Let me give you some idea on the step-by-step process involved in choosing and installing granite on your kitchen. Maybe this information can help get you started.
FIRST, you have to decide on whether you want a complete or a partial remodel. A complete remodel will of course means tearing out the old cabinets, old tiles, backsplashes, maybe even floorings and walls and putting in put in new ones. A partial remodel may mean just replacing your counter tops, and backsplashes. Now, whichever way you go, RAS is here to help with your countertop needs. We can also recommend remodelers that you will not be disappointed with. Hiring a remodeler and/or designer will save you the headache of planning and wading through the innumerable options, and countless decisions you have to make, which can be daunting and overwhelming.
SECOND, you have to make a decision about what kind of counter top materials to use. There are hundreds of choices out there from granite and quartz, to wood, glass, cement, steel, and various recycled materials. RAS is a natural stone fabricator, and prefer granite and other natural stones on kitchen counters.
Kitchen counter tops get a lot more wear and tear than the other counter tops in your house. It also is usually more visible, and gets more attention especially as kitchens have become today’s living room. As such, you have to be astute in choosing the countertop material that will not just take a lot of abuse, but would also be aesthetically appealing as well. We are at RAS cannot think of any other material that provide both durability and elegance other than granite.
Below is the comparative table between granite and a few other alternate counter top materials:
LAMINATES
The most popular type is Formica. A Laminates is made of a thin layer of plastic glued to a particle board. • Inexpensive
Advantages
• Numerous patterns/colors
• Fairly stain resistant
• Easy to clean • Can be scratched by abrasives, scorched by heat.
Disadvantages
• Sharp objects like knives can leave cuts and scratches
• Easily damaged by long exposure to water and can get warped
• Normally unrepairable, but again it is cheap so one can just replace it as easily
CORIAN and other acrylic/polyester plastics
Basically made of plastic (called resin in its unprocessed form)
Advantages
• Stain resistant
• Not as easily damaged by abrasives
• Easy to clean
• Numerous patterns/colors • Some can scratch and not heat resistant (it’s mostly plastic!!)
Disadvantages
• Expensive – sometimes more so than granite!
• Appears less natural
ENGINEERED STONES such as Silestone, Caesarstone products, etc.
Granite and other stone grits and crumbs mixed with plastic, usually the polyester type (94% grits and 6% polyester beads).
Advantages
• More natural stone looking
• More heat and scratch resistant than laminate and Corian
• More consistent colors and patterns
• Easy to maintain • Some can be scorched by heat.
Disadvantages
• Un-natural looking like granite.
• Limited colors and patterns
• Often more expensive than granite and Corian
WOOD or Butcher Block
Mostly hard wood strips glued together
Advantages
• Easy to clean
• Normal wear and tear can lend some aged look and easy to fix by sanding
• Will not dull knives
Disadvantages
• Turns black when exposed to standing water for a long time
• Can harbor bacteria
• Requires periodic sealing and oiling
TILES
Usually made of ceramic cut into different sizes and shapes
Advantages
• Durable and non-staining
• Endless shapes and colors
• Heat resistant
Disadvantages
• Chips, crack and scratch very easily
• Grout can lose color and stain easily and hard to clean
• Uneven surface
GRANITE
Igneous rock composed of feldspar and quartz. Granite is crystallized magma that cools slowly deep below the earth’s surface.
Advantages
• Scratch and heat resistant
• Appears natural because it is!
• Adds value to your home
• Rich and elegant looking and will last for a long, long time.
Disadvantages
• Expensive although there are some popular varieties which has become more affordable in recent years.
• Can be hard on porcelain and glasses
As you can see from the above table, granite wins - hands down!! It is the only material we know that can withstand a lot of abuse and yet present a beautiful and elegant appearance that last for hundreds (literally!) of years.
When you choose your specific material, consider the kitchen size, floor and wall colors and lighting. Smaller kitchens can appear even smaller with darker colors and materials with big or busy patterns, while lighter and smaller patterns can open up a room, making it seem bigger. Of course, most projects are determined by your budget, and your ultimate goal with the property you are renovating as it will determine how much time, money and effort you want to pour into the project.
Third, once the material has been selected, draw the kitchen lay-out and measure the edges including the backsplashes. If you are putting in new cabinets, your cabinet maker can provide the scaled architectural drawings. If you are providing the sketch, make sure you indicate the edgework, walls, backsplashes, and cutouts.
