Granite Kitchen Countertop: Tips for a Smooth Installation

When you get down to it, whether you are DIY’ing or having a contractor do your dirty work, every construction, remodeling, renovation, or installation project comes down to some pretty basic considerations. Understanding what they are and how they will affect your project, however, is another story altogether. If you are looking at granite kitchen countertops in Marietta, here are some things to consider.

Prep for Granite

Granite is heavy, probably heavier than the countertops you have in place now. It also can be thicker than most countertops. Not accounting for either can lead to load issues or sizing problems that create an awkward and uneven workspace. You also need to make sure that you have at least ¾ inch plywood as a sub-counter surface to ensure that your counters can hold a granite slab. If you have an overlay at the edge of your countertops, make sure you have support brackets in place for added support. If you think you will be going with a discount granite counter in Marietta, make sure you inspect the countertop for anomalies.

No matter the type of granite countertop you choose, prepping first can save you a lot of time and hassle once your countertops are ready for installation.

Pick Your Seams

Just about every countertop will have at least one seam. They generally are hard to locate, so you have to inspect your slab carefully. Once you have identified where the seam is, you can adjust your countertop placement to put the seam where you want it. If you have several seams, you really want to make sure you place them correctly. Avoid having a seam in areas where food might be prepared, as minute particles will eventually get in the seam and that can pose a health risk.

Match Your Sink and Appliances

When picking countertops, most people do not think of their sink. That is a mistake. Making sure you sink matches your granite slab and that the slab is cut properly will help you avoid a lot of frustration. Use any templates that are included with your countertop and always leave a buffer between where the lip of the sink ends and the granite begins.

You also need to make sure that any granite countertop in Marietta that you purchase runs even with your appliances or very close to it. Having a mismatch can create an appearance problem, but more importantly, can make maneuvering over the countertop a hassle.

In a perfect world, you show up, pick your granite kitchen countertops in Marietta, and arrange for delivery. We do not live in that world. You have to do a little homework before you pick your countertops to make sure the fit is what you expect and deserve.