So, you have decided to add the timeless beauty of granite to your home. That’s a great decision! No matter if you are renovating a kitchen in Mesa or making over a bathroom in Phoenix, granite will bring an incredible amount of style and value. At Desert Sky Surfaces, we have assisted a lot of homeowners through this process.
A home renovation can be a bit overwhelming, can’t it? Questions such as ” How long does granite installation take? Or what actually happens to my stone before it reaches my house? might pop into your head. Today, we are going behind the scenes to show you what really happens.
From slab selection to the final shine, we are going to take you through the full granite countertop installation process. We want to make sure that you are comfortable and aware of what is ahead of you at each stage.
Why Granite Remains the Top Choice for Phoenix Homeowners
Let’s take a quick look at the “why” before we get on with the “how.” Granite is a natural solid formed from lava that has cooled, mainly quartz, mica, and feldspar. Thanks to its hardness and wide range of colors, it is among the most sought-after materials for building purposes.
The United States is seeing a growing craze of natural stone supply. As per industry reports, the market for countertops is expanding at a steady pace, with homeowners regularly selecting materials that have a long life.
Step 1: Selecting Your Perfect Slab
Everything starts with a spark of inspiration. Seeing us is not only about selecting the samples, but you are, in fact, sharing the very moment of the creation of history. Each slab offers a unique story, as none of them is exactly the same.
When selecting your granite, be sure to take into account the lighting of your home. A deep “Black Galaxy” slab may be very striking in a bright, sunlit Phoenix kitchen, but it may make a small, windowless bathroom feel even smaller. We constantly advise our clients to bring cabinet samples or paint swatches to our showroom so that they can see how the colors will work together in real life.
When you find your perfect “one” stone, that’s the one we tag. This is to make sure that the very same stone that you adore will be the one that is delivered to your place.
Step 2: Professional Templating (The Blueprint)
After your cabinets have been fully installed and leveled, our team will come to your house to do templating. This step is the most crucial one when it comes to installing granite countertops. We employ advanced laser measuring devices to develop a digital layout of your cabinets. It’s not only a matter of length and width, but we also consider:
- Wall curves (no wall is perfectly straight!).
- Sink and faucet placements.
- Cooktop cutouts.
- Overhangs for bar seating.
Accurate measurements at this point can save a lot of trouble and mistakes during the final fitting.
If you want to get a better understanding of our methods on local projects, go through our article on granite countertop installation in Phoenix, AZ.
Step 3: Fabrication
Now the scene changes to our local fabrication facility. We take your raw slab here and turn it into a countertop that is custom-fitted to your home.
Cutting the Stone
To cut granite in line with the digital template, we employ water-cooled bridge saws or CNC machines. Water is very important since it cools the stone and ensures that no dust is scattered around.
Edging and Polishing
Do you prefer a modern “Eased” edge or a classic “Ogee” curve? During fabrication, we shape the edges to your exact specifications. After the shape is set, we use a series of diamond polishing pads to bring out the natural lustre of the stone.
Reinforcement
Granite is very strong; however, it may be rather delicate in thin areas such as the edges of sink cutouts. At Desert Sky Surfaces, we often use “rodding.” This means we place metal or fiberglass bars under the stone. This adds extra strength.
Step 4: Preparing Your Home for Installation
While we are working at the shop, here are a few things you can consider doing to prepare.
- Clear the Path: It will be quite a bit of stone work that the installers will be carrying. So, in case, please move your furniture, rugs, or any decor items out of the way.
- Clear the Cabinets: Take out everything from the lower cabinets. It is a good way to keep your items safe from dust, and also, it will give us space to work.
- Disconnect Plumbing: Make sure that your sink and cooktop are disconnected before we get there.
- Manage Dust: Even if we try to keep things clean, stone work requires drilling. If you put plastic sheets over the nearby furniture, that will be a very genius move.
