Stone countertops undergo several steps before being installed in your kitchen or bathroom. The stones are quarried, then shipped to factories for slab fabrication before being transported to your home for installation. Each option has unique installation requirements; marble countertops may require sealing, while engineered quartz surfaces don’t. Here are a few of the steps involved in installing stone countertops:
Pre-Installation Preparation
Whether you prefer granite or marble countertops, outlining your needs and preferences allows you to select the right material, finish, and edge profile. You can also organize alternative kitchens and bathrooms to use if the installation takes several days. If you want a specific installation, communicate the requirement with countertop providers. Check the provider’s website for options or visit a showroom to compare their slab samples. You can also request a gallery of past installations to gauge the quality.
Consult experienced countertop providers when selecting materials and edge finishes. Once you find your preferred materials, invite the providers for a site assessment and measurements. Countertop measurement for new installations occurs after the cabinets and columns are in place. If you’re replacing old countertops, measurements can be taken before or after teardown. The countertop provider measures your kitchen space and uses cardboard or digital laser tools to create a template for fabrication. Countertop templates outline the slab shapes and cutout holes for stoves, sinks, faucets, and other fittings.
Countertop Fabrication
Stone countertop providers fabricate your slabs at their factories using specialized equipment. Factory fabrication yields precise cuts and consistent thickness, reducing the need for on-site modifications. Advanced water jets and diamond blade saws also produce clean cuts with less material waste. The stones from the quarrying fields are cut into slab pieces matching your templates. After cutting, countertop providers dry-fit the pieces to verify if they fit as required.
If everything is accurate, they shape and customize the edges to fit your selected profiles. Surface polishing comes next to remove rough textures and create a smooth, shiny finish. You can also choose a matte or textured finish, or opt for custom honed and leathered surfaces. Make such decisions in the initial stage or before fabrication begins. Once the surfaces and edges are finished, the countertop provider drills holes for stoves, faucets, sinks, and other fittings.
Countertop Installation
The installation phase involves setting and securing the countertop slabs in their intended positions on top of cabinets and counters. Vendors transport finished slabs to your site, prepare the installation site, and place the slabs one by one. Countertop providers use adhesives and silicone to secure the slabs in place. If you’re installing marble, granite, or other natural stone options, the slabs are seamed and sealed. Seaming is achieved using epoxy that matches the stone color, while sealing involves a special sealant that prevents moisture from entering.
Countertop installation also features shims and brackets used to level the slabs and support overhangs and islands. If you have old countertops, scheduling demolition during the measurement and templating phase helps speed up the process. Although you can arrange for demolition on the installation day, early scheduling allows for more time to reinforce the cabinets. Demolition may require additional work to create level, structurally sound cabinets that can bear the weight of the countertop slabs.
Appliance Installation
After setting and securing the countertop slabs and cutouts, the installer hooks up the sinks, appliances, and plumbing. Undermount sinks are often installed using clamps and epoxy before the countertop is fully secured. You may need additional sealing to prevent the natural stones from staining. Installers then polish and wipe down the surface to get it ready for use.
You can get help with selecting and installing your sink. Stone countertop providers offer a variety of sink options, including copper, stainless steel, marble, and porcelain. They also provide maintenance tips to help you protect your installation. Follow their post-installation tips on proper usage, cleaning, and resealing schedules. If you are unsure whether you want quartzite, soapstone, or limestone, seek professional recommendations from your installer.
Get Started With Marble Countertops Today
Marble and granite countertops offer timeless aesthetics for your kitchen and bathroom spaces. The unique veining and hues give each slab a distinct appearance that can’t be mimicked using engineered stones. Your installation can also last several years with routine maintenance. Contact a stone supplier today to find out more about their available countertop options.