Fourth, choose the edge details. There are numerous edge details to choose from. When choosing your edge details consider:
• the type and thickness of your granite (granite and other countertop materials come in either 2 or 3 cm thickness). Usually the thicker materials do not need to be laminated.
• the overall look and design of your kitchen (there are edge details that go better with contemporary design while some go with a more traditional design),
• whether you have children and do not want them bumping onto sharp edges and corners,
• that rounded edges deflect heavy or harder objects better than square edges especially where the sinks are
• laminated edges hide subtops better
• fancier edges cost more as they take more time to polish
• that using laminated edge will add to the square footage of materials you will use.
Fifth, you need to know the exact locations and dimensions for your cutouts for your sinks and electric outlets. There are basically three types of sink cut-outs: the undermounted, where the counter top sits on top of the sink’s rim; the self-rimming/top mounted, where the sink with tapered edge sits on the counter top; and the vessel-mounted/top mounted where the sink simply sits on top of the counter top.
Here are examples:
Self-Rimming or top-mounted Vessel
Vessel-mounted/top-mounted sink
Under-mount sink
Sixth, determining your backsplashes. Standard height for backsplashes is 4 inches and usually made from your countertop materials. RAS craftsman are well-known for their ability to bookmatch edges and seam for a flawless, and continuous look. However, there are a few types of granites that are much more difficult to bookmatch due to its patterns and colors. If you prefer to have a full height backsplashes we need your drawings to show the distances between the countertops to the bottom of the upper cabinets, and how many outlet cut outs.
Seventh, you need to look for contractors to do your cabinets and build the subtops. Granite installation require that there be a subtop made of plywood according to industry standard to hold your counter tops. We at RAS do not promote the tear out and install the same day method because, often we are not sure if the existing counter tops are perfectly flat and that there are not peaks and fulcrums which could eventually break the stone. We can recommend contractors that can tear out your old subtops if you are using your existing cabinets and put new subtops. Your islands and other counters with overhangs may also require some corbels and/or roddings to make sure your stone is well supported.
Eight, submit your drawing and contact information. We will provide you with a free estimate. We can even provide separate estimates factoring different material and edge options.
Ninth, go shopping! RAS sales rep will take you to our slab yard or our vendor’s to pick the exact slab for your counters. In choosing that perfect slab, pay attention to the imperfections such as pits, nicks, and hairline cracks. Make sure that these can be easily filled and will not too big and thus look ugly when filled. When the templates are available try to see that you are there to lay them on the slab so you can see how the patterns will translate onto the actual fabricates material. You can make sure that flaws are positioned so that it is not too obvious on your counter.
The LEMON TEST. To test how absorbent your granite is, do the lemon test. Take a small scrap of the granite you are interested in and place a few drops of lemon. If the drops spot turns dark very quickly, it means it is a very absorbent stone and will stain easily. You might want to pick another type. If the spot took a minute or two to have some discoloration, it can probably be remedied by a good impregnator type sealer. RAS uses a double dose of 5-11 Impregnator on granite we fabricate so that we do not have to reseal our finished product every year like our competitors. If the lemon drops did not have any effect on the stone, you have the perfect granite that will not stain!
Tenth, talk to your fabricator about where to position the seams (the most conspicuous places); and what needs to be onsite when they template and install. For instance, before RAS can template, cabinets must be set and leveled. Also at template, it is important that make sure you have the correct fixtures, appliances, door pulls and cabinet hard ware.
Eleventh, about over hangs. If you plan on having overhangs on some of your counters, remember that the 2 CM thick (3/4-inch), the industry standard allows only have up to no more than six inches. For the 3 CM granite (1 and ¼ inch thick), you are allowed only up to no more than 10 inches overhang. Longer overhangs need to be supported with metal of wood brackets underneath.
Twelfth, the installation. Your new stone will be sealed onto the wooden subtop. It is good practice to give your stone at least 24 hours to settle and be totally glued onto the wooden subtop before attaching plumbing fixtures.
We at RAS are here to take your hand and walk with you from the beginning (choosing materials), to determining design options, up to the completion of your kitchen remodel. Most of our sales consultant and craftsmen have more than 10 years of experience delivering satisfactory service to countless repeat customers.
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