Installing Granite Countertops

Granite is not only the hardest material available for countertops; it's also the most expensive, with prices starting at $60 a square foot. Though adding granite countertops to any kitchen can be quite costly, they remain the premiere choice in many new and remodeled homes. The beauty and warmth offer an aesthetic appeal that can't be found in other countertop materials.

Granite does cost more than other countertop materials, with the majority of the price coming from labor costs. Installing granite countertops is not a project for the do-it-yourself homeowner, seeking to save money on installation costs. Installation must be left to the professionals who have the right training and equipment. However, a homeowner can save money on some of the preliminary preparation and demolition work. Before the process of installing granite countertops can begin, range tops, the sink and the old countertops must be thoroughly removed. The remainder of the installation process must be left to the professionals.

After the granite countertops are ordered, an individual from the installation company will come to precisely measure the cabinetry and create templates for the installation. At the time the templates are created, the professional should be able to tell you where all the seams will be. The fewer seams, the better, as regardless of how well the joint is fitted, straight lines in the natural stone are very noticeable. At this time they will determine if any specialized tools will be required for the sink and range cutouts.

Prior to the installation, metal rods and plywood will be added to the top of the cabinetry to create a strong, level surface with additional support for the sink and range. This is a critical step, as it prevents the granite slab from breaking during regular use. Success of a granite countertop installation includes attention to the varying thickness of a slab.

Although slabs are carefully cut, there may be high and low spots on the bottom; therefore, leveling is an important step of the preparation process to protect the stone.

Installers will later bring granite slabs that measure approximately four-by-eight feet or four-by-twelve feet and are only about three centimeters thick. The slabs can weigh hundreds of pounds and must be properly carried to reduce stress on the slab during transport. If the granite is not carefully laid on the cabinetry, it could crack at a later time during regular use.

The slab of granite will be precisely cut with a diamond tip saw to fit the templates. The jointing seams will be sealed and the edge will be treated to create a smooth, attractive perimeter. The installer can add any requested trim inlays, such as metallic materials or separate indications of a solid color. The installer will then apply a penetrating sealer and polish the surface to a smooth reflective finish.

The installers will note the positioning of electrical outlets, the sink, and the faucets, as the thickness of the granite may alter some of the process for re-installation of these items. The installers will also be trained to make adjustments for setting a cook top and re-securing the dishwasher stabilizer brackets without causing harm to the newly laid granite countertop.

The expertise required for installing granite countertops requires that this be one job left to the professionals. When properly installed, granite countertops are a beautiful and valuable addition to any home kitchen.

Granite Countertops provides detailed information on granite kitchen and tile countertops, advice on installing and cleaning granite countertops, information on price and locations to purchase discount granite counter tops, and more. Granite Countertops is the sister site of Kitchen Sinks Web.

---

Add Summer To Your Home

Here's a decorating challenge just for fun in this hot humid mid-summer month. What colors are hot this summer? Turquoise, Coral, Raspberry, Green and Candy striped colors.... Read More

Posters as a Decorating Style

When I think of decorating a room with posters, I think of the 70's with black light, velvet and the famous Farrah Fawcett poster.Times have changed and... Read More

Decorating on a Shoestring Budget

Right now one of the most popular shows on television is, â??Trading Spaces.â?? If you havenâ??t gotten an opportunity to watch this show, the object of the... Read More

The Power of Candlelight

In this day and age, everything is about health and wellness. The products range from nutritional, mentoring/self growth and soy/veg candles. Yes, soy/veg candles because they're virtually... Read More

Luxurious Linen ? Surround Yourself With Sensual Texture

Luxurious linen has been used for centuries. Writers speak in poetic terms of the lovely sensual textures and styles of sheets that were once decadent and even... Read More

How to Create a Decorative Garden Window

If you have a sunny window in a room where you don't have to worry about privacy, this décor idea will provide a country home feel along... Read More

Let Your Wall Art Define You

Wall art can be defined by family portraits or historical paintings adorned on the walls of a home. In a home with young children, wall art can... Read More

Teen Rooms on the Cheap!

How to decorate a teens bedroom is one of the most common questions I receive. Especially for those on a budget, this can seem like a daunting... Read More

Beautifying Your Home

"Learn how to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want." --Jim RohnAs a frequent traveler, I'm often amazed at how dramatically... Read More

A Guide to Decorative Picnic Baskets

Decorative picnic baskets come in many sizes, styles, and artistic flares. They can be packed with some basic cheeses and cracker varieties with a couple of napkins,... Read More

The Effect of Scent on Moods

When we talk about scents it could refer to a variety of applications. From the choice of perfume we wear, to lotions we use, candles we choose,... Read More

Buying Down Alternative Comforters

When the frigid winds of winter arrive, many people turn to lavish bed comforters to stay warm. Because of their luxurious feel and unbeatable warmth, down comforters... Read More

Bean Bag Chairs ? Choosing the Right One

Decorating can be a big challenge in today's world. There are all kinds of decorating styles from which to choose. Each room of your home can have... Read More

Tiffany Lamps - The Artistry of Dale Tiffany

The art and craftsmanship of the original designs are evident in Dale Tiffany lamps. Dale Tiffany is the world's leading designer and manufacturer of quality reproductions and... Read More

The Allure of Exotic Hardwood Floors

Exotic hardwood floors are made up of solid exotic wood that is not grown in North America. These wooden planks are imported from Africa, Australia, Brazil, and... Read More

Home Decor Accessories - How to Create a New Look in a Room

Apart from complimenting your newly painted walls with soft furnishings and effective flooring, home decor accessories in a room are just as equally important. Accessories ranging from... Read More

Create the Right Splash With Bathroom Accessories

When decorating your bathroom, it is important to choose practical and beautiful bathroom accessories that also enhance the style of the room. It is this kind of... Read More

A Guide to Vinyl Shutters

Most people would agree that wood shutters are beautiful. They add class and grace to most any home. Whether exterior or interior, wood shutters are special. For... Read More

Decorating Tips: The Meaning of Colors

Colors have many different meanings. Have you ever been in a blue room, feeling calm and relaxed, and then walked into a red room and you began... Read More

Heirloom Decorating

I love to surround myself with things from the past. To me "heirloom" doesn't necessarily mean something really old, because memories are always in the making, and... Read More

A Guide to Wine Picnic Baskets

Wine picnic baskets are just the ticket for two, four, or more people. When it's just too nice to spend the day indoors, why not go for... Read More

Where to Find Discount Wedgwood China

There is not a lot of discount Wedgwood China available, although, given the prices of some of the items in the line, any discount is greatly appreciated.... Read More

How to Clean Mini Blinds

Mini-blinds are very convenient and attractive window treatments. They typically have either vertical or horizontal slats, and are woven either from natural or synthetic reeds.The only disadvantage... Read More

Tuscan Style Decorating - Three Essential

If Under the Tuscan Sun left you breathlessly and hopelessly in love with tuscan style decorating you're certainly not alone. The rolling hills and the call of... Read More

Rustic Country Decor - How to Decorate Cottage Style Homes

Rustic country decor and how to decorate cottage style homes are extensions of American country style decorating. In addition, traditions are borrowed from French, English and some... Read More

Liven Up Your Walls With Decorative Plates

Decorative plates are often overlooked when decorating a home. Yet, it's the details that really make the elements of a room come together-and decorative plates are a... Read More