Do-it-yourself granite countertops – a great way to save money

Are you thinking of a kitchen renovation? How about including a granite countertop? This may sound expensive, but if you are a DIYer, you can save hundreds or even thousands on this project. This will add up to your purchase of the perfect granite countertop. By choosing to do it yourself, you’re on your way to having the kitchen of your dreams and the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself. Plus, it’s a great way to save money.

Selecting your countertop

The first step is to find the countertop that suits your taste. You can start by researching online as this way you can see the various colors and you can also request samples. By doing this, you will get a real idea of ​​what the countertop will look like.

Time to buy your countertop

You’ve finally decided on the granite countertop you now want, so now is the time to buy it. Before ordering, there are a few steps you need to follow. You’ll need to get an accurate measurement of the cabinets first, as this is critical to ensuring the countertop isn’t too long or too short. The dealer will visit and create a template; this is what they will use to cut the granite slabs on the countertop. You’ll notice that they use a template, as this is the most accurate method. On the template you can see the corners, angles and holes that are needed for the sink and other areas of the kitchen.

The next step is to prepare the kitchen cabinets to receive the new countertop. You will need to remove the old countertops and sink before putting in the new countertop. If there are additional items that are attached to the cabinets, they will need to be removed as they will prevent proper installation.

Laying your granite countertop

Granite countertops, depending on the size, can weigh more than 400 pounds, so you’ll need more hands to help carry them into the kitchen. You’ll also need help getting them on top of the cabinets, as the tiles need to be clamped in place to keep them from shifting. When final trimming and polishing is done, a diamond cutting wheel is used to ensure a clean cut. You will need to drill holes to accommodate the faucets and you will also need to install the backsplash. You will notice that there is always a seam that remains visible after installation.

Now is the time to secure the countertop in place. This is done with a special epoxy adhesive designed specifically for granite. You can find it at your local masonry store. Be sure to be specific as to the type of granite countertop you have and also the weather conditions in the area where you live. The seam of your countertop will be bonded with a polyester epoxy resin; remember to secure the areas you do not want the resin to come into contact with. You can use masking tape or tape to do this. The resin must match the colors of the countertop. After sealing, remove the tape so as not to allow the resin to dry while on the counter.

Most people choose to use a professional service when installing their granite countertop, as the task is technical and a simple mistake can cause the granite slab to break.