How To Avoid Mistakes When Installing Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are one of the most popular countertops, they are extremely durable, water resistant and they also look beautiful. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid when installing granite kitchen countertops. Let’s start!

Don’t Go For The Thickness

Whenever you go for reviewing samples of granite for your kitchen countertops, don’t just hastily give into the thickness. Although thicker slabs are more durable, they are not always the best for your countertops. Thicker slabs are recommended for kitchen islands or small accent countertops. Thickness of the slab also comes at a very high price. You don’t necessarily need to be adamant about the thickness. Choose a moderate thickness block and your life will be much easier when installing the slab. Thicker slabs are also harder to install and there is bound to be errors during installation because the handling is not as easy.

Quality Matters More

This is another tip for when you go to check out samples. Rather than focusing on what color to get, put your attention on the quality of the granite slabs. Some granite colors may look pleasing to the eye, but there are many impurities in the stone, which makes it more brittle and less durable. This is where you need to be smart and go for a granite which is strong and muted in color. It is never a good idea to compromise the quality of granite on the basis of its color. It’s always best to go for classic colors, which will undoubtedly last longer.

The Dimensions Need To Be Correct

This tip is very important when it comes to installation. The dimensions of the slab or tile need to be extremely accurate otherwise the whole process of installing the granite will be a waste of time, energy and money. It is always a good idea to double check the dimensions like the length and breadth of the granite, before installing it on the surface of the countertop and sealing the deal. If the error comes after installing, then it will be a great hassle to remove. So it’s best to be safe than sorry.

No Seams

Seams are a huge problem when it comes to granite. It is almost inevitable but the mistake here is the incorrect measurement of the dimensions. Most of the time, contractors and installation teams will double check the dimensions and then seams are formed, which have to be filled or fixed somehow. This mistake could have been hugely avoided if the dimensions were correctly measured in the first place. If seams are still showing even after correct measurements, then the safest way to hide them is the placement of the tile or slab. It should be in such a way that it looks concealed and you don’t need to do anything about it.

Sealing Is Crucial

Granite countertops are durable, but unlike quartz countertops, they are not water resistant. Granite is a naturally occurring rock and it has a lot of pores in it. After installing the granite, it needs to be sealed if you want it to last long. Don’t take the durability of granite for granted, because if you don’t seal the countertop after installing, it can slowly damage the rock, and ultimately it will break within a year or two and you will have to replace it again. It’s better to go the extra mile and seal it for good, to make the rock water resistant.

Correct Cleaning And Maintenance

Using harsh cleaning agents and acids on granite is like waiting for a disaster to happen. You should never use acidic cleaners to clean your countertops on a daily basis. This will disintegrate the stone. Instead, use a soap based cleaner and a soft wash cloth to wipe away the dirt and spills on the surface of the countertop. You also will need to do yearly maintenance of these countertops kike resealing, polishing and varnish application to maintain its lustrous and shiny appearance fir longer.

There you have it! With knowledge of these mistakes which are often made unknowingly, you will have a seamless installation of granite countertops. If you can’t do it for any reasons, hire granite countertop installers Durham NC to ensure flawless installation.

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