Preparing for a granite countertop installation requires hard work and the completion of a few steps in advance of the installation. Once you have readied your home for your new countertops, they can be easily installed in as little as hours!
Need to know how to prepare for a granite countertop installation?
You’ll need to clean, sand, remove plumbing, and of course, get rid of your old countertops.
If you’re still curious about the specifics of preparing for a granite countertop installation, keep reading to learn the best ways to make sure the installation will go as smoothly as possible.
Remove Your Old Countertops
Before you can install new countertops, you need to get rid of your old ones. You can do this yourself or rely on the capable hands of a contractor to make sure the countertops can be removed properly.
To remove your old countertops on your own, begin by carefully separating them from the wall with a sharp object. Depending on your countertops, you may also need to remove screws that connect the countertops to your cabinets. After you remove the screws, you are ready to take off the countertop.
Make Sure Your Cabinets Are Level
Before you can install your granite countertops, you need to make sure that your cabinets are level. Granite countertops are heavy and create pressure points on your counters that can break under the added weight if they are not level.
If you find that your counters are not level after you take measurements, the easiest solution is to place a piece of plywood on top. You can also add shims under your cabinets or below the piece of plywood to keep it level throughout.
Remove Plumbing, Countertop Installations, and More
The next step to prepare for a granite countertop installation is to remove anything attached to, or inside of, your cabinets. Removing anything that could get in the way is essential for a smooth countertop installation.
To begin clearing your cabinets for a new installation, begin by removing any food, dishes, or other things inside of them. Next, prepare to your remove your sink by turning off your water — if you forget to turn off the water, you might inadvertently cause water damage to your existing cabinets.
Preparing for a granite countertop installation also requires that you remove any appliances that are attached to your countertops, like electric ranges. You also need to remove any furniture, carpets, or decorations that could get in the way of your contractor installing your new countertops. By taking the time to remove things ahead of your installation, you will help your contractor easily install your new granite countertops.
Have a Decision-Maker Present During the Installation
Even though you may have spent hours or days preparing for your granite countertop installation, you still need to make sure there is a decision-maker present at the installation to deal with any problems or concerns. Many last-minute issues can come up when installing new countertops, so it’s essential to have someone around who can help come to a solution with the contractor.
To make sure you or another member of your household can be present during the installation, schedule a date well in advance. If you need help removing your old countertops, you will also need to set a separate date for a contractor to come and remove them.
Installation Summary
Preparing for a granite countertop installation takes a lot of work but is more than worth it considering how easily your new countertops will be installed. If you have any questions about how we can make the process easier call us, we are here to help.
Wisconsin Granite Design are experts in the countertop industry. As a one stop shop, our countertop showroom has everything you need for your remodel from fabrication to installation. Our vast selection of granite, quartz and marble is more than impressive, and our upfront pricing ensures you will choose the best stone to fit your budget.
We know stone. So let us help make your kitchen countertop remodel a reality. Call for a Free Design Consultation today!