Granite Countertop Installation & Costs
Calculate Countertop Area
Granite Colors and Patterns
Granite Countertop Fabrication and Finishing
Sinks
Cook tops
Granite Countertop Installation
Back Splash
Granite countertop Edges and Overhang
Site Preparation
Calculate Countertop Costs
Granite is sold in slabs to insure the grain and color of all of your countertop surfaces match, but your cost is calculated by the square foot area of your countertop. If the particular slab your countertops were made from measured 54 square feet and you countertop area measured 50 square feet, you would only be charged for 50 square feet. The square footage includes cutouts for sinks or drop-in appliances like some cook tops. Don’t forget to count the back splash in your estimate. Click here to calculate countertop footage and get estimate. After you measure the cabinets and calculate the square feet of surface, we can give you the cost per square foot of the granite you select to figure your cost. The cost of granite varies according to color and pattern chosen.
 Several factors affect the price of granite, but the most important are supply and demand. Supply is the affected by the accessibility of the quarry, the uniformity of the stone within the quarry, and the stone's workability. A granite that is exquisitely figured, one that contains rare colors (e.g. blue), or one that is found only in a third world country will be more costly.
Once a customer has selected granite as their countertop material, the next step is to choose a color. The color and pattern for your kitchen countertops is a very personal choice. Most of the time, but not always, the top will be the focal point of the kitchen. Patterns and colors vary greatly so there will always be a piece of granite that will fit in with your decorating ideas. Granite Countertops Unlimited has over 70 styles to choose from
Colors of Granite Countertops and patterns
Granite is a primordial stone with naturally occurring variations in color and pattern. These variations, referred to as 'movement', should be expected and are the source of its natural beauty. Also, keep in mind that the veining in the granite can effect color perception. Sometimes two different grain sizes occurring in the same slab will appear to be of a different color. Mineral concentrations may cause patches that appear darker or lighter.
Every slab of granite varies somewhat within any given color and pattern. If you are unfamiliar with granite, a granite slab ordered may not be identical to a sample you are shown. While the samples are intended to represent the quarry's product, each slab may differ slightly in color and veining. Indeed, even a single granite slab will have color variations from one end to the other. This lack of predictability gives the product its unique character and adds an element of nature into human-designed spaces.
   
Click Photos to enlarge
Click Here Granite Color Sample Gallery
For this reason, we recommend that you take the time to select the slab intended for you countertops. We will escort you through the granite slab warehouse where you can choose the best granite slab for your countertops. That is the only way to make sure you get exactly what you want. While color options are numerous, it's usually best to choose a specimen that is stocked locally because of the cost difference. If a slab has to be special-ordered, the freight would be prohibitive and the lead-time could be several weeks. In addition, the customer would have to agree to accept the color and markings sight unseen.
Fabrication and Finishing
Fabrication costs can significantly affect the final price. Generally, the more complex the shape of the project and particularly the shape of the finished edges, the higher the price will be. (Click here for edge styles and prices). Fortunately, a single thickness plain polished edge makes an excellent appearance and most customers choose this standard. Occasionally, a customer will want a custom edge pattern, possibly to match the edge to detailing on the cabinetry, and this can also be done. But keep in mind that if the fabricator has to buy custom cutting bits, he will add their cost to the price. Granite is usually polished to a high gloss finish.
Fabricators may sell finished pieces, but slabs are always sold intact. The price includes the cost of transportation, making field measurements and templates, cutting, polishing, delivery, and final installation. The total material required is determined by the layout and the amount of waste. The fabricator will try to lay out each job so as to minimize waste yet maximize the natural beauty of the veining and pattern.
 Sinks for granite countertops
There are two types of sinks used with granite countertops, refereed to as drop-in and under mount( shown). Sinks may be stainless steel, composite, or a number of other materials. When choosing a sink, it is vitally important to make certain that the sink will fit in the cabinet in which it is to be mounted. Keep in mind that the cabinet must always be wider than the sink, i.e. a 30" sink will not fit in a 30" cabinet. There must also be ample room available for the faucet of your choice and any other accessories you may select. We carry a complete line of Mind’s Eye and Blanco sinks for any application. Click here more information about sinks
 Cook tops
If a cook top is to be mounted in the granite, be sure that there is room inside the cabinet to hold the top and any pop-up vents that will be installed with it. If the top is replacing an existing top, be aware of the differences in thickness of the two materials. Any upper cabinetry that currently rests on the existing top will probably not reach the granite, so adjustments will have to be made. Allowances must be made for the thickness of a back splash when measuring for the placement of these fixtures. If thicker granite is used, a wider space will be needed.
