John is an expert author for Granite Countertops, He has written many articles like Marble Countertops, Granite Houston, Countertops Houston, Granite Countertops Houston Tx, Marble Countertops Houston Tx and Granite New Orleans. For more information, visit our site http://www.graniterocktops.com. Contact me at graniterocktops.info@gmail.com.
As is known to most of us, granite is an extremely hard and heat-resistant material and its installation calls for some skills. To install granite countertops will require tools like wet saw with diamond blade, tape measure, screwdrivers, flat bar, putty knife and clamps. You should also keep ready epoxy glue and necessary adhesive.
Take the measurements for the granite countertop you wish to install. You have to cut the granite to size using a wet saw with a water-fed diamond blade and then use a grinder for the final change. If the granite is less than 1/2 inch thick, you may use a 7-inch blade. Remember never to cut granite with a dry cut.
Make sure you cut and polish all the granite to fit the countertop area and smooth the edges before you begin installation. As cutting the granite calls for specialized skills and special tools, it is advisable you avoid doing it yourself. Instead, ask the granite supplier to deliver the slab cut to your measurements. The granite supplier will visit your home, create a template, and bring it to his yard to cut the stone to size. The stone supplier will also use hand held grinding and polishing tools to finish the edges.
The pre-installation steps include removing the existing countertop, so that the new one can be installed. You need to remove any attachments and basins as well. The area where you want to install the granite countertop should be made clear beforehand. Remove also the dishwasher if it becomes necessary. Shut off the water and disconnect the electric and the plumbing. Once you remove the old countertop, you should first reinstall the dishwasher before you place the granite countertop.
Get the place ready for installation by removing all the old fixtures including any old sink that is there. You can either glue in or screw on the sink to the frame by using a putty knife to loosen the glue. Before starting the granite counter installation, it is critically important to strengthen the area by using metal rods and plywood. Granite is hard and of heavyweight and thus a fragile support system will not be able to handle the granite's weight. So, make the designated area strong enough to hold granite taking professional help, if necessary.
Spread the appropriate epoxy for granite onto the tops of the cabinet. Carry the countertop into the house with the help of some sturdy people. Please know the countertop is extremely heavy and may weigh as much as 600 pounds.
Install the sink that mounted beneath the pre-cut granite slab. Use the appropriate epoxy adhesive to glue the sink to the bottom side of the granite. Fasten it into place with clamps and use a long flat bar to hold it until the epoxy dries.
Install the backsplash by using an adhesive to glue it to the wallboard. You must then seal the granite with a special spray. In fact, you will have to do this ritual once a year to prevent it from absorbing oils and to keep your granite slab shining and safe.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
How to apply paster to openings in walls
By: Andrew Karundu | 27/12/2009Openings in walls are used for door ways, windows, doors or arches in a building. These are formed during the erection of a wall. They may be also formed for a new door, window or arch is required in an existing house.
Do carpets reflect your personality?
By: Imran ali | 27/12/2009Everything which you do or every word which you speak shows what kind of person you are. If you do good things people normally take you as a good person. On the other hand if you do bad things people automatically judge you from that and establish in their minds that you must be a bad person yourself. The words you choose while talking also reflects what kind of person you are.
Importance of carpet website
By: Imran ali | 27/12/2009There are many websites on the internet, which have information about all kinds of carpets. These websites can be very useful to people who are in search of a good carpet. These websites can also be used as a source of getting information and knowledge relating to carpets.
Different uses of small pieces of carpets
By: Imran ali | 27/12/2009Carpets are available in various shapes and in different kinds of pieces. These pieces may be more useful to people than full carpets. Full carpets can only be used wall to wall in rooms. Whereas the pieces can be used wherever you like them. These pieces can be put even in smaller places of your house.
Can carpets be used in bathrooms?
By: Imran ali | 27/12/2009People use carpets in all kind of rooms. These days some people even have a carpet in their bathrooms. Although using a carpet in the bathroom does look stylish, one has to think if they really do need a carpet in their bathrooms or not. Shouldn’t bathrooms be better with tiles on the floor?
Different methods which you can use to clean carpets
By: Imran ali | 27/12/2009Carpets can be cleaned in many different ways. They can be cleaned by using the steam cleaning method or the dry extraction method. They can also be cleaned through drycleaners or through foam extraction. After reading about each method, you can choose any one which you think will be suitable for you to use.
Dye for Carpets
By: Imran ali | 27/12/2009Carpets are considered as a very big household item, which is very expensive. You cannot buy a carpet everyday. Once you have bought a certain carpet for a room, it is likely that you will not change it for many years to come. There is a possibility that you may get bored seeing the same color of carpet in your room everyday.
Steam Cleaning Carpets
By: Imran ali | 27/12/2009Carpets must be taken good care of to preserve their quality and color. You should learn how to maintain and clean carpets. Steam cleaning is considered the best way to clean a carpet. People have been using this method since many years.
How to take care of Granite Countertops?
By: parthee | 16/12/2009 | Interior DesignWith a Soft Cloth: Use only a soft cloth and warm water to remove the remains and the leftover particles. To clean off the debris on the surface, use only the simple solution of a mild, anti bacterial soap and warm water along with a sponge.
What are the seven most popular kitchen countertop materials?
By: parthee | 01/12/2009 | Interior DesignWhen selecting a kitchen countertop, one must remember that the kitchen countertop has to withstand a lot of rough use including the heat of pots, the dirt of unwashed utensils, sharp cutting aids and knives and abrasive cleansers. Thus choosing the right kitchen countertop assumes significance.
Factors that diversifies Granite countertops
By: parthee | 14/11/2009 | Interior DesignCountertops are one of the things that serve to be a dream of any woman who has a new home in her mind. Kitchen is a woman’s space and countertops tops the priority list bang on.
How to install the granite countertops to your home?
By: parthee | 10/11/2009 | Interior DesignAs is known to most of us, granite is an extremely hard and heat-resistant material and its installation calls for some skills.
Choosing the right Marble Countertops for your home
By: parthee | 26/10/2009 | Interior DesignMarble, as we all know, is a crystallized limestone and capable of being polished to achieve a sparkling finish, to make it look truly gorgeous. Marble is hard and compact and easily one of the most expensive material for countertops in one’s home.
Tips to care for your granite countertops:
By: parthee | 14/10/2009 | Interior DesignGranite countertops are durable, affordable and give a unique look to your kitchen. It is one of the oldest rocks. It lasts longer than other countertops. It comes with different specks, veins and swirls.
What are the edge options of the Granite?
By: parthee | 22/09/2009 | Interior DesignMany people long to have granite countertops for their kitchen and bathroom. In fact, granite countertops have attracted stylish people and have become one of the hottest fashions of today’s kitchen & bathroom remodeling projects.