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Elegant kitchen features, such as a hammered copper sink and granite countertops. View more images of home design.
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The phrase "hard as a rock" could easily describe granite. Formed over millions of years from compressed molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, granite is remarkably tough and enduring.
Granite's heat-resistant properties prevent it from blistering, and it's highly resistant to scratching or chipping. When used as a kitchen countertop, it outshines marble, synthetic materials, and laminate. It also offers superior aesthetics, with a luminous, multi-dimensional finish when polished.
Granite consists of interlocking mineral crystals, predominantly feldspar and quartz. Various other minerals can also be present, giving each granite piece its distinct character. Feldspar adds gray, pink, or red hues; the light gray streaks are quartz; and the black color is commonly mica [source: Geology].
Granite is extracted from quarries through drilling, chiseling, and blasting in large blocks, which are then cut into slabs by specialized milling machines. A typical granite slab measures around 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters) in width and 7 to 9 feet (2.1 to 2.7 meters) in length. Additional machines polish the granite to ensure uniform thickness, usually between three-quarters of an inch and 1 1/4 inches (2 to 3 centimeters) [source: Walton].
Transforming raw granite into countertops demands specialized tools. While granite can be custom-made and professionally installed, precut and edged granite countertops are also available. The design of the kitchen, the dimensions of the precut materials, and the placement of seams will determine whether precut granite is suitable or if a custom installation is needed.
Still unsure if granite is the perfect choice for your kitchen or bathroom renovation? Continue reading to discover the steps for cutting granite countertops.
How to Cut Granite Countertops
Most granite cutting is performed at the quarry, but certain cuts must be made at the installation site. It's crucial to use the right equipment for the job.
To shape the dense material, a standard household circular saw must be fitted with a diamond cutting blade. These blades can be purchased at major home improvement stores. To prevent edge chipping, professionals use collars, large washers placed on both sides of the blade, to reduce vibration and ensure a smoother cut.
When granite is cut dry, a significant amount of dust is produced. Some installers use a handheld diamond-bladed radial saw equipped with a vacuum attachment to keep the dust under control. A contour diamond blade is required to cut curves, such as those for sink openings [source: Walton].
The edge of the countertop can be shaped in various ways: flat, beveled, curved, or rounded. However, it can be difficult to achieve perfectly matching edges or meet precisely at corners—unless you have access to an automated edge-shaping machine that cuts and polishes simultaneously.
If you prefer not to invest in costly equipment, you can hire a local company to cut the edges for you. They usually charge a fee per square foot, which covers cutting, edging, profiling, and polishing. Additional fees may apply for sink cutouts (accurately sizing these for under-counter sink mounts can be challenging). Don't forget the delivery charge—granite is heavy and often requires two or more people to transport it into your home [source: HGTV].
Time to bring out the heavy-duty tools—let's dive into how to install granite countertops.
Due to the tooling, installation process, and variety of granite types, prices for granite countertops can range from $40 to $100 per square foot. Labor costs add another $35 to $85 per hour. For an average-size kitchen, granite countertops in 2023 could cost between $1,900 and $3,300 [source: Perry and Allen].
How to Install Granite Countertops
Whether you’re having your granite countertops fabricated and installed professionally or prefer to take on some or all of the work yourself, the process requires considerable effort, accurate measurements, and skill.
When installing granite in your kitchen, first remove the stove, refrigerator, and sink from the existing countertop. If the old countertop is screwed in, clear out the lower cabinets and remove all drawers and doors. Carefully pry off the old countertop. Then, protect the cabinet fronts by taping cardboard or paper over them [source: HGTV].
Precise measurements are vital. Take note of specific details, such as appliance cutouts, which are usually measured with precision. Finished edges must align flush with the ends of the cabinets. Templates are invaluable for calculating cuts around sinks and cooktops. Don’t forget to account for the backsplash thickness to ensure faucets fit correctly between the sink and backsplash. It's recommended to place plastic sheeting or a vulcanized rubber paint-vapor barrier between the subcounter and the granite [source: Walton].
