Countertop Installation Tips and Recommendations

Selecting the right countertop for your home can be an overwhelming process. The following countertop installation tips and recommendations are to help ensure a smooth process.

Countertop installation is a part of the construction process. Expect some noise, dust, and general interruption of the room in which they are being installed. If you will be living in the home during this process, plan accordingly to minimize the disruption on daily activities. Most countertop installation projects (not including the backsplash) will take several hours.
For the safety of everyone involved, please keep children and pets away from the installation space.
If plumbing or electrical changes are planned as a result of new cabinetry or countertops, schedule the appropriate professional to disconnect/connect as needed on installation day.
To minimize dust, cover open doorways and vents with plastic sheeting, or ask your installation team to do that for you. If the countertops are being cut onsite, cover furniture and carpet to minimize dust.
Be sure to create an obstruction free pathway, both indoors and out, to allow the installers to safely move the countertops into your home. This includes removing any artwork from the walls in the hallways.
Remove all items from upper and lower cabinets, and all fragile items including artwork, antiques, mirrors and other valuables prior to installation.
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.
If an apron or farmhouse sink is being used, it must be installed prior to template process.
For the final measure and template process, be sure to have your sink, faucets, soap pumps, and cooktops on hand. This is essential for the installers to make accurate cuts in your countertop.
If a backsplash is being installed, confirm with your countertop installer that they also do backsplash installations. You may need to find a different contractor to install the backsplash.
If the backsplash is going up to meet the bottom of the upper cabinets, around a range hood, or to the base of a microwave, it is essential that they be all installed prior to final measuring and installation.
All appliances including ranges, refrigerators, dishwashers and microwaves need to be in place prior to installation process.
After installation of countertops, final wall preparation can begin. Do not paint, tile or wallpaper areas above countertops prior to installation.
Contrasting countertops may be a consideration, determine if you want a different countertop color on your island.
Due to slab sizes, as well as variation in kitchen layouts, seams are typically required. The placement of these seams should be discussed with your contractor.