Prefabricated granite countertops are the chosen ones to adorn the kitchen counter, as they exude elegance without ripping your pockets too hard. In this article, we show you how to install prefabricated granite countertops, and how you could optimize on your maintenance wizardry.
Granite is found in many homes, their existence mostly concentrated on kitchen counters. They have an elegance and unmatched elan to exude without breaking your budget bones. Due to these features, there is an increase in the use and thereby installation preference by home builders and designers, who narrow down on prefabricated granite countertops. To add to the positive characteristics of granite, the heat resistance and durability factor makes it an all the more sought-after stone for installation in the kitchen. Moreover, for all those fashion conscious homemakers, granite is offered in a rich color palette too. Thus, granite becomes the ideal material for prefab kitchen countertops.
Prefabricated granite countertops are the ones that provide an elegant look to your kitchen. The cost is slashed when compared to purchasing the entire slab of granite. Prefab granite countertops require no cutting and chopping. Their edges are finished, having a smooth rounded surface, and therefore it requires less work to install them. This saves on a lot of money and energy when installation is taken into consideration. You can even install the prefab granite counter top all by yourself. Prefab granite countertops are typically designed to fit the standard kitchen counters.
How to Install the Prefab Granite Countertops
Instructions
1. The first step is to measure the length and width of your counter top.
2. Measure the backsplash and make sure that you know where the electrical outlets are situated.
3. To make accommodations for your appliances and fixtures, cut out the shapes in the counter top. Make sure that you are skilled at carpentry to achieve a smoother, more professional look
4. You need to remove the current counter top so that you could replace this one with the new one that you are working on.
5. If there are screws that are attached to the counter top, you need to unscrew them. If there is glue, you will need to detach the counter top with a putty knife.
6. Disconnect the sink plumbing, backsplash and any appliances that are in the way. Disconnect and detach anything and everything that is part of the counter top attachment.
7. Measure a ¾-inch thick piece of plywood cut to the shape of the counter top.
8. Screw the plywood into the cabinetry with 1-inch screws in order to form a base for the prefab granite counter top.
9. A thick layer of glue compound will fasten the granite on the plywood with better dexterity.
10. Place the granite counter top atop the plywood base. You are going to need help for placing the granite as a granite counter top is very heavy. This is one step that cannot be tagged as a do-it-yourself step, in the sense that you need someone to help you.
11. Reinstall the sink, the backsplash, and all the other appliances that were detached before the installation of the prefabricated granite counter top.
12. Make sure that you avoid using the counter top for three to six hours, as using it would encourage the granite to shift.
Products and Pricing – Information You Must Have
Prefabricated granite countertops come in a wide range of designs, textures and colors. However, not every shade, color or texture is available with the manufacturers. You may find that they have their signature style or texture of prefabricated granite countertops. The standard size of the countertops, widely available, is 96″ x 26”. Though, if you want to customize your prefabricated granite counter top, you are free to do so. You will get the appropriate size and design that you desire.
However, the most popular models of prefab granite countertops are the following:
- Baltic Brown Prefab Granite Countertops
- Dakota Mahogany Prefabricated Granite Countertops
- Golden Granite Prefabricated Granite Countertops
- Gold Oak Prefabricated Granite Countertops
- Emerald Pearl Prefabricated Granite Countertops
- New Venetian Gold Prefabricated Granite Countertops
- Dakota Mahogany Prefabricated Granite Countertops
- Black Absolute Prefabricated Granite Countertops
- Giallo Veneziano Prefabricated Granite Countertops
- Blue Pearl Prefab Granite Countertops
- Giallo Fiorito Prefabricated Granite Countertops.
All the above-mentioned models are priced reasonably within a range of $299 – $350, and are of 96″ x 26″ in size, with a thickness of ¾”.
Prefabricated granite countertops are easy to maintain and have a better demand than marble. They are well-suited for kitchen tops and other counters, being predominantly suitable for bathrooms and kitchen appliances.