Most granite countertops will feature at least one seam, as granite slabs are generally under 10 feet (3 meters) in length. Whenever possible, place seams in areas that are well-supported by cabinetry. Since there may be slight variations in the thickness of two granite pieces, shims may be necessary to ensure the slabs sit flush [source: Walton].
Silicone is used between the slabs to allow for expansion and contraction, while a specialized epoxy secures the granite in place. When bonding two countertop pieces at a seam, the epoxy should be mixed with colored resin to match the granite's color. Colored glue should be used for any visible seams. It’s also important to mix the resin with the caulk securing the backsplash to the countertop [source: Marblemaster].
Luckily, maintaining granite countertops is far easier than installing them.
Finished granite slabs weigh approximately 12 pounds (5.4 kilograms) per square foot for the thinner versions, and 18 pounds (8 kilograms) per square foot for the thicker ones. For a 10-foot (3-meter) slab of granite that's 3 centimeters thick and 2 feet (61 centimeters) wide, the weight comes to about 360 pounds (163 kilograms) [source: Solid Design].
Sealing Granite Countertops
While most granite countertops don't require sealing, applying a sealant can enhance the stone's ability to resist dirt and spills, preventing etching and staining [source: Natural Stone Institute].
Granite is naturally resistant to moisture, but it remains porous. Sealants act as a barrier to prevent liquids from penetrating the stone. When sealed correctly, liquids will bead on the surface instead of soaking in.
Certain substances like cooking oils, fats, and pigmented liquids such as grape juice and red wine can stain the surface of the countertop. Pizza grease can also leave marks when it leaks from the bottom of the box onto the granite.
Apply sealer in small areas, especially around faucets, sinks, and stovetops, after the countertop is installed. It’s best to do this before placing appliances in position, as these spots will be hard to reach later on—and seeping liquids can cause damage.
In general, it's recommended to seal most kitchen granite countertops once a year. Keep in mind that the porosity of different granite pieces varies. Some areas of the countertop may require resealing more frequently. To check if resealing is necessary, drip a bit of water onto the surface. If the water beads up, you're good to go. If it soaks into the stone, it's time to reseal.
Sealing is a simple process. You'll need a high-quality granite cleaner, a sealer specifically designed to resist both water and oil-based stains, and a few clean rags. Start by following the cleaner’s instructions, ensuring the granite is dry before sealing. Some solvent-based sealers offer protection for several years [source: Natural Stone Institute].
While sealing, tackle small sections at a time, letting the sealer soak in for the recommended duration before applying a second coat. Move to the next area and ensure you adhere to the drying time indicated on the sealer, which is typically several hours or overnight, before using the countertops.
Before you decide on granite countertops, it's important to weigh the benefits and costs. Continue reading to explore the pros and cons of granite countertops.
Granite countertops are so durable that they may outlast the very building they are installed in. Can you guess the most popular material used for creating an eternal headstone? Granite [source: Everlife].
Granite Countertops: Advantages and Drawbacks
As with many things, granite countertops come with both benefits and drawbacks.
Advantages
- Granite countertops maintain their value over time.
- Each granite surface is unique, with a radiant, almost glowing appearance.
- They enhance the value of your home.
- Granite is hygienic, naturally resisting bacteria.
- Due to its formation under intense heat and pressure, granite can withstand the heat from a hot pan.
- Cleaning is simple with just warm water and mild detergent.
Disadvantages
- Granite countertops are built to last forever. If you grow tired of the color, you will either have to embrace it or completely replace the countertop, as the color cannot be changed.
- Each piece of granite is unique, which might not suit you if you prefer a perfectly uniform appearance.
- Granite is expensive, and the labor-intensive process of installation can cost up to three times the price of the material itself.
- If you seal granite that already has a stain, it may become permanently discolored.
- Granite is prone to cracking when struck by hard, sharp objects, such as a meat cleaver.
- Due to its weight, granite often requires additional structural support, including spans and cantilevers.
- Once granite is glued onto cabinets, removing it is challenging and can cause damage to the cabinets.
After reviewing the process of installing, cutting, and sealing granite countertops, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of granite, you may still have some lingering questions. For further details, visit the websites listed on the next page.
