How to Install Granite Countertops

I am sure you agree that granite countertops have been popular for many years now! The reason being their aesthetic look as well as their durability. When we think of interior designing our house, we want to go for flooring and countertops which would look good as well as prove to be useful in long run, right? And therefore, one of the best bets is granite installation. Granite tiles are strong and only help enhancing the beauty of your house! Another advantage being, it is extremely easy to clean them. What else do you look for? Let me tell you, installing a granite countertop is a tricky business and it is better to go for expertise, however, if you have a beforehand experience and can handle home improvement projects with ease, then the steps given below are meant for you. Read how to go about it at home itself.

Of course, countertops are to be installed in the kitchen and the bathroom, commonly. If you check, granite is available in various countertop colors in the market so the choice is entirely yours. You can choose according to the other decorating patterns and designs like the wall color etc. And the very first thing you need to do is gather the materials. Here, what you would require is:

• Granite tiles or slab
• Plumbing wrench
• Pry bar
• Putty knife
• Screwdriver
• Double-sided adhesive tapes
• Wet Saw
• Measuring Tape
• Epoxy glue or thinset
• Rubber mallet
• Granite sealer

Step #1
As I said, you need to select the granite first. You can buy it in the form of a large slab from the nearby shop. For this, you need to know what size countertop you wish to install. So, take the measurements beforehand, tell them to cut it accordingly for you and then purchase it. Alternatively, you can purchase the granite tiles as well to install granite countertop tiles in your kitchen or bathroom. Cutting granite countertops is possible at home with the help of a Wet Saw. Don't forget to polish the edges well. However, be very careful since you would not want to waste the entire piece.

Step #2
When all the essential materials are handy, you need to start off with the main steps. Here, it depends if you are replacing the countertop, then you would have to put in much hard work. This includes removal of the sink and the backsplash with the help of a screwdriver, pry bar and putty knife. What you need to do is loosen the glue which holds the sink to the countertop so that it becomes easy to take off. For removing the backsplash, use the putty knife and the pry bar and it will be removed easily. When you are removing the sink, make sure you disconnect the water supply with the help of a plumbing wrench, beforehand.

Step #3
Then comes the actual installation. For this, make a paste of thinset and water in a bucket as recommended or use epoxy glue. Apply the thinset paste onto the back of the wood base and on top of the cabinet with the help of a trowel and lay the granite countertop properly. Hammer with a rubber mallet to ensure that the installation has been done properly. Sealing the countertop is advisable to protect it from scratches and stains.

Step #4
Then comes the time for re-installation of the sink and the backsplash. You can do it with the help of the double adhesive strips. Start off the water supply again.

Here it ends, the installation of the granite tile countertops! However, if you feel that you won't be able to succeed in this do-it-yourself project, then you can always go for expertise. Although, average cost to install granite countertops would come up to around $50 to $100 per square foot. Yes, cost is a major issue since it is pretty expensive! All in all, granite countertops are a great option and I hope the steps would help you through the process. Good luck!