How to protect your granite countertops?
Prevent Stains
- Clean up spills as soon as they happen, especially acidic liquids like tomato sauce or fruit juice.
- Blot up spills, rather than wipe them. This will keep them from spreading over the surface.
- Don't store items that stain such as cooking oils or cosmetics on granite countertops.
- Use coasters under glasses to keep condensation from collecting.
What is the minimum cost of granite countertops?
Granite countertops cost anywhere from $40 to $90 per square foot depending on the type, format and quality material. The common granite formats include slab, tile and modular granite. Out of these three formats, slab granite is the most expensive, whereas tile granite is the least expensive. On the other hand, the installation cost usually ...
What do I need to know about granite countertops?
What Do I Need to Know About Granite Countertops?
- Selecting and Installing Granite. Natural granite comes in thousands of colors and patterns, so your hardest choice might be which slab to choose.
- Edge Styles. At the time you select your granite slab, you’ll be asked to choose an edge style. ...
- Wear and Tear. Granite is one of the hardest stone materials available. ...
- Care and Maintenance. ...
How to repair your granite countertop?
How to Repair a Crack in Granite
- Method 1 of 4: Filling Hairline Cracks and Chips Download Article. Determine whether the crack or chip needs to be repaired at all. ...
- Method 2 of 4: Reattaching Broken Pieces Download Article. ...
- Method 3 of 4: Finishing Crack Repairs or Reattachments Download Article. ...
- Method 4 of 4: Preventing Cracks Through Proper Installation Download Article. ...
Do you need extra support for granite countertops?
Granite thickness – granite tops with a thickness of 3 cm can have an 8-10 inch overhang without additional supports. If your granite top has a 2 cm thickness, we recommend attaching a support system should the overhang exceed 6 inches.
Do granite countertops need support brackets?
Considering that granite, marble, and limestone can have overhangs weighing hundreds of pounds, and considering how brittle granite countertops can be, granite support brackets are imperative. Quartz countertops often do not need support brackets.
How do you support a granite counter top?
To be on the safe side, support the stone wire mesh or plywood as well as with corbels or brackets placed at equidistant intervals along the width of the bar top. Put them closer together if you have 2-cm granite slabs for your bar top. Your overhang should not exceed 24 inches.
Do you have to put plywood under granite countertops?
When installing granite countertops, you will not need an underlayment of plywood if the granite has a thickness of 3 centimeters (about 1 1/4 inches). However, for granite with a thickness of 2 centimeters (about 3/4 inches), you will definitely need to use plywood for support.
How much can granite span without support?
According to the Marble Institute of America, you can safely overhang granite that is 1 ¼ inches thick up to 10 inches without support. However, the cantilevered portion cannot be more than one-third the total width of the countertop.
Will my cabinets support granite countertops?
Will my cabinets support granite counters? The weight of the granite is spread over a large area and should pose no problem. Cabinets seldom need reinforcement to support granite counter tops.
How far can a countertop overhang without support?
Solid Surface countertops can overhang 6 inches without additional support (e.g. plywood decking). 3 cm Quartz (engineered stone) can handle a 14 inch overhangs and 3 cm Granite overhangs should not exceed a 10 inch overhang without additional support.
What is the normal overhang for granite?
Basic granite countertops still need an overhang if they're not going to be flush against the wall. Typically, this is just 1 in. to 2 in. of extra length for design and function. An overhang of at least a half-inch will prevent crumbs and food particles from falling from the countertops onto the drawers below.
How easily does granite crack?
Although, granite is naturally heat resistant, having been formed through heat, constant exposure to heat over extended periods can weaken the stone leading to cracks. The damage is extensive, especially if the stone is cold at the time of heat exposure, and the difference in temperatures is large.
Do countertops sit directly on cabinets?
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.
Is granite glued to cabinets?
Epoxy glue is the most commonly used type for granite countertop installation. It's strong enough to attach the granite to cabinets and to hold two pieces of stone together. You need something just as strong as the stone itself, and epoxy fits the bill.
How do you prep a countertop for granite?
How To Prepare Your Cabinets For Granite CountertopsRemoving The Old Countertops.Ensure You Have Leveled Surface.Get Enough Supporting Materials.Remove Your Plumbing Facilities.Take Your Dishes Away.Ensure You Are Present If Having a Contractor Do it.Can I Install My Granite Countertop Myself?More items...•
How much can a counter overhang without support?
Solid Surface countertops can overhang 6 inches without additional support (e.g. plywood decking). 3 cm Quartz (engineered stone) can handle a 14 inch overhangs and 3 cm Granite overhangs should not exceed a 10 inch overhang without additional support.