The sink and kitchen appliances built into the countertops like a cook top or drop-in range must be on the job site before a template can be made.
Granite Countertop Installation Considerations
All ordinary cabinets with frames that are securely fastened to the wall will easily support granite countertops. The weight of an average person standing on the cabinet puts more strain on the cabinets than a granite countertop.
Counter tops are measured in much the same way as other solid surfaces. First, a template must be made to use as a pattern. For this reason, base cabinets must be permanently anchored in place before measurements can begin. They are to be installed only by the fabricator who will assume responsibility for a proper fit. Improper installation of kitchen countertops may void the manufacturer's warranties and result in damage to your fine surface or other areas of your kitchen, such as cabinets, drawers, sinks, and fixtures.
It will take 3 to 4 weeks to complete the installation after measurements are taken, so be sure to allow sufficient lead time for the project to be completed. If anything goes wrong during the fabrication process, or if the top is damaged and has to be replaced, that time will be extended.
Because granite is usually sold in slabs no more than 10' long, most countertops will require at least one seam. And since granite is sold in rectangular pieces, using seams may also reduce the costs, as in an 'L' shaped corner. Sometimes a seam can be placed at a sink bowl to make it less conspicuous.
Seams will always be visible in granite. Their visibility is affected by the granularity, color and pattern of the stone. Seams on a small, uniform grain or dark color will not be as noticeable as they will on a larger variegated grain or lighter color. A dramatic pattern with swaths of color will similarly highlight seams more than a uniform pattern.
back splash
The back splash is usually made from the same granite used for the counters, but it can be ceramic tile, or some other product. It may be attached to the counter or to the wall, but in either case the seam between the counter and the back splash will be sealed with caulk. The standard height for a back splash is 4" although they're frequently made higher if the customer desires. A tall back splash is sometimes used behind the kitchen range or sink to protect the wall from grease splattering or other stains.
This may be modified to suit personal taste, but it must be stipulated before the template is made.
Granite can be cantilevered up to 14" if it's a large piece with sufficient support on the fixed end. It should never be cantilevered where it might receive excessive stress, however, such as where someone may be tempted to sit on it or use it as a step stool to change a light bulb. In these cases, it must always be supported.
It's always best to assume the worst and add proper support on any extension over 6". An unsupported span of no more than 36" is usually acceptable as long as the stone is supported on both sides of the span.
Granite countertop Edges and overhang
Most counters are installed with a standard overhang of 1" with a standard or custom edge. A special edge creates an additional installation challenge and usually results in extra cost. (Click here for edge styles and prices)
Dishwashers should not be attached directly to the granite countertop, but be side-mounted to adjoining cabinets. Special brackets are available from the dishwasher manufacturer for this purpose. Drilling into the bottom of the stone can cause stress cracks and discoloration in the surface of the stone.
granite countertops Site Preparation
On new construction, the base cabinets must be permanently anchored in place before a template can be made. On a remodel project, existing tops may be removed prior to measurement. Any sinks, faucets, cook tops, or any other item that requires a cutout or a hole in the top must be on site and readily available at the time the template is made. The fabricator may need to take some items with him to complete the fabrication.
Please note that any delay in acquiring the accessories may also delay the installation, the countertop installer will not normally be responsible for connecting of dishwashers, cook tops, or plumbing, and no changes can be made once the installer takes his measurements and makes the template. All cuts are final; it is impossible to reattach a piece of granite that has been cut from the slab. Additionally, once the granite is glued in place on the cabinets, moving it is very difficult and risks damaging the cabinets.
Granite Countertops Unlimited
1061 Old Middleton Road
Elberton, Georgia
Phone 706-283-8827
FAX 706-283-4943
Toll Free 1-800-459-8636
sales@granitecountertopsunlimited.net
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