Installation Tips for Granite Novations Countertop Kits

Note to Customer: If you do not have previous knowledge or experience with DIY projects that include the use of power tools, you should consult a professional for assistance with this installation project.


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1. Remove your old counter tops, BEING CAREFUL NOT TO DAMAGE YOUR CABINETS. Depending on your current covering type, you may need to contact a professional concerning removal instructions. Once removed, you should check your cabinet tops for level, noting if they are not level, and in which direction(s). This will indicate that shims will be required during the installation process. You may need to add additional supports for the granite’s weight. We recommend that you ensure the granite has support at a minimum of every 16 inches.

2. Plan the layout of your new granite. You should attempt to design your layout in a way that seams will fall in their most inconspicuous places, and that exposed ends will be the factory edge. This will prevent the need for you to polish any of the ends that you may have cut. We suggest that you draw this out on paper, as this will help you to visualize the location of each piece of granite.

3. Now you will need to unpack your new granite tops.

HANDLE WITH CARE

Be careful where you pry on the crate, making sure that you are not prying against the granite. Once you have the crate open to a point where you can start to remove the granite pieces (please have someone to assist you with the larger pieces), we recommend that you remove all the pieces from the kit, and place them in an area where they will be protected. This will allow you to see the sizes of the individual pieces of granite, and to verify that there is no damage that was previously overlooked. You should, at this stage, refer to your drawing to determine that your planned layout will not require any adjustments.

4. Once you determined the layout location of each of the granite pieces, you are now ready to cut them to length. We recommend that you start
your layout in the sink area. In some cases, this may not be possible, and is not a requirement. However, we have found that it reduces the chance for error, and increases the chances for a well-laid-out design.

HANDLE WITH CARE

Make sure that you wear eye, ear, and breathing protection when making your cuts. Dust will be generated.
Make sure of your measurements, you can not add back length if you cut it too short (Measure twice, or thrice, cut once correctly). Make sure the granite has sufficient support under it before attempting to make any cuts.

You will want to cut the granite face up, cutting no deeper than ¼ inch at a time. We highly recommend the use of a non-flexible straight-edge clamped to the granite as a saw guide. Once you have made your cut, check the fit of that piece. Once you are satisfied with the fit, continue until you have all of your pieces cut to size.

5. Now that you have all of your pieces cut appropriately, you will want to do a dry test fit of all the pieces to make sure that each of your pieces is level, and that your seams are fitting properly. You may have to shim the granite in certain places to bring it into level, and for proper seam alignment (especially if you noted inconsistencies in your cabinets when checked in step one). Once you are satisfied with the look and fit of your new granite countertop, it is time to glue it down.

6. Remove one piece at a time and apply construction adhesive to the cabinet top. Replace that piece of granite, pressing it gently into the adhesive. Again, check for level and fit at this time. Repeat for each piece of granite until you have all the pieces glued in place. Allow the adhesive to dry for the recommended time before proceeding.

7. Now that you have all of the pieces adhered to the cabinets, and have allowed the required drying time for the adhesive; you can caulk the seams, and install your sink. As you caulk, use a damp sponge to remove any excess from the seams, and from around the sink. Once the caulk is cured, wipe your granite countertops down with warm water and a mild soap. Once they are clean and dry you will want to apply a sealer to them.

8. Finally, enjoy your granite countertops for years to come, and thank you for choosing Granite Novations as your partner in this project.