Step By Step Way Of Preparing The Cabinets For Granite Countertops
The cabinets need to be properly prepared to receive or hold the granite slab. The best & the easy step by step way to prepare the cabinets for granite countertops is as follows:
- Once the cabinets are properly installed, then it is time to take the measurement for the granite countertops. The granite system usually needs the sheets of 3/4 inch plywood that needs to be laid on top of the cabinets to properly support the granite. The granite usually comes in myriad styles and choices. It is important to make sure that how much countertop needs to overhang from the face frames of the cabinets, typically 1 to 1 1/2 inches. Also, ensure which edges of the counter must have a bull-nose or the other style of the finished edge.
- Prepare the Cabinets to receive the granite countertops, for that cut out 3/4" inches of the plywood to fit on the top of all the base cabinets. The plywood will help to support the granite as well as gives enough clearance for the edging like bull-nose to clear the drawers as well as the doors. Also, make sure that the plywood must not overhang the dimension outside of the cabinet. Now to attach the plywood with the frame of the cabinets use the screws, first of all, drill a pilot hole to avoid splitting the hardwood's face frame. It is advisable to make sure to center all the screws into the frames under it.
- Then prepare to install granite countertops. The user will need help while working with granite slabs. Some of the granite slabs alone can weigh even more than 200 pounds as well as the granite slabs can also be brittle, so it is important to handle them with utmost care. Before installation has the space to set aside to store the granite slabs. It is the best idea to store them in the upright possible. The walls may not be the perfect square, so it is a great idea to make a template for the countertops. Take a kraft paper or any stiffer material to make out a template of the countertop.
Take a circular saw having a dry-cut segmented diamond blade and cut the granite. First test the fit pieces that are cut, as well as be careful with the long and thin pieces that could snap. - Cut the plywood sink hole place granite right in place for the sink counter, and then trace the line all around the opening for the sink on plywood sub counter. Now, remove the granite that was dry-fitted only. With the help of a spade bit make a pilot hole exactly in the plywood, and take a jigsaw to cut out the sinkhole. Make it about 1/8 inch larger than the line drawn. Drop in the sink. Before laying the granite slabs again back on the top, lay down some of the cardboard to protect the sink for the overnight, remove the cardboard before the granite seams are joined.
- Join the granite seams, level the seams for the granite slabs. With the help of a 1-1/4" inch screws adjust the height of the granite slab from under to raise as well as lower the countertop as needed.
- Glue down the granite Countertops, with the helping hand, lift the granite slab and then put small dollops of the silicone all around the perimeter of the cabinets spacing about every 6" to 12" inches. Also, place a bead of the caulk all around the sink rim. On the top of the sink rim apply the second bead for waterproofing the gap that is between the sink and the countertop. Finally, lower down the granite slab gently back down. Glue the Seams.