Slab Granite Countertops
Slab Granite countertops, created by mother nature and fashioned by new technology, are an investment homeowners will never regret. With deep iridescent colors, granite offers that elusive, one-of-a-kind beauty created only in nature..
Slab granite countertops are unique in that no two pieces of granite are exactly the same and it adds a richness and texture to your home that is unmatched by any other granite product. The most common uses for granite today are vanity and kitchen countertops. Granite adds an interesting design element to your kitchen and is more durable than laminate countertops. Whether you are remodeling or involved with new construction, granite countertops will make a beautiful addition and increase the re-sale value of your home.
Hennick's Home Center Bandon is proud to offer a wide variety of sizes and colors. Our talented employees can help you with your measuring, sizing and installation tips.
Installing Slab Granite Countertops
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Granite countertops add an interesting design element to your kitchen and are more durable than laminate tops.
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If you're getting ready to update your kitchen, or if you're just tired of your existing countertops, it might be time to consider installing granite countertops. You might think they're too expensive, but you can minimize the costs by doing some of the preliminary work yourself. The fabrication and installation of the countertops should be left to professionals.
Materials:
screwdriver
putty knife
utility knife
pliers
wrenches
pry bar
safety glasses
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Figure A
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Figure B
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Figure C
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Figure D
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Figure E
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Figure F
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Figure G
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Steps:- First, you'll need to remove your sink and faucet. Shut off the water supply at the valves underneath. Then disconnect the water supply lines from the valves (figure A) and remove the drain lines. Be sure to have a bucket handy for the water that's still in the P-trap (figure B).
- Underneath the sink, loosen the clamps holding the sink to the countertop. Be sure to loosen all of the clamps.
- Use a putty knife to cut through the caulk seal between the sink and the countertop (figure C), and pull the sink out.
* Some heavier sinks, such as cast -iron sinks, just rest on the countertop without being secured with clamps.
- Remove and disconnect any appliances from beneath the countertop.
- From underneath the countertop, remove the screws holding the countertop in place (figure D), and lift the countertop off the base cabinets (figure E). You may need to use a pry bar to lift the countertop off the cabinets.
When the old countertops have been removed, the granite countertop installation team can come in and make measurements to fabricate a new countertop. In many cases, they'll create a wooden template to use in making the new countertop (figure F).
The templates are returned to the shop to mark the granite for cutting (figure G). Then the granite is cut with a diamond-bladed bridge saw. Finally, an edge treatment is carved into the stone, and the granite is polished.
The installation crew will bring the countertop to your home and install it, placing shims where needed until all the adjoining pieces are level and match perfectly.
To finish the installation, the crew will apply silicone sealants and colored fillers.
reprinted from hgtv.com
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