The Stone Countertop Installation Process Explained

If you’re considering new stone countertops for your home renovation project, it’s a big deal. You’ll likely want to learn everything you can about your options, pricing, and what to expect when it comes time to witness the end result: natural stone and granite countertop installation. 

Here’s what you can look forward to before, during, and after the installation process and what you can do to be prepared when the day arrives.

Before Natural Stone and Granite Countertop Installation

Before your new stone countertops arrive, there are a few things you’ll need to take care of. First, you’ll need to remove any existing countertops and make sure the cabinets are prepped for their new surface. Secondly, you’ll want to prepare the rest of the space for the installation crew to do their work.

Remove Existing Countertops

Anchor supporting cabinets and islands and make sure all surfaces are level before granite countertop installation. It’s also a good idea to have the old countertops removed before measuring for new ones. This ensures that new stone countertops are a perfect fit for the cabinets that will support them, and installation can move along without delay.

Prepare the Space

Before your stone countertops are installed, it’s a good idea to cover furniture and areas of the home you don’t want to get dusty. Although the crew will do their best to keep any messes to a minimum, some dust is likely if they need to finish cutting out areas or make any final adjustments to your new countertops. 

You’ll also want to make a clear path from the entrance to where the countertops will be installed. If you have other work being done in the room at the same time, coordinate with contractors to make sure installers can access where they need and work without interruption.

During Natural Stone and Granite Countertop Installation

During your stone countertop installation, it’s important to keep the area clear to allow the installers to work. Heavy, unsecured stone could be dangerous and cause injury, so anyone who is not a professional installer is advised to stay a safe distance away.

Stone and Granite Countertop Installation Process

Your granite countertop installation crew will carefully carry each piece of granite in and then lay them in place on the counters. Once assembled, the pieces are sealed together using clear or neutral epoxy which has been color matched to blend with the natural stone surface.

If you planned to add a coordinating stone backsplash, it is installed at this time. A natural stone backsplash helps cover any imperfections where the countertops meet the wall, as no wall is perfectly straight and even tiny gaps are natural.

Any cut-outs in the stone for sinks or cooktops will be finished on site as well. The installers will begin the cut before transporting, but complete the job once the stone is secured to prevent any weakness.

After Natural Stone and Granite Countertop Installation

Once the pieces are laid and secured, the installation is nearly complete. All that’s left to do is to go over the finished countertop to check for any leftover caulk or dust. Then, the countertops will be cleaned and sealed so they’re ready for you to enjoy. 

Your installation crew may provide you with tips on how to care for your new countertops, or leave you with the materials you’ll need to keep your brand new stone in perfect condition.

How Long Does Granite Countertop Installation Take?

On average, about 4 hours but it varies with every project depending on the size and complexity of the kitchen design, access, and other factors. Smaller kitchen projects may only take 2 or 3 hours where a large kitchen with multiple slabs could take up to 7 hours to complete. Your natural stone supplier will be able to give you a more accurate estimate as they prepare your countertops for installation.

Have more questions about countertop installation? Kowalski Granite & Quartz is your trusted, local resource for all stone countertop installation and maintenance projects. Stop into our showroom to look at our vast selection of natural stone, then talk with our team about setting up your countertop delivery and install project!