Installation is the most exciting step that you should look forward to and prepare well for. A1 Stone World’s qualified technicians will deliver and install your finely crafted stone countertop which we both want to go as smoothly as possible. We have created a well-devised plan to ensure an efficient installation of your countertop with your cooperation.
To give both of us peace of mind, we have detailed the things you should be expecting and preparing prior, during, and after installation. Here is a step-by-step guide to guarantee the superior installation of your countertops:
Pre-Installation Preparations #
Here are the things you need to prepare before the installation day:
Step 1. Setting the Installation Date #
Setting a date for the installation day is the first step so you’ll be able to prepare well before the big day arrives. Choose a time and day when you’re not pressured or rushed to be somewhere else. While we will be giving you an estimated completion time, please do not schedule other things during the installation day in case of delays.
How Long Will the Installation Process Take? #
The duration will depend on three main factors:
- Installation complexity
- Type of material
- Number of cutouts
However, typical installation can take 2-5 hours:
- Simpler and smaller layouts: 2-3 hours
- Average kitchens (~60 sq. ft. counter space): 4-5 hours
- Complex and large kitchens: 6-7 hours
Step 2. Make the Right Preparations Prior to the Installation Day #
Kitchen or bathroom renovations can be overwhelming. But with proper planning, you can help us guarantee that everything will be done quickly and smoothly. Among the things you need to do are completely removing your existing countertops and cleaning your kitchen of anything that can obstruct the installation:
1. Remove Your Existing Countertops #
Once the installation date is set, you also need to set a time for the removal of your old countertops, unless you have a new kitchen or home. You need to plan whether you’ll leave the removal to your contractor or assign the task to our technicians. When you plan the removal date, consider the needed time for repairs in case your cabinets get damaged during the process.
If your contractor will be handling the process, make sure that you remove the countertops entirely and take them out of your house. Remove any cooktops and sinks, too, so only your cabinets will be visible. You also need to shut off your electricity, gas, and water prior to the installation.
NOTE:
- The removal of your existing countertop should be done before the templating process. This allows us to evaluate the sturdiness and levelness of your cabinets better to prevent last-minute surprises during the installation process.
- Some countertop installers won’t be responsible for disconnecting and reconnecting your plumbing. So, better discuss this with your countertop installer when hiring one.
2. Ensure that Your Cabinets are Level & Secure #
Problems with the homeowner’s cabinetry are among the major countertop installation issues that we face. So to make sure that your cabinets are secure, level, and can support your new countertops, do the following:
- Aside from being level, secure your cabinets completely to your wall. Hiring an experienced contractor to do this for you is crucial if you have never done any work like this before.
- For free-standing kitchen islands, the cabinets should be anchored to your floor properly to avoid tipping hazards when the stone is being installed.
- Empty the cabinets that are going to hold your cooktop and sink.
- We recommend removing not only the content but the drawers of your cabinets themselves if you don’t want them to get covered in construction dust.
- Clean any debris or dust and remove all screws and nails from your cabinets including your backsplash area.
We will be checking your cabinet’s levelness and structural integrity to ensure that they meet the requirements before taking measurements in the templating process. If we find them uneven and not possible to rectify, you should ask your cabinet contractor to level them prior to your countertop installation.
Completely leveled cabinets prevent your countertop from cracking and ensure that they will last for a lifetime without replacing them.
NOTE:
- Not all stone countertop fabricators and installers are responsible for cabinet works including the installation of braces, building supports, and leveling. But, we can advise you or your cabinet contractor on the steps needed to ensure that your cabinets are well-prepared before the installation process.
3. Protect & Cover Your Belongings #
Though we will be doing our best to keep your home clean during the installation process, we still advise you to cover all of your valuable belongings such as paintings and furniture in case any dust escapes. Better remove any breakable object from your kitchen too.
4. Clear Your Counters #
Aside from moving kitchen appliances out of the area, you should clear your counters of any items. These include small appliances and items you frequently use such as the following so you won’t have to step foot into your kitchen during installation:
- Eating utensils (plates, knives, forks, drinking glasses, etc.)
- Coffeemakers
- Dish racks
- Blenders
- Toasters
5. Move Out Your Furniture #
Other things you need to remove from your kitchen are pieces of furniture (especially odd ones) and rugs to allow us to easily maneuver the slabs into the job site.
6. Plan A Substitute Kitchen/Bathroom #
Lastly, plan how you will go without using your kitchen or bathroom while our installers are working. We need you to stay clear of the area during the installation process. No need to worry as our team will review what your responsibilities will be before our installers arrive.
Step 3. Prepare Your Home On the Installation Day #
Expect to welcome two or more of our installers on the big day. Larger projects may need at least four of our people to deliver and install your countertops efficiently.
Before we arrive at your home and begin our work, here are the things that we will ask you to do:
1. Ask Questions Before We Start #
Stone countertop installation needs precision and extreme focus. Stones are heavy and bulky and will require our total attention. Also, we follow detailed procedures where each of our installers is assigned specific tasks that they need to focus on to ensure a smooth-flowing and timely installation of your countertops.
This is why it is best that you allow our technicians to do their job uninterrupted without questions or distractions during the process. We will be more than happy to answer all of your questions before we unload your fabricated countertops and bring them inside your home.
2. Secure Your Pets #
Secure your pets before our installers arrive and remove them from the work area, regardless if they are friendly or not. We would want to prevent any accidents like dropping something or stepping on them. They might even accidentally get out of any open door while we are transporting the stones.
3. Watch Your Kids & Guests #
We want to keep interruptions at a minimum as much as possible while we are handling heavy stone slabs into your home. So, please make arrangements for your kids or guests to stay out of the area, especially while we are moving the slabs.
4. Request Other Contractors to Pause #
If your home is new and you have other contractors working simultaneously, please ask them to pause their work while we bring the slabs into your home and after we’ve placed them on your cabinets. However, we would prefer it if no other artisans are working on the installation day.
5. Clear the Closes Path to the Work Zone #
To ensure an orderly installation day, finding the closest path from the outside to the work area would be ideal. Expect some disarray during the process as our craftsmen will probably be walking in and out to retrieve supplies from our trucks.
Moreover, we will be surveying your home to find the best point of entry during the templating process to minimize the mess and confusion. Then, our team will guide you through the steps you need to do to ensure that the path is clear. Please do not wait until our team is there before you start moving items:
- Ensure that the shortest pathway to your kitchen or bathroom is clear starting from the driveway.
- Move out any furniture, chairs, or tables including other objects that may obstruct us such as breakable vases in entryways.
6. Assign a Decision-Maker to be Home #
We will require an authorized person to be at the site so any major decisions can be quickly made in case of unforeseen situations. This may be you or your contractor, builder, designer, or architect. If no one will be there, we might have to move the installation to another day when a decision-maker is sure to accompany us.
A1 Stone World has talented designers who can help you choose the right styles. You can book a free consultation for more details.
Consider the Strong Smell & Noise Produced During the Installation #
Here are other things that you need to expect during the installation process:
- Noise: Sawing and drilling may be included in the process. These may scare or interrupt your small children’s nap time.
- Strong Smell: It is possible that we will use strong glues or chemicals, so opening the windows and doors in the area will help improve airflow.
Installation Day #
After you’ve made the right preparations and our team has arrived at the site, we start with the long-awaited installation of your countertops. But first, we will take steps to minimize the spread of dust over your home so we might block off the work area, especially if you have an open kitchen followed by:
Step 1. Carrying the Stone Piece/s Into the Work Zone #
We will now carry the countertop pieces into your kitchen/bathroom. For larger projects with several sections, we might go in and out of your home multiple times to transport all of the individual pieces.
Step 2. Leveling Your Cabinets #
If your cabinets are not leveled, our highly trained team will follow special steps to fix low spots before laying the stone on your cabinets. This is where an experienced installer is needed to take the right actions to ensure the structural integrity of your countertop and cabinets.
Step 3. Laying the Stones, Creating Seams, & Caulking #
For large countertops with several stone pieces, we lay all of the slabs on your counters, fit them together, and then use special adhesives to glue seams together. Once the seams have dried, we smoothen the surface for a flawless look. After that, we secure your countertop to your cabinets.
Step 4. Sealing #
Lastly, we will be sealing your countertops using a special sealant to prevent anything from seeping into your counters and damaging them. Sealing your countertops after creating the seams is crucial. For one-piece projects, we would have already sealed the stone after the fabrication process.
Step 5. Backsplash & Cooktop Cutout #
If you have also ordered matching backsplashes from us, we will make some adjustments to ensure that your countertop and backsplash will fit together. Also, for cooktops, we might be cutting the holes on-site as transporting heavy stone slabs with such big holes won’t be safe.
Step 6. Clean Up & Approval #
After finishing the installation, we will clean the area and may be using a vacuum to remove dust. Then, we review the installation and confirm that your requirements are met including correct faucet hole sizes, anchored dishwasher, perfectly fitted cooktop, and others to ensure your satisfaction.
We will also answer any further questions you might have and provide instructions on proper care and maintenance to ensure the longevity of your countertops. Once everything is settled and the needed paperwork after the installation is done, we will leave the site and allow you to admire your beautifully installed new countertops.
After Installation #
One last thing – there are things that you will be responsible for doing after the installation before you can enjoy your countertops. These include the following:
1. Reconnecting Plumbing, Wires, etc. #
Once we’ve done our work, it is your job to schedule:
- An electrician for reconnecting your gas, water, drains, and other electrical hookups
- Plumber for reconnecting your water source
Allow your countertops to set for the day before reconnecting everything.
2. Post-Cleaning #
Although we would be taking all measures to prevent dust from spreading and clean any debris after the installation, you might need to do some minor cleaning. The dust should have already settled hours after we leave your home which you need to take care of. After that, you can now enjoy using your countertops.
Schedule Your Stone Countertop Installation With A1 Stone World #
Now that you know everything about countertop installation, it’s time to schedule one with our experts. Get the best granite, quartz, marble, soapstone, quartzite, or dolomite countertops in the Jacksonville Metropolitan area by hiring A1 Stone World as your countertop fabricator and installer. We have over 15 years of installing countertops in Jacksonville, Saint Johns, Green Cove Springs, St. Augustine, and other areas.
See what some of our thousands of happy customers have to say about us. Contact us today!