Choosing Your Stone
At Stone Creek Granite, we will walk you through the process of choosing your stone. When you come to select your stone, consider bringing along anything you want it to match. Bringing paint swatches, tile samples, cabinet doors, etc. with you will help you ensure that the stone you pick will coordinate well with your existing or new home furnishings. You are required to pay for half the total cost of the job when you choose your stone. You will need either cash or a check in that amount with you when you pick out your granite to avoid having your installation date delayed.
At Template
This is when carefully measure and cut a slab of granite to fit your kitchen. By now you should have already picked out your stone and acquired any sinks that will be installed in the countertop. If you don’t have your sinks at this point, your installation date will be delayed until you get them and we are able to ensure that they fit properly in your countertops. The exception to this is for self-rimming sinks. They will need to be on site when your countertop is installed, as those cuts will be made the day of installation, but you do not need to bring them into the shop prior to that time.
For especially unique countertops, we may also need to borrow some of your existing countertops to use as an example so that your stone is cut correctly.
Removing Your Existing Countertops
If your current countertops are made of tile, they will need to be removed at least 24 hours prior to installing your new ones. Tile backsplashes need to be taken out before your template appointment so our measurements can be 100% accurate.
It is recommended that you take everything out of your cabinets if you are planning on having us remove your old countertops. You do have the option of removing the old countertops if you feel like that is something you can do on your own. However, if you are unsure of your ability to do so, it is best to leave that job to us.
During this removal process, and possibly during the installation of your new countertop, some damage to cabinetry or drywall may take place. While we take every precaution to avoid damaging your kitchen, sometimes these things are unavoidable. It may be necessary for you to hire a third party contractor to repair any damage. We also try to limit the amount of mess we create, but the demolition will likely create at least a little dust. You may want to cover or remove your home furnishings from that part of the house in order to protect them.
Plumbing and Electrical
Before your old countertops can be removed and new ones installed, your sinks and other plumbing will need to be disconnected. If we are also installing a new back splash, the electrical outlets in the area will need to be removed from the walls as well. Some outlets may need to be relocated; we will inform you if this is the case and it will be your responsibility to have them moved before your countertop is installed. You may also need to disconnect and move cook tops and free standing ovens before installation. Returning appliances, plumbing, or electrical wires to their original place is NOT part of the installation process; you may need to hire a plumber and electrician to take care of this.
Sub Tops
For high quality installation of 2 cm countertops, sub tops will be necessary. We use ½”, 5/8”, or ¾” sub tops, depending on the type of cabinetry and any overhangs. The templater can give you recommendations regarding size and overhangs if you choose to install your own sub tops. For overhangs larger than 9”, you should probably obtain corbels. Acquiring and installing corbels, as well as any other supports that are necessary, will be your responsibility. 3 cm countertops usually do not need sub tops, but if they do, they will also need scribe molding. This should be purchased and installed by a separate contractor.
Sinks, Faucets, and Other Accessories
You will need to purchase sinks and other plumbing that will fit inside your cabinetry. Self-rimming sinks will be cut on site after the countertop is in place; this prevents any breakage from occurring. The installer will then “loose set” the sink and prepare it for your plumber to clip it on and connect any pipes or other hardware.
The installer will mount any under-mount sinks to the granite and do any other preparations necessary for plumbing to be installed and reconnected. This includes caulking the sink and drilling the necessary holes for faucets, sprayers, and other accessories. You will need to have these items on hand and know where they will be installed at that time.
Cook Tops and Free Standing Ranges
Cook tops that are cut into the countertop will be “loose set” so your appliance installer can mount and connect them later. The actual cuts will be made after the new countertop has been installed. This helps prevent breakage but may create some dust. Ensure that any new cook tops you purchase will fit in the space made available by your cabinets
Free standing ranges will be measured to ensure they fit and left ready for later installation.
Seams
We always consider the grain and patterns of your stone, as well as the location of any seams, when we are planning the layout of your project. We try to ensure that your stone is cut according to your requests; sometimes, though, circumstances beyond our control require us to make judgments based on our professional experience. Seams are always kept to a minimum, but may be necessary depending on the size and shape of your countertop. In the event that a seam is necessary, it is created to fit tightly and evenly, and will be filled with a colored epoxy that matches the stone. Our goal is to make seams as inconspicuous as possible.
Caulking
Back splashes and any under-mount sinks will be caulked after the countertop is installed. We use either colored or clear caulk, depending on the color of the stone.
On Installation Day
As mentioned before, we recommend that you empty your cabinets before installation day. Most of the fabrication will be done at our shop, but because there may be minor imperfections in walls, cabinets, etc. a small amount of cutting will be done on site to guarantee that your countertop fits flawlessly. Cutting usually created some dust, so prior to installation day you may want to either cover with plastic or remove any furnishings that you are concerned about.
Your pets should be confined to a place where they cannot get out of your home or interfere with the installation crew.
You or an authorized representative must be on site during the entire installation for an initial walk-through and eventual sign-off on the job.Sometimes situations arise during installation that might require us to take pieces back to our shop to be altered. We try to make these changes quickly so that we can finish your installation as soon as possible, but please remember that we will not sacrifice speed for quality workmanship. A delay may be unavoidable. Our main concern is your satisfaction, and we will do our best to create a positive experience for you.
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Stone Care and Tips
Now that your new granite has been installed, how do you maintain it? Here are a few pointers:
- If you spill on your stone, blot up the mess immediately to prevent possible damage to its surface.
- Dust your countertops regularly.
- Use trivets or hot pads under hot dishes.
- Clean your granite with warm water, a neutral cleanser, and a soft clean cloth or sponge.
- Avoid cleaning products that contain acids such as lemon or vinegar. Also avoid abrasive powders and scouring creams. These can etch the surface and damage the polish of your stone.
- Every six months, apply a natural stone sealer to your granite. This will help protect and preserve it. You can find natural stone sealers at most hardware stores.
- Minimize soap scum on granite in bathrooms by using a squeegee after showers or baths. When soap scum does occur, it can be removed by a solution of ½ cup of ammonia in one gallon of water. However, frequent use of this ammonia solution may eventually cause your stone’s surface to dull, so prevention of soap scum is ideal.
For other care tips, visit our FAQ page.
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