Countertops in any room are a major feature and replacing them can make your room feel brand new. The beauty and durability of granite have made it a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Maybe you’ve picked out a white slab with grey veins, or perhaps a black piece with green and white specks.
Whatever you’ve chosen for your new countertop, proper preparation is key to a successful installation.
So, how do you prepare for a new countertop installation?
By following a few simple steps, you can have your room prepped and ready to go for this project. Clearing space, preparing for dust, and planning a safe space for children and pets are all part of the preparation process.
If you need to have existing ones removed before the new countertops are installed, then get ready for some dust and noise. Don’t worry – technicians are trained for this. Unless you’ve picked out countertops for new construction, every kitchen and bathroom have to be cleared of the old before the new can shine.
So, What Should You Do to Prep Your Room?
The natural stone coming into your home today needs space. Clear out the entranceway, room, and cupboards. This way, your installers have a safe path and workspace. It’s also a good idea to move the contents of shelves, cupboards, and cabinets so that when the old countertops are taken out, plates, glasses, or other items aren’t rattled.
You need to protect your home against the dust and debris created during the removal and installation process. Cutting stone and removing old countertops can get messy, so place tarps or other coverings over vents and keep doors to other rooms closed.
The last step is to make a plan to keep children and pets safe during this project. The construction area isn’t a good place for them, so be sure to keep them in another part of the house, or outside, while the installation is taking place.
So, What Should You Expect on Installation Day?
If the old countertops need to be removed, you can expect things to get loud for a bit. You can expect construction debris to pile up as you say goodbye to your old look. How long this process takes depends on what your former material was and how difficult it is to disengage from the wall and cabinets.
After the old countertops are gone, the good part starts. Your beautiful new stone is prepared for placement. Although measurements were taken before installation to ensure enough granite was ordered, now is when the final cuts are made. Cuts have to be made on-site for the best possible fit. Your installers also have to make sure your new countertops are level, which could entail adding or subtracting wood to your cabinets to create a level base.
Once the stone is cut and the area is level, the granite is attached using a strong adhesive. The seams are filled in using epoxy that can either be clear or colored. Now, you can have your first glance at what your new kitchen or bathroom will be like.
So, How Do You Clean Countertops Upon Completion?
The process of installation can leave excess epoxy, dust, and scraps. Your installers have the right materials to take care of the epoxy and also know how to dispose of the debris properly. Wiping your new stone countertops with a soft, clean cloth to pick up any dust. Just be sure not to use any harsh chemicals when cleaning your beautiful stone.
Summing Up
Getting new granite countertops is an upgrade that adds value to your home and beauty to high-traffic areas. Proper preparation for installation isn’t hard and sets you up to have marvelous countertops that last for decades.
Impeccable Countertop Installation and Services
The pros at Wisconsin Granite Design in Oak Creek will have your granite counters customized, delivered and installed with ease. Homeowners throughout the Milwaukee area have come to us knowing their kitchen countertop remodel is in good hands.
If you are in the market for new countertops in any area of your home, our large in-house selection is where you should start. We guarantee you will find everything you need including the most unique granite, quartz and marble materials to complete your renovation or new build. Can’t wait? Message us online on our website and let us know how we can help you get started!