How do you install granite support brackets?
0:312:14How to install hidden countertop support bracket for kitchen IslandYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour first bracket you're always going to want to start three to six inches away from the corner.MoreYour first bracket you're always going to want to start three to six inches away from the corner.
How much weight can a granite countertop overhang hold?
Granite Overhang Limits Per Experts According to the Marble Institute of America, you can safely overhang granite that is 1- 1/4″ thick up to 10″ without supports. However, the cantilevered portion cannot be more than 1/3 the total width of the countertop.
How far apart should granite brackets be?
18 – 24 inches apartHow many granite brackets will you need? Countertop brackets are generally spaced 18 – 24 inches apart. Start with a bracket at each end of the countertop set 4 – 6 inches away from the end.
What do you need to support a countertop?
Heavy duty support brackets and/or sub tops need to be used where there is no base to support stone. In conjunction with front legs, securing wood support cleat on the backwalls will also help support the countertop. When you use heavy duty brackets, you need a solid wall build by wooden studs. If your wall has metal studs instead, you will need to build additional wood or plywood to support the brackets.
How much overhang do you need for support brackets?
Most granite fabricators will recommend support brackets on overhangs over 12″ however, solely based on the overhang amount. Final determination on bracket requirements and spacing should be recommended by your fabricator based on the following factors.
Do you need a counter support system?
You may need support systems even when you do not have much overhang if your base is not big enough. A good example of this is raised bars sitting on knee walls. The walls are usually 4 5/8″ wide including the dry walls. In this case, you will need support brackets, or plated installed before your countertops are installed. There brackets are available at many online sources including Chemical Concepts. There sizes available depending upon how much overhang you have. It is ideal that the bracket ends a few (3″ or so) before the top ends. ( https://www.chemical-concepts.com/counterbalancer-counterplate-xl-11-75-x-3-75.html#)
Do cabinet walls need to be overhang brackets?
The overhang bracket needs to extend over the total width of the cabinet
Is granite durable?
Most dark color granite is very durable such as absolute black, uba tuba, steel gray, impala black, viscount white granite. Some exotic light granite having natural fissures in them are more fragile, so they need more support than others. It is also important which directions the fissure lines in the stone.
Do you need support brackets for countertops?
In this case, you will need support brackets, or plated installed before your countertops are installed. There brackets are available at many online sources including Chemical Concepts. There sizes available depending upon how much overhang you have.
How much overhang does a granite countertop need?
The support for granite countertops will depend on the design. The standard overhang is just 1.5 inches over the cabinet, so that will not require any support. However, if the design of your countertops has a longer overhang and cantilevers, then you have to show that to your countertop supplier.
How thick is a granite counter top?
Granite is very durable, so it will not easily crack or break, but granite countertops are typically between two and three centimeters thick. While this is thick enough for kitchen countertops, it requires proper support in all the right places.
What is a bracket on a cabinet?
Brackets come in many forms. It may be an L-shape like corbels, flat like a cantilever, T-shaped, or side wall. The one thing they have in common is they are hidden or at least less visible than corbels and posts. Most of these brackets are steel for durability. The installer will add support to the cabinet and cut a notch into it to install the bracket.
What is the best way to protect granite from breaking?
Most fabricators will include a wire mesh on the underside of the parts of the stone that will need additional support if you have a 3-cm thick slab. This will help to prevent the granite from breaking at these vulnerable areas.
What are posts in cabinets?
Posts. As you might well imagine, posts are structures that provide support straight from the floor or another level surface, and typically made of wood . You can usually buy posts from cabinet suppliers that will match your cabinets in style and color. You can also ask your remodeling contractor for suggestions.
Do granite countertops need a dishwasher?
Dishwashers. Not all kitchens have dishwashers, but if you do, your granite countertops will probably go right over it. This means a little over 24 inches of countertop space with no cabinet underneath that will need additional support. As with overhangs, the installer will add either mesh to the underside of the stone for 3-cm thick slabs ...
Can you put new countertops on existing cabinets?
If you are putting new countertops on existing cabinets, you have to show your design to the granite supplier prior to removing the existing countertops. You might be able to save some time and money by using the existing countertops as the support in lieu of the plywood.
How much overhang do you need for granite counters?
Most counters are installed with a standard overhang of 1 inch. This may be modified to suit personal taste, but must be stipulated before the granite slab is cut. Granite can be cantilevered up to 12 inches if it’s a large piece with sufficient support on the fixed end.
How wide can a cantilevered countertop be?
