Iran Stone

How Granite Is Installed

Granite countertops are lovely additions to any kitchen or bath in any homes.Until recently, it was hard for a do-it-yourselfer to do because of the nature of the granite stone product. But now there are pre-shaped granite products that arrive with detailed directions on how to install granite countertops that allow even aninexperienced person to successfully complete the process. If you have a kitchen or bath area that you need to install countertops which has more than one corner or any unique features, you may still want to consider hiring a professional installer to install it correctly. Otherwise a one- or two-piece installation should be fairly easy if you follow the directions.

Method 1: Measuring the Countertop Carefully

1)    Install your cabinets. Make sure they are level and securely attached to the floor and walls.
2)    Be sure walls are square. If they aren’t, as you take measurements, make necessary adjustments.
3)    Use Kraft paper or other lightweight, solid material to make a template of the countertop.
4)    Accurately mark the location of the sink hole and any other cuts in the granite.
5)    Conclude what kind of edge you want on your countertop. Allow for an overhang on your template.
6)    Decide on your granite material. You may want to also choose matching material for a backsplash.
7)    Gather installation advices from the supplier on how to install granite countertops. Once you make your final decision, check your template again for accuracy.
8)    Order the granite.

Method 2: Preparing the Cabinets to Hold the Weight of the Granite

1)    Install fitting plywood to the tops of the cabinets. This supports the added weight of the granite. Cut the plywood even with the front of the cabinets.
2)    Make sure the plywood sets balanced on all the cabinets.
3)    Stick the plywood and the cabinets together with screws. Drill pilot holes into the cabinet first to prevent the wood from cleaving.

Method 3: Working with the Granite Slab

1)    Find adequate assistant to move the granite slabs into place. Handle with care, because the granite is very breakable.
2)    Locate the granite in place. Make sure it’s going to fit properly.
3)    Mark the exact line around the hole for the sink on the plywood reinforcement using a pencil or marker.
4)    Remove the granite from the base cabinets in a transitory manner. Stand it upright in a safe location to prevent it from breaking.
5)    Create a pilot hole in the middle of the sink opening with a spade drill bit. Use a jigsaw to continue cutting out the hole in the plywood. You can cut outside of your line as much as 1/8 inch.
6)    Finally install the sink.

Method 4: Leveling the Granite and Gluing It Down

1)    Locate the granite back on the cabinets. Push all the seams and joints together as tightly as possible.
2)    Be sure the granite is leveled and balanced. Once it is, raise it one more time.
3)    Stick silicone sealer around the edges of the plywood. Set circular dollops in every 6 to 12 inches (12 to 30 centimeters).
4)    Run a bead of caulking around the sink rim on both the plywood side and the granite back side.
5)    Lower the granite slab into place. Make sure it’s balanced once more.

Method 5: Filling the Seams

1)    Run blue painter’s tape on both sides of the seam.
2)    Mix polyester-based resin with color that is similar to the granite. For best results mix three batches of somewhat differing colors.
3)    Pour 3 percent hardener to 97 percent resin to the medium color. Press it into the seams with a caulk knife. Repeat the process with the other colors to get a close match with the granite countertop. Do these processes quickly; because once the hardener is in place, it sets quickly.
4)    Remove the painter’s tape as soon as you finish the seam. When the seam dries, use a seam stone to smooth it out.
However the granite stone is a popular case for kitchen countertops, the high cost of materials and installations can put a big dent in your home improvement budget. You can use 12” x 12” granite tiles instead for a less expensive alternative to a pricey granite slab.
Granite tiles not only do make an attractive and durable countertop, but also they’re easy to apply and weigh much less than a solid granite top, making it a perfect do it yourself process.
Tools needed for a do it yourself (DIY) project installing the granite:
•    Level
•    Square
•    Tape measure
•    Safety glasses
•    Carbide tipped scoring tool
•    Circular saw
•    Drill with screwdriver bits
•    Jigsaw
•    Notched trowel
•    Rubber padded grout float
•    Sponge
•    Stone polisher (you can rent it)
•    Tile saw (you can rent it)
Intensified demand for granite countertops has inspired a huge number of kitchen constructors to get the expertise and equipment to install them; as a result, they can generally be ordered from and installed by a local dealer in place of a company located many miles away. About this production, intensified demand has really decreased the installed price to a level that is within reach of the average homeowners.