Mistakes to Avoid When Lifting a Stone Countertop

Countertops Tips for homeowners Jun 3

Everyone loves to cut costs by taking manageable work into their own hands, but no one enjoys getting injured doing it. Installing a stone countertop can be a feasible endeavor for a homeowner to take on given that the installation is relatively straightforward and the stone pieces themselves aren't too large and heavy to handle. However, these pieces are deceptively dangerous, and a homeowner can run into a heap of trouble if they don't play their cards right while managing them. The following are practices to avoid when lifting stone countertop pieces.

Jumping in Without Stretching

 Any decent workout demands a sufficient amount of stretching beforehand. Carrying stone countertop pieces into a home is certainly a workout, and it will take a significant toll on a person's body if the right preparations weren't made. Prior to lifting, engage in a few minutes of light stretching, focusing on the lower and upper back, shoulders, arms, and legs.

Committing to Too Much Weight

Even professional stone countertop installers take more weight on than they can handle. The time spent carrying the pieces is relatively short, which leads some people to believe that they'll be able to pull through when, in reality, the weight is simply too much for them. Natural stone countertop pieces are extraordinarily dense, and even a trip of a few seconds can cause a person an unbearable amount of strain. Before committing to a lift, it's important for a person to realistically assess how much weight they could carry. It's better to foresee the issue and react to it before it ever occurs. 

Getting Overconfident 

While it's dangerous for someone to be carrying more countertop weight than they could handle, it can potentially be equally dangerous for someone to feel as though carrying these pieces into a home is a walk in the park. Even if the piece in question is a relatively small and light remodeled bathroom vanity, it's at a constant risk of snapping right in half every second that it's being lifted. Natural stone has vast degrees of unseen veins and pockets that run through its depth. One slight unfavorable twist is all it takes for the piece to shatter internally. Even if the weight is easy, it's advised that anyone carrying natural stone pieces take their time, focusing on slowly putting one foot in front of the other. 

Forgetting About Teamwork 

Carrying a stone countertop into a home is a team effort in almost all cases. Communication lines should be open and active throughout the entire lift. The person moving forward must call out stair steps and other obstacles as they arise, and the person moving backward must dictate the walking speed of the pair. With a bit of teamwork and an emphasis on caution, the countertop pieces should arrive at their place on top of the cabinets s