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Granite Countertop DIY Considerations
By A Sneddon

The thickness of granite countertops is usually around 2 - 3 cm. Those granite countertops supplied at 2 cm thickness usually have laminated edges and is fitted with a plywood sub counter, this design is very popular in the Western United States. In the Eastern United States it is more likely that the granite countertop will be of around 3 cm in thickness but does not have the sub counter or the laminated edge.

It should be noted that the 3 cm countertops are much, much heavier than the 2 cm ones and this should be considered when building your units or evaluating transportation costs.

You should take great care in taking your measurements as the more accurate you can be the easier the installation of your granite countertop will be. You will be pleased to hear that most suppliers construct their countertops to allow you some play and error even in corner panels. However, if you wish to avoid the need to trim it, try to measure within ¼ inch.

Remember to allow an overhang of 2 inches where there are to be finished edges.

The edges of the countertop vary greatly in style from merchant to merchant so you will need to let them know your requirements. Common edge styles are the beveled edge, the basic square edge and the popular full bull nose edge.

If you require compound complex curves or other non standard configurations you will often find that you will incur additional charges (this may seem a little over the top for, what you may consider, a minor change but it requires the supplier to change the settings of his machinery etc. so it is somewhat understandable).

All of the cutting, edging, profiling and polishing of your chosen countertops is usually carried out by the supplier. This can include the sink cutouts and the polished edges for an under mount sink.

Granite Countertop Tools

A granite slab can be cut with a normal household skill saw but it must be the type with a continuous diamond cutting blade. These are available from many stores for less than $50 try taking a look at Home Depot or Lowes.

It is advised that you collar the blade of the saw. Professionals do this to avoid chipping the granite when cutting sharp edges thus producing a much cleaner cut. The collars are large washers that you place on each side of the blade before you insert it into your skill saw. They work by reducing the amount of vibration that is caused from the cutting action of the blade. They are available in most good hardware stores.

You will need a quality electric drill. Drill bits advertised as suitable for drilling in concrete are usually perfectly suitable for drilling granite but look out for those with a Chrome Vanadium steel body. Those that have a ground flute should help with spoil removal and therefore have an extended life. However it is always worth asking the retailer to ensure that it is suitable.

Remember that the fitting of granite countertops is a two man job so the most important pieces of equipment is yourself and a friend. Virtually anyone with the skill set of a finish carpenter can manage to do the installation as the second man is only required to carry out non skilled tasks such as manipulating the granite slabs into place. If you are not sufficiently skilled in carpentry you may wish to employ the services of a professional but you may meet a few who are less than helpful before you find one willing to help you. This is understandable when you consider the fact that you are likely to save as much as 75% of the total cost by buying your own prefabricated countertops rather than hiring trade professionals to do the complete job and supply all materials.

 

Author Details:
A Sneddon, copywriter for various websites including, Countertops and The A to Z of.

Article Source: Simply Top Articles

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