Kitchen Forum FAQ

- contributed by divastyle -

When deciding on a fabricator:

• See the installer’s work, especially the seams;
• Talk about what they do to make the seam really tight and smooth.

Fabrication/Pre-Install

• Post pictures for the TKO’ed of your slabs!
• Be present for the template process.
• Be there when they place the templates on your slabs, but if you can’t be there then have a lengthy conversation about seam placement, ways to match the movement, and ways to color-match the counters that will be joined at the seam;
• Double check the template. Make sure that the measurements are reasonable. Measure the opening for the range.
• Be sure you test your faucet for clearances not just between each fixture, but also between the faucet and the wall behind the faucet (if there is one). You need to be sure the handle will function properly.
• Make sure that the cabinets are totally level (not out by more than 1/8″) before the counter installers come in. Saves big headaches.
• Make sure they have the sink/faucet templates to work from.
• Check how close they should come to a stove

Installation

• if you have wood floors–especially if you’re in the process of staining or finishing them–make sure that they don’t spill or drip granite sealer on the wood floors. Apparently the sealer interferes with the stain or finish process. Possibly considered brown kraft paper to protect your floors.
• Make sure that your appliances are protected during the installation process.
• Make sure you have a pretty good idea of your faucet layout–where you want the holes drilled for all the fixtures and do a test mock up to make sure you have accounted for sufficient clearances between each fixture.
• Somewhere you will have a seam by you sink because they cannot carry the small pieces after cutting out for you sink without breaking. Ask them to show you where it will be and if you are ok with it. Should be covered in the appropriately colored caulk.
• Check the seams for evenness and smoothness.
• Make sure that the seams are neat and clean.
• Make sure that the seams are not obvious.
• Make sure that there are no scratches, pits or cracks
• Make sure that the granite has been sealed
• Ask which sealer has been used on the granite.
• Make sure that the sink reveal is consistent all the away around
• Check the gap of the granite at the wall junctions.
• Keep an eye for inconsistent overhangs from the counter edges
• Make sure that all your edges are identical
• Make sure that the laminate edge (if you have it) is smooth.
• Check for chips. These can be filled.
• Make sure the seams are butted tight.
• If a cut-out or a seam is worked on OVER a drawer, be sure to remove the drawer and tape the glide. There have been instances where the granite dust destroyed the drawer glide.
• Make sure that the top drawers open and close
• Make sure the stove sits up higher than the counter
• Make sure that you can open your dishwasher
• Make sure that you have clearance to all of your appliances.
• Make sure that you have the appropriate clearances for your appliances.
• Make sure all you cabinets are still in the right place.
• Watch when they apply the sealer, so that you know how to do it later.

Post Installation

• Post pictures for the TKO’ed
• Enjoy your kitchen!