If you are looking for a step by step guide on how to attach granite countertop to island then look no further as this article is for you!!
Buying and installing granite in your kitchen or home is not budget-friendly. That is because granite tends to be an expensive marble that will break your bank in some way. However, if you want to save money, you can attach the granite countertop to the island yourself instead of opting for a professional.
Doing this will guarantee you have an excellent kitchen without having to go out of your budget. So, if you want to understand how to attach granite countertop to island, you are in the right place. Here is your complete step-by-step guide.
10 Detailed Steps On How To Attach Granite Countertop To Island
1. Gather All The Materials
The first thing you need to do is gather all the equipment and tools because you will not be able to execute this job without them. Remember that you might not have some of these items at home. In that case, be sure to go to the nearest hardware store, and you will find everything you need.
Here are all the tools and materials you need to understand how to attach granite countertop to island:
- Protective equipment
- Measuring tape
- Painter’s tape
- Seam setter
- Granite cleaner
- Granite sealer
- Caulk gun
- Utility knife
- Acrylic caulk
- Angle grinder with a diamond blade
- Shims
- Pencil
- Jab saw
- Cardboard for template
- Soft cloth
- Two-part epoxy
Remember that even if you plan on installing the granite yourself, you must still work closely with the stone shop. That is because they will help you cut the right granite for your island and ensure it delivers without any damage. So, be sure to let the professionals take care of the cutting of the granite and the delivery.
2. Picking Out The Granite Countertop
The most crucial aspect is deciding what granite you need for your countertop. That is because the stone store will offer endless tile slabs and samples that will come in various grain patterns and colors. Besides that, granite also has various edges for you to select, which include:
- Ogee
- Square
- Miter
- Bullnose
- Bevel
- And many others
The professionals at the shop will offer you better guidance on picking out the granite according to your preferences. Aside from the primary countertop surface, you will also have to decide the countertop extension length and the size and type of backsplash if you want to go for one.
3. Measure The Island
After you choose the right granite and remove the existing countertop on the island, it is time for you to take measurements accurately, as it will help you with the installation of the island. You must take the right measurements of the base cabinets to provide to your fabricator.
The best way to measure the base cabinet tops is to measure the space from the wall to the front along the complete wall length. Remember that even during this step, you must want to call a fabricator so that they can inspect your kitchen. That is because they can check if there is anything near your island that will affect the granite countertops.
These include things such as exposed pipes, bump-outs from the wall, and more. Once they inspect this, you will be in a much better position to install the granite countertops.
4. Use The Cardboard To Make The Template
Besides measuring the island, you can also use cardboard to make the template to give measurements to the fabricator. Be sure to use a scribing tool to etch your template so that it can fit perfectly on the island. After that, you must trace the front side of the edge on the cardboard template.
The template should include the measurements of the precise locations for faucets, cooktops, sinks, and more. Keep in mind that you must not leave a distance of over two feet between the cabinets. Besides that, you must not have more than six inches extension that is without support.
Then, if you are also planning to install a sink, you must make a note of the sink on the layout template to ensure the fabricator can make the relevant changes. You must also insist to your fabricator to bar the cutouts with fiberglass or steel reinforcements. These will strengthen the areas that are narrow around the cutout.
Be clear about your requirements and measurements and submit them to the fabricator. Pick a date and time for delivery or pickup to get your finished granite countertops in no time.
5. Levelling The Base Cabinets
Now that you wait for your granite countertops to come to you, you must utilize this time to level the base cabinets of the island. You must check and ensure that all base cabinets are evenly levelled across the entire length of the island. If they are not level, you will have to detach the base units and even them out using shims.
Remember that using the shims directly isn’t a great thing beneath the granite countertops. That is because it will create little spaces that can lead to the granite cracking from any small pressure. So, be sure to take this step as your granites are getting ready for installation.
6. Handling The Granite
Once your fabricator lets you know that the countertops are ready, it is time for you to pick them up. On the other hand, if you opt for the delivery option, you can sit back and relax as the countertop comes to you. Of course, if you have to go get it, you need to understand that the granite is weighty.
For example, even a six feet countertop can have a weight of more than four hundred pounds. Because of this, you need to find someone to help you handle the granite and transport it to your home. Another important thing to keep in mind is that you need to carry the granite countertop vertically.
