Installing Granite Countertops For Less

When it's time for new kitchen countertops granite is a great option. If your current countertops are the typical 6inch square ceramic tiles that are about 10-20 years old, they probably show their age. Worn tiles will have worn edges and grout falling out. Also cracks can form in high-use areas which can become eyesores. Granite countertops are a big upgrade from ceramic tile or laminate covering- this upgrade can add to the value of your home and it's overall appearance. Granite slab countertops can be installed faster that tiles and is a cost effective choice for your kitchen. Most can find the best granite kitchen coutertops Denver has to offer for a fair price at local retailers.

Granite slabs come in various sizes. One great option is lazy granite which comes in 18 inch wide slabs which are less expensive than traditional slabs and sometimes easier to lay. Laying granite countertops is a project you can take on yourself, or you can have a professional do it for you.

Removing Old Tile
If you are doing it your self, first remove the sink, garbage disposal, range, and microwave from the counter so you have a clear work space. Next you'll remove your current countertop. If you have ceramic tiles, remove them using a hammer and chisel (wear gloves). Be very careful not to damage the drywall behind the tiles. If you are trying to preserve the tiles, you should remove the edging before moving on to the interior flat tiles. Older installations of flat tiles on plywood will be fairly easy to remove as the glue will not have much hold to it. Once all the tiles are removed you'll need to remove the remaining glue from the plywood to check to see if the plywood needs to be replaced. Removing the glue will take some time. The best tools for removing the tile adhesive are a chisel and hand sander.  After the glue is removed, check to make sure the counters are structurally sound, level, and free of any rot and mold.

Installing the Granite Countertop
First measure the countertops so you are able to purchase the correct amount of granite. Always measure a couple times to ensure accuracy. Check with your granite retailer to see how large the slabs of granite they cut and sell are in length. One of the most common granite countertop slabs is nine feet in length. Once you know how much granite you need, you'll need to confirm your color and edge style choice, and have the granite delivered to your home. Moving the granite from the store to your home yourself can be dangerous, and you risk damaging your counter before even getting it through your door.

If you are not using tiles and have not had the granite supplier cut your granite slabs for you ahead of time, you'll need a standard circular saw with a diamond blade to make your cuts. Again it is very important that you measure your countertops several times to assure accuracy. Mark your cuts with painters tape to reduce chipping. Another tool that helps with cutting granite is a hose. Applying water to the saw while making the cut will make help protect you, the saw and your stone slab.

After your granite if cut, make sure you have a level surface by placing plastic shims under the granite slab. Once level, use silicon sealant to secure the slab. Half dollar size dollops of the sealant about 3 inches apart should be enough to seal the granite to the plywood counter.