If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen, adding new countertops should be at the top of your priority list. New countertops can fetch a return on investment of about 60 to 80 percent, particularly if they are natural stone countertops such as granite, quartz or marble.
Your countertops may cover plenty of space in your kitchen, and their installation can temporarily disrupt your kitchen’s functionality. Therefore, when getting new stone countertops, you may wonder what the process is like.
Here are some answers to your most pressing questions about stone countertop installation.
How Long Will It Take?
Countertop installation times can vary. Sometimes, it can take as little as four hours to complete. However, the complexity and size of the project can increase times by up to seven or eight hours.
Stone tile countertops may take up to a day or two due to how intricate the installation may be. If you have a small kitchen with very few spaces for countertops, your installation may only take a few hours. However, having a larger kitchen with more area to cover will drive up installation times.
What Happens to My Current Countertops?
You may be wondering what happens to your current countertops. When you get new granite countertops, installers may require you to get your current countertops removed. Some installation crews may offer removal services at no extra charge. However, this is not always the case. Your old countertops will likely end up in the local landfill, but you don’t have to throw your countertops away, particularly if they are stone countertops such as granite.
In some cases, you can put your countertops in some other area of your home. Or you can donate your countertops to someone else who can use them. This option not only reduces waste but also allows you to contribute to a more sustainable environment.
How Will Contractors Know the Size of My Countertops?
If you want another reason to get rid of your old countertops, it’s because you’ll want to have the installation team fit your stone countertops perfectly on your cabinets. The sooner you can get your old countertops out of the way, the better. This will allow them to get precise measurements.
Will I Need New Cabinets?
New countertops don’t mean you have to get new cabinets installed. If you’re worried that your gorgeous new stone countertops such as quartz will clash with your old cabinets, you can clean them, re stain them, or paint them.
With the installation of new quartz countertops, you may also have to fortify your cabinets to handle the weight of your countertops, which will be heavier than materials such as laminate.
Will Contractors Need to Perform Cutouts On-Site?
Your kitchen countertops will likely need cutouts to accommodate parts that need them, such as sink and cook-top areas. However, when it comes to stone, many contractors may perform cutouts on-site to ensure they measure correctly.
Tips on Making the Installation Process Smooth
Whether your installation takes a few hours or days, there are a few ways to make the process smoother. Check them out.
Clear the pathways to your kitchen
Contractors will mostly have to work in your kitchen. However, this won’t be the only area you’ll need to focus on keeping clear. You may have to clear and clean the walkways leading to your kitchen so that contractors can easily get the heavy pieces of stone into your kitchen.
For instance, if it is easier to enter your kitchen through the garage, make sure the pathway is clean and clutter-free.
Do some cleaning
Do you want your new countertops attached to cabinets with junk drawers and Tupperware pouring out of the cabinet doors? Probably not. So, cleaning your cabinets is a good idea before installing new stone countertops.
Keep pets and small children out of the area
When contractors install your stone countertops, a lot of dust and debris may fly around the kitchen. To keep it away from these surfaces, it’s a good idea to lay plastic or tarp around kitchen areas, such as the stove or floor. Also, keeping your pets and children out of the work area is ideal to minimize injuries and prevent them from digesting things that can make them sick.
Reinforce Your Cabinets
If this is the first time you’re getting stone countertops, you may need to get someone to reinforce your cabinets to make sure they can handle their weight. This typically involves adding thicker plywood that will be able to sustain the pressure of the new countertops.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I use my stone countertops after installation?
After contractors complete the installation process, it is a good idea to wait 24 hours for the stone countertops to set in place before using them.
Should I be concerned if I see cracks in my stone after installation?
After installation, you should check your stone countertops for cracks. In most cases, you may see fissures, which are natural cracks in your countertops. Some cracks may occur during the installation process, however. Running your fingernails or an index card over the cracks will let you know if they are problematic.
If the card or your fingernails don’t get caught in the cracks, these are likely fissures, and there is nothing to worry about. You will need to contact your installation contractors if they catch in the cracks.
Will I need to be present during the installation process?
Upon completing the installation, someone will need you to sign off on the process. So, having an adult present during the installation is a good idea.
If you are installing new countertops such as granite or quartz, leave it to the pros at Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek for a seamless process. We use the highest quality countertop materials and top countertop design experts that will help take the stress out of your countertop replacement.
As experienced fabricators, we ensure a look and feel that is custom fit to your space. Visit our countertop store in Oak Creek for the biggest and best selection of granite, quartz, and marble in all colors and patterns.