Carrying Granite Safely

A lot of homeowners prefer granite slabs from their kitchen countertops because of its durability and resistance.

Granite countertops are resistant to heat, moisture, stains, spills and scratches. They are easy to maintain. All that it takes to keep granite countertops gleaming is regular cleaning of the surface with some water and detergent.

Even though granite slabs are expensive, more home owners are choosing this material for their kitchens because of the elegance and the charm that it adds to the home. Granite slabs are available in a wide variety of colors and designs. Some of them have a lot of lines running through them while the higher grade materials have fewer specs and lines.

The most important step to ensure before installing granite countertops is to measure the amount of granite required. Since granite slabs are expensive, home owners do not want to over order on them and spend more than they have to.

If a homeowner is unsure about the amount of granite slabs required, the individual could provide the dimension of the kitchen countertop to the granite store. Usually, installers at the store will be able to estimate the amount of granite slabs required based on the measurements. Otherwise, the company that supplies the slabs will send across an installer to take down the measurements for granite counters top installation.

Granite countertop installation should normally be left to the professionals. This is because it requires a lot of skill to cut the granite slabs accurately and then to seal them well so that liquids are not absorbed through the porous surface of the granite slabs.

Homeowners who are looking to work within a budget could do some of the early demolition work themselves. This will save them from having to spend a lot on labor.

The installers will note the positioