The sink must be on-site unless your countertop supplier is providing one. Farm and apron front sinks must be cradled and in place within the cabinetry prior to templating. If the sink is customer provided, please supply Eastern Surfaces with the manufacturer and model number prior to template.
Cooktops: A new cooktop must be delivered to your home before countertop measurements can be collected. In most cases, your contractor will measure your new cooktop, place the countertops, and fit the cooktop in afterward. Sinks: A sink must be present in the home while the countertops are being installed.
Countertop templating is the process of creating a template that shows the fabricator the exact measurements of your new countertop. This template gives the fabricator a precise visualization of the layout and measurements the countertop requires.
Suppose you're just replacing your countertop or up-cycling your existing base cabinets. In that case, your fabricator will get the most accurate template if your old countertops are removed. If the countertops are removed, the templator can check the cabinets to make sure they are level.
Countertops are typically installed after flooring, cabinets, and appliances. This is true for both new builds, and remodeling projects. Since countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation.
All appliances next to a countertop must be installed. Supports and end panels must be in place at time of templating. If you have a dishwasher that is not located between two cabinets, you will need a support on the open end.
Keeping the old countertop in place means the homeowner will still have use of their kitchen sink while they wait for the new countertop to be installed. After the countertop template is completed, your new quartz or granite countertop is installed 7 to 10 days later.
How long does a template take? Do I have to remove all of my items on top of my countertops prior to the template? Depending on the size of your project, a template may take anywhere between 30 minutes to 2 hours. The average time length is about an hour.
Creating a countertop template is really easy, cut a whole bunch of strips of inexpensive thin wood. 3/16″ or 1/4″ masonite or plywood will work. I used some junky thin plywood that had served as a “floor” to a big pallet of something that I had delivered at some point …for something.
Typically the fabricators will visit your home and make a template of your new countertop. This can be done with a laser, referred to as digital templating, or with strips of wood or coroplast (corrugated plastic) referred to as traditional templating. We will look further into these two methods later in this article.
After Your New Countertops are Installed
For best results, it's generally recommended to wait 24 hours after countertop installation before setting up the sink. (Make sure to have a backup plan to keep your bathroom or kitchen supplied with water for those 24 hours.)
Caulk is applied around the perimeter of a kitchen sink to create a watertight seal between the sink and countertop and help hold the sink in place. If water is allowed to leak through the gap around the edge of the sink, moisture can build up and lead to mold growth.
Once your sink is fully installed, wait 24 hours for the caulk and putty to fully dry before turning on the water lines. With the water lines on, you can test your ability to run hot and cold water and drain the sink without leaks. Stopper the sink and fill it halfway, then let it full run down the drain.
If you are having granite countertops installed, the crew will seal them before they leave. Quartz and solid surface countertops never need to be sealed. Learn more about the care of countertops here. The countertop adhesive takes about 24 hours to cure.
Since the average granite or marble slab is less than 10-feet long and fewer than 6-feet wide, if you want an island larger than this, you're going to have a seam.
To prepare for granite installation you should make sure your kitchen cabinets are empty, protect nearby objects from dust, remove any existing countertops, and have the sinks and faucets ready to be fitted. Whether you're renovating your existing kitchen or building your dream home, it's always better to be prepared.
A standard countertop usually has an overhang of 1½ inches. Although some countertops may have a longer or shorter overhang, this number is generally the standard length for an overhang in homes.
Dishwashers: Your dishwasher typically doesn't need to be measured, but it may be helpful to install this appliance before the countertops. This is to eliminate any issues that may arise with your dishwasher detaching from the cabinetry behind it.
It's generally recommended for the cabinets to be done first, protecting their integrity and making countertop installation as smooth as possible. This will ensure that: The countertop material(s) are only moved/installed once.
Your countertops bear the brunt of the activity in the kitchen, and your remodel often starts with a spectacular selection. Marble, quartz, quartzite, and granite countertops are all popular choices that offer excellent benefits and lifespan, and they should be installed permanently before the backsplash.