Kitchen countertop installation is not easy, particularly if you have never done it before. If you find a crack in your countertop, you’re in for trouble, as repairing a cracked countertop is exponentially harder than installing a new one. First, know why the countertop was cracked. Most cracks are caused by water seeping into the countertop while it’s under heavy use. In most cases, a small crack will fix itself.
Cracks can occur anywhere, but most often, they are located around the sink. Cracks most often appear around tiles, due to the tile’s high compressive strength. If you’re certain that the crack happened during the initial kitchen renovation, you can call your remodeler or installer to solve the issue. If you suspect that the crack was caused by improper installation, contact your tile manufacturer or the contractor who designed your kitchen countertop material. They’ll be able to give you expert advice on how to correct the problem and make your replacement tile installation easier and faster.
Tile installation is easier than other kitchen countertop installation projects, because tiles simply lay down on their own. There are some special installation materials you should use to protect the countertop and help it bond to the floor. When tiling the backsplash, for example, it’s best to use a wood sealer that’s approved by the Home Depot home improvement store. This sealer protects the tiles from moisture, which could lead to the cracking.
Many people assume that installation of countertops means spraying glue on the counters, but that’s usually not necessary. The best kitchen countertop installation method involves sliding the counters right onto the prepared concrete foundation footer. This eliminates the need for glue and makes the project easier. Most countertop suppliers offer ready-to-use concrete footers with pre-drilled holes for mounting the counters directly to the base. If the installer is provided a set of plastic or rubber spacers, he can trim them to fit exactly into the drilled holes.
If you choose to have granite or marble counters installed, you’ll also need to buy the spacers, which match the insides of your new countertops. In some cases, your installer can supply the spacers as part of the kit. Other countertop companies may charge for the extras, so be sure to ask about them before purchasing. Countertop installation is easier when the countertops are the same height and size as the flooring underneath them. That way, the installer can simply slide the sinks right over the drain channels and on to the countertops.
A professional installer who knows his job will have the tools necessary to create a finished result that both looks great and lasts for years. There’s no reason to hire someone who doesn’t know what he’s doing, however. Check online for reviews of kitchen countertop installation services in your area. Ask friends and family if they’ve ever hired someone they felt was substandard. And finally, if you’re feeling really adventurous, build your own design and give it a try!