Such a position ensures that you prevent cracks or damaging the stone in the best way possible. If you want to transport slabs of granite, then you need to pick them up in an A-frame rack in the same way that people carry glass. Creating a simple rack is not difficult as you can do it in no time using 2x4s.
Just be sure to offer protection to the edges by using painter’s tape to cover them. Finally, clear an area in your kitchen where you can store the granite upright till you are ready to attach it to the island.
7. Attach The Slabs
Attaching the slabs is an important step to understanding how to attach granite countertop to island. The first thing you need to do is you must fit the countertops dry to guarantee that the countertop will be a perfect fit. When you are picking up the countertop, you must exercise caution to hold the stone where it might be weak.
These include places such as cutouts for cooktops and sinks. After you have lifted the slab, you must lay it down directly on the lower cabinet frames. You will not need another substrate for supporting the granite countertop.
Remember that not all granite countertops might be the perfect fit on the island. For example, if it doesn’t sit flush against the wall as you intended, then you can utilize a few ways to enhance the fit. The first way is that you can modify the wall in some way.
The second way is that you can modify the granite countertop in some way. If you have drywall, then the best way to ensure a perfect fit countertop is to mark the wall spot where it hits. After that, use a jab saw or knife to recess the drywall.
On the other hand, if your wall material is harder such as brick or tile, then you will have to modify the countertop. You can do this by marking the spot of the stone that hits the wall and removing the granite from the cabinets. After that, you must utilize a dry-cut diamond blade the electric grinder and shave the granite edge to where you need it to be.
When you are on this step, you must wear protective equipment to protect your eyes against grit and dust. After the modification, you can fit the granite slabs back and ensure it is a perfect fit in o time.
8. Bringing The Seams Together
Do you have various granite slabs that you need to fit together? If that is the case, you can use painter’s tape on every side of the seam to reduce any mess. After that, you need to bring together the butt seams through two-part epoxy that is of the same color.
You will also need a seam setter for this step, and you can find it at any hardware store. Before you begin mixing the epoxy, you need to know how the seam setter works. That is because the epoxy will begin setting as soon as you mix the two parts, which is why you will have to work quickly and efficiently.
As soon as you are ready, you can mix the epoxy as stated by the manufacturer and apply it to the seam with a putty knife. After the application, you need to pull the tape and mount the seam setter on each side, about one or a half-inch from the seam. Tighten the screws till you begin feeling resistance, then attach and switch the automatic pump on.
During this step, the tension that you just created will guarantee that the seam remains in place as the setting of the epoxy begins. After the epoxy is completely set, you can remove the seam setter. Finally, you need to eliminate excess epoxy through shaving that is present on the slab.
9. Attaching The Cabinets
Joining the granite countertop slabs can be a tedious process. However, once you are done with it, you must move on to securing the countertop to the island. Of course, this is also an essential step in learning how to attach granite countertop to island.
The granite countertop’s weight is significant to hold it in place. However, you still need to run caulk around it to ensure that it is attached to the island properly. For example, you need to run a caulk bead across the lower perimeter; this is where the granite comes in contact with the top of the cabinet.
Many people make the mistake of using silicone caulk, but you need to avoid this at all costs. That is because silicone caulk can wick with time and cause stains on your beautiful granite countertop. That is why it is best for you to use acrylic caulk.
10. Getting The Granite Ready For Use
The most difficult part is now over as you have attached the granite countertop to the island successfully in no time. Now you have to ensure maintenance and cleanliness, so the countertop looks ready for use. The final step for you is to apply granite sealer on the countertop.
Applying the sealer will offer protection to the granite and prevent any stains that might have taken place during the installation process. After that, you can wipe the entire countertop using a soft and clean cloth. Let the countertop dry for at least twenty-four hours before you put anything on it.
You can move on to installing other things in your kitchen as the granite sets for the next day on the island. Finally, you only need to maintain the countertop using granite cleaner. Such specific cleaners don’t leave residue and ensure your countertops look fantastic for a long time to come.
Also Read : How To Make Your Granite Countertops Smooth
Final Words
That was your complete guide on how to attach granite countertop to island. The process is simple if you break it down into these steps and focus on each one as you go along. It will also work better if you enlist some people to help you out so that you don’t have to handle all of this alone.
Of course, once you are done, the hard work will pay off as you will save time and money. If you install them right, the granite countertops will give you use for decades to come as they will be a perfect fit on the island.
