So, you’re finally putting up granite in your kitchen, right? Don’t worry, there’s no need to go into panic mode. There’s planning and then there’s over-planning.
Maintaining your countertop should be easy enough, so long as you prep it correctly to prevent any stains or other damage. The best method for this is preparing your counter for granite, followed by caution and routine maintenance. So how do I prep for granite?
Marble and granite countertops are a great choice for those who are looking for stylish and durable surfaces to be installed in their kitchen or bathroom. This checklist has the most important things you need to do before the installers arrive.
Keep exact measurements
Granite is a strong and durable material that is ideal for kitchen and bathroom countertops. However, it must be properly prepared before it is installed to ensure a long-lasting finish. You can prep your granite countertops yourself or hire a professional to do the work for you.
The first thing you should do when preparing for granite countertops is to make sure that the cabinets are in good shape and have the correct dimensions. This will make the job of measuring and cutting much easier.
The granite must be placed on a flat surface in order to work properly. You may need to add some extra supports under the granite in order for it to sit level. Be sure to look at the layout of your kitchen and get an idea of what kind of space you have available for granite.
Remove existing countertops
You can do this yourself or hire a contractor depending on the needs of your home. If you have tight access to the cabinets, you may want to hire a contractor to help you remove them.
Before you do, be sure to use a soft cloth or towel and wipe down the area around the countertop so that any grease or dust is removed. This will make it easier to clean up after removing the old countertop. You’ll need to secure the cabinets while working on the countertop.
Removing these items will help make sure there is smooth access for installation and that there are no major cracks or damage to the cabinets themselves. Removing old countertops is best done with a heat gun and pry bar.
To remove stubborn pieces, you can use a chisel as well. Once they are removed, clean up any dust and debris left behind using a vacuum cleaner and wipe them down with a damp cloth if necessary.
Switch off your water
In order to install a granite countertop, you need to first remove or turn off any plumbing that lies under the countertop. If you have an older home, chances are there is going to be some plumbing that needs to be removed in order for the new countertop to fit properly.
Plumbing can cost thousands of dollars if damaged during installation, so it is best to turn the water off and have the plumber remove it prior to installation. You also want to make sure that any appliances you have under the countertop are in good condition as they may get covered up by the new material.
Bottom Line
While many of us would love to have granite countertops in our kitchens, the high cost can be a bit prohibitive. However, if you are ready to take the plunge, there are certain measures you can take to ensure that your granite becomes one of the long-lasting aspects of your kitchen remodel.
By taking the time to prepare your kitchen for granite, you’ll be able to ensure that your countertop project goes as smoothly as possible.
And don’t work with any contractor–work with experienced granite countertop installers Rockville that know what they are doing.
