3 Things to Avoid When Installing a Stone Countertop

Countertops May 31

Throughout the myriad of kitchen remodeling ideas that flow during a home renovation, a homeowner will invariably arrive at the thought of installing their own stone countertop. While this is certainly doable, there are a lot of ways for it to go wrong. In order to avoid that possibility, it's best to avoid making any of these 3 blunders. 

Being Anything But Mindful During Transport 

Vigilance is required at all times when transporting a stone countertop. This includes on the road while the countertop pieces are stored in the truck, and as the countertops are lifted by hand from the truck into the home. These pieces are not only extremely heavy; they're also subject to collapse on one side or the other if the balance takes a slight shift. Homeowners are advised to communicate with their lifting partners openly, moving carefully with the pieces so as not to shift the balance too drastically. Amateur installers are advised to purchase or rent a lifting belt. These are meant to be attached around the lower back, securing the back muscles in place during a lift thereby reducing the risk of lower back pain developing. Of course, it's important to refrain from using the lower back to take on most of the weight; it's much better to lift with the legs. 

Straying From the Manual

 Installing a stone countertop isn't exactly an intrinsic process; there are a handful of important things to get right. That said, there's no reason for a homeowner to take on any experimental approaches to the installation. In these cases, it's best to stick to the manual. Even the most experienced stone installers rely on the tried and true practices of the trade to get the job done. Of course, some improvisation is required in trickier installations, however it's best to assume in the case of an amateur countertop installation that the necessary steps aren't too complicated or dangerous. Throughout each step of the installation, it's advised that the homeowner keep things simple, following the traditional installation practices for natural stone countertops. 

Arriving Ill-Equipped 

While a stone countertop installation doesn't require access to a library tools, certain tools are certainly needed to get the job done. Most of these are general tools that every do-it-yourselfer has stocked in the garage, such as hammer and chisel, razor blades, silicone glue and silicone gun, and painter's tape. However, more specialized tools will be needed for the job, such as epoxy glue and hardener. Additionally, if there is a major seam somewhere on the countertop, the best way to work it is through the use of a gorilla grip seam setter which can be rented either from natural stone specialty shops or general home improvement stores.