What to Expect When Getting New Countertops in Your Home

New countertops can change the entire atmosphere and experience of a kitchen. By knowing what to expect from a countertop installation, you can help ensure the process goes smoothly, allowing you to use your new counters as soon as possible.

Taking Out the Old Countertop

If you're replacing an existing countertop, the old countersmay need to be removed and the underlying cabinetry restored prior to the installation.

Safety Issues

Stone and concrete countertop slabs can be very heavy, so to prevent accidents, small children and pets should be kept from the site of the installation. The dust spread into the air during demolition and installation can also be an irritant, so people with allergies or lung conditions should stay out of the way.

Leveling the Counter

To make an even surface, the cabinetry beneath the countertop must be secured in place and level. Older cabinets may need extra work to be leveled. Minor variations in the flat plane can be corrected with small wooden shims placed under the countertop.

Setting the Seams

Once the underlying surface is leveled and the new countertop placed on top, epoxy is used to cement the pieces at their seams. Razor blades and acetone are used to clean up any excess sealant.

Though it's a complicated process, experienced workers can generally install standard countertops in a single day. See this page for more about countertop installation in La Mesa.