources and Citations

• http://www.extremehowto.com/xh/article.asp?article_id=60654
• http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/installing-a-do-it-yourself-granite-countertop/index.html
• http://www.sauderdesign.com/doityourself.html

See also

• Install Formica
• Clean a Marble Top Table
• Cut Countertops
• Protect a Marble Countertop
• Paint Formica Countertops
• Clean Corian Countertops
• Remove a Scratch from a Granite Countertop
• Make a DIY Countertop
• Put Laminate on a Counter Top
• Protect a Wood Countertop

Read more ...

What links here

• Clean a Granite Sink
• Maintain a Quartz Countertop
• Protect a Wood Countertop
• Take Care of Granite Countertops