However, the cantilevered portion cannot be more than one-third the total width of the countertop. For 3cm stone, use an I-brace support with overhangs that are 12 inches or greater, and for 2cm stone, use an I-brace support with cantilevered brackets or corbels that match the cabinets.
What is overhang in granite?
An overhang is the distance something can extend without the need for support. The question for homeowners wanting to install granite is: How far can granite overhang before it needs support? Opinions vary on this topic, but since the weight of granite can cause it to crack, making sure you have the proper support is essential.
How long should a stone be supported?
In these cases, it must always be supported. It’s best to assume the worst and add proper support on any extension over 6 inches. An unsupported span of no more than 36 inches is usually acceptable as long as the stone is supported on both sides.
Can you drill into granite?
Drilling into the bottom of the stone can cause stress cracks and discolorations in the surface of the granite. Considering the cost of granite coupled with its heavy weight, it would be advisable to support any overhang just to ensure your granite never runs the risk of cracking, which in most cases cannot be repaired.
Can a dishwasher be installed on a granite countertop?
Additional labor is required to match the two sections. It is recommended that a dishwasher not be attached directly to the granite countertop, but be side-mounted to adjoining cabinets. Special brackets are available from the dishwasher manufacturer for this purpose. Drilling into the bottom of the stone can cause stress cracks and discolorations in the surface of the granite.
What is tension in granite?
Tension is the opposite of compression. A stone is subjected to tension when it’s stretched. If you were to load the center of your granite peninsula countertop right now with a given amount of weight, the bottom of the granite starts to stretch or pull apart.
Can you see through a cabinet with glass doors?
If you’re willing to give up a little more legroom, you can have a thin cabinet made that has glass doors on both sides. I see in the photo you provided that the cabinet facing your front door has glass doors so that you can see what’s in the cabinet. You might display decorative items in this narrow cabinet under the granite. With glass on both sides you’ll be able to see through it , which would help preserve that clean look you like.
Is granite a natural product?
Remember, granite is a natural product, and the colors, crystal structure and so forth can vary in the quarry. You may not even be able to get a matching slab six months from now, much less two years from now. I feel you need to install a support that runs down the center of the peninsula.
Is a granite top doomed?
This granite top is doomed for failure the moment someone decides to sit on it, unless a support is put underneath it. (Linda Hewing)
Is granite strong?
You probably think that granite is extremely strong – after all, it’s granite. Just about every stone product, including artificial stone such as concrete, is very strong in compression. This means if it is squeezed, thousands of pounds of force per square inch are required to cause a crack.
What is the phone number for countertop support?
If you have any questions relating to your specific countertop support application, we'd love to help! Give us a call at (877) 353-8899.
How many inches should an overhang be on a countertop?
Risk damaging your countertops by leaving overhangs greater than 4 inches unsupported.
Where are Federal Brace counter supports made?
All of our products are designed and manufactured in the United States to ISO-certified quality standards.
What is the best way to secure corbels?
Use adhesive and/or fasteners that securely hold your corbels or braces to the support structure.
How to figure out how much granite you need?
Add the area of the backsplash to the area of the countertop, and the resulting number is the total amount of granite you need expressed in square inches.
How to measure granite?
How to calculate the amount of granite you need. Measure the length of your countertops along the wall, taking the measurements in inches. The measurements should include the one-inch overhang for any countertop edge that isn’t against the wall. If the counter is broken up into sections due to the presence of an oven or sink, ...
How to measure the height of a backsplash?
The measurement should reach from the countertop surfaces to the top of the backsplash. Multiply the length of the countertop to the height of the backsplash to get the area of your backsplash . Add the area of the backsplash to the area of the countertop, and the resulting number is the total amount ...
What to do if you notice an imperfection on a countertop?
At the time of purchase, carefully go through the countertops , and if you notice an imperfection, ask the stone seller or fabricator how it affects the stone and how it can cause harm.
How to measure the area of a countertop?
Measure the width of the countertop beginning from the wall, extending outward to the front of the countertop. Multiply the length of the countertop by the countertop width. The resulting number is the area of the countertop in square inches. 2. Measure the height of your backsplashes.
Can you customize the edge of a countertop?
Edges. To have an easy time installing the countertops, get a custom-designed edge that will fit your cabinet detail. Most fabricators won’t customize the edges, so you need to visit different stores and ask them whether they are willing to customize them for you.
Do you have to seal countertops?
You should note you have to seal the countertops at the time of installation to prevent them from staining and getting damaged. For best results, use a high-quality sealer. Most manufacturers tend to seal their countertops, and you don’t want to waste money resealing them.
