How to install granite countertops

Granite – the durable natural stone - has a great visual appeal and a set of wholesome features that render it an all purpose stone for home improvement. No doubt granite tile is the earliest of options when going for kitchen countertops and bathroom countertops, for its durability, absolute ease of use and long lasting elegant impression.

With self-help at installing granite tile kitchen countertops, granite becomes all the more approachable in terms of cost for anyone, especially considering that the cheaper look alike are not satisfactory substitutes. All you need is a fair amount of carpentry skills and you can easily learn how to install granite tile countertops. Thus, in turn you save yourself from the financial burden of professional help for installing kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Though most agreeably, installing granite tile countertops in kitchens and bathrooms requires expert services of the professionals and their tool set, cashing on your own carpentry skills and know-how proves to be a major cost cutting activity.

Choosing the right finish

To begin with installation of kitchen or bathroom countertops, you will need to make some preliminary choices and preparations to be able with his/ her specialized tool box to install your new counter top with economy and conviction. The first and foremost step can be to know your countertop finishing options and choose the most apt one as per your preference and discretion. To specify, there are various kinds of edges for your countertop to choose from, namely,

1.  Bullnose edge

2.  Polished square edge

3. Wood trim

4.  A complementary ceramic rail or cap, or

5.  A manufactured metal profile made for tile installations.

Installation process

• Once you decide upon the kind of edge for the countertop in question, you will need to un-install or remove the already existing countertop effectively. You will also need to remove any sinks, faucets and disconnect any appliances. You must move these items to another area so as to avoid any inadvertent loss. Now loosen the screw that holds the counter top in place and lift it off.

• Really speaking, this is all you can do at your end as a cost-saving measure because you would never like to harm your expensive granite tile, nor like to compromise with the aesthetic value of the countertop.

• Removal step is invariably followed by the next step of installation – taking measurements. However, it is best to utilize professional service here on so that you do not end up wasting money rather than saving, as well as, your granite piece is not harmed in any manner.

• An installation professional, once pitched in, creates a template by taking measurements. He/ she measures the tile pieces with him to cut them with a diamond tipped saw – a part of his/ her specialized tool box. In order to avoid any future damage due to improper installation, kitchen and bathroom cabinet tops are created with a level seat to fit the granite tile slabs for long term safety.