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Granite Kitchen Countertops:

Material Handling

At the job site, the slabs must be carried in a vertical position.

Storage

• Slabs should be placed away from the job traffic area.
• The polished sides should be facing each other.
• Slabs should be resting vertically.
• If it is necessary to stack them, the slabs should be separated by a 1"x4" piece of wood.

Steps involved in a countertop installation

• Sketch the countertops allowing for overhang on top of the cabinets. Include backsplashes and any cutout dimension. In addition, choose a finished edge for any visible edge of the countertop and backsplash. (See Edge table below). When sketching the countertops, take into account that the size availability of the slabs is approximately 102" x 62". Therefore, location of the seams is an important consideration.
• With a sketch and material alternative, contact a few stone fabricators and ask them for a quote and delivery time. The quote should include prices for templates, fabrication, and installation.
• Fabrication shops will require approximately 50% deposit to start the job. Before giving any payment, the customer should approve the material. When inspecting the material, one should consider variation, small imperfections in the stone, and particular markings on slabs. If there are concerns regarding the stone, the customer should try to see the actual stone to be used for their project. The customer should also know that stone is a natural material, so it has unique characteristics that cannot be changed.
• Fabricators or installers will fabricate templates. In order to be able to make accurate templates, cabinets should already be installed and fixed. Accessories such as sinks, cook tops, faucets, dishwasher screws, and any other related hardware should be purchased and at the job site location prior to beginning templates.
• Fabricators will cut the stone and finish the edges as per order. Any changes may result in extra charges. Good seams and edges are an important consideration when looking at the craftsmanship and quality of a project. If the stone is going to be installed already polished, all the edges of the tiles should be beveled to allow the installer a small margin of error during the installation.

Care of stone

In order to keep your in perfect condition, it should be kept clean. The most common way to maintain stone is to brush away dust. Stone should be washed with a clean, soft cloth and fresh water. A mild detergent can be used periodically to remove any residue that remains ingrained. These steps will save many problems with stone. Some stone suppliers recommend applying a sealer on the stone a few weeks after installation is completed. This helps prevent staining on the stone. The sealer should be reapplied periodically since it wears off after an extended period of time.