An Overview of the Stone Countertop Installation Process

 Pick-UpThe installer’s first step of the countertop installation is picking up the stone pieces from the shop. The pieces are loaded into an A-frame in the installer’s truck and secured tightly with either clamps or rope straps.DeliveryThe driver transports the pieces and the installers to the customer’s destination. Given the sheer weight of the stone pieces, it’s critical that the driver take his or her time, ensuring that all turns are taken smoothly so as not to risk tipping the A-frame one way or the other.ArrivalThe pieces and the installers arrive to their destination. The first step is backing the truck up to line with the home’s entrance. Installers will commonly carry a portable ramp along with their installation supplies. The ramp hooks onto the back of the truck and extends directly into a home’s door (if applicable), allowing the installers to skip entrance steps if there are any. Once the truck and ramp are stationed well, the installers will inspect the entryway and the kitchen, mapping out how they will carry the pieces into the kitchen.PlacementIt’s time for the installation team to carry the pieces into the kitchen. The difficulty of this stage depends entirely on the installation at hand. Some entryways are entirely linear, simply a flat path consisting of a few steps which lead directly into the kitchen. In other cases, the installation team must walk several flights of stairs with a variety of sharp curves in order to get the pieces to the kitchen. Once the installers get to the kitchen with the pieces, they gently lay them down over their specified location.PreparationOnce all of the pieces are roughly placed where they will be installed, the installers will prepare themselves to finish the job. This includes protecting the home’s flooring with tarps and measuring the pieces to verify how much their nosing’s exceed from the cabinet faces.InstallationWhen it comes to gluing the pieces onto the cabinets, installers typically lift the pieces up at an angle while another installer places spots of silicone glue along the countertop. The sink is adhered to the material with a layer of silicone and/or epoxy glue. If the countertop features joints between pieces, installers will fill them with an epoxy glue of the same color as the material.Wrapping UpThe countertop is given a final wipe and inspection once completed. If the material requires a sealer, the installer will apply it. The customer is given directions on how to maintain the countertop and the countertop is finally ready for every day, long-term use.