Step 5: The Installation Day
This is truly the day when your vision gets manifested into reality. Many folks inquire, how long does granite installation take? Normally, the real installation lasts from 3 to 6 hours, and that depends on the size and complexity of your kitchen.
The Heavy Lifting
Due to its density, granite is heavy, approximately 18 to 20 pounds per square foot. Our skilled team will meticulously lug the pieces inside your house and place them on top of your cabinets.
Seaming
If the layout of your kitchen is either a big one or an L-shape, inevitably, you’ll have seams. To join the pieces together, we use color-matched epoxy. Our aim is always to keep the seams as non-noticeable as possible. After applying the adhesive, we use “seam setters” to pull the slabs tightly together.
Sink Installation
Most of the time, we go for “under-mount” sinks. We fasten the sink with very strong clips and silicone, hanging it under the granite. Before you can connect the plumbing, it has to sit overnight for the silicone to cure.
Summary of the Granite Process
| Stage | Estimated Time | Key Action |
|---|---|---|
| Slab Selection | 1 – 2 Hours | Choosing your unique stone at our showroom. |
| Templating | 1 – 2 Hours | Precise laser measuring at your home. |
| Fabrication | 7 – 10 Days | Cutting, edging, and polishing at our facility. |
| Installation | 3 – 6 Hours | Placing the stone, seaming, and sink mounting. |
| Final Sealing | 30 Minutes | Applying a protective barrier to the stone. |
Step 6: Sealing and Final Inspection
Being a natural, porous stone, granite can soak up liquids if it’s not sealed properly. We always finish installing granite countertops with a top-quality impregnating sealer. This sealer goes deep into the tiny pores of the stone. It forms a strong barrier against stains like wine, juice, or oil.
We will join you for the walk-through of the finished project. This way, we can ensure all edges are smoothly sanded, and seams meet our high standards. At Desert Sky Surfaces, we stay committed to your satisfaction until we leave your property.
Understanding the Timeline
We are obviously aware that you can’t wait to start using your new kitchen. But if you’re creating a schedule, keep in mind that “how long does granite installation take” is basically the time that our team is at your place. On the other hand, the whole process from choosing the material to “ready to cook” normally takes about two weeks.
Meanwhile, we suggest that you look through our countertop materials. While at it, you might want to consider whether other parts of your house, such as a fireplace or laundry area, could also use a stone facelift.
Final Thoughts
Installing a granite countertop combines both creativity and technical expertise. We at Desert Sky Surfaces cherish giving our clients a stress-free experience by handling all the finer details ourselves. Our team is dedicated to making your visit enjoyable. Whether it’s your first time in our showroom or you’re feeling the smooth finish of your new counters, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free estimate or visit our showroom to pick out your dream slab! Let us help you create a space that you will love for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does granite installation take from start to finish?
The whole process typically takes around 10 to 14 days from when we measure your place to the actual installation. Our installation team usually works between 3 and 6 hours in your home on installation day.
2. Can I use my new countertops immediately?
The adhesives and silicone used to secure the sink and seams have to cure properly, so they need at least 24 hours to do so. If you use them too early, it can cause shifting or leaks.
3. Will there be a lot of dust in my house?
To reduce mess to the minimum, we do the majority of the heavy cutting at our shop. However, there is a possibility that some minor drilling of faucet holes is done on-site. We suggest putting plastic over the items near the drill area, and the team coming with us will make sure the place is cleaned up before they leave.
4. Do I need to buy a special cleaner for granite?
Yes, please stay away from such chemicals as bleach or vinegar. The best thing would be to use a simple pH-neutral stone cleaner or just mild dish soap and warm water. Choosing the right cleaner is beneficial not only in keeping the sealer intact but also in protecting the stone’s natural lustre.
5. Does granite crack easily during installation?
Granite is an extremely hard material, but it can still be susceptible to cracks if mistreated. So professional installation is a must. At Desert Sky Surfaces, our team uses hands-on tools and reinforcements. This ensures your stone arrives and gets installed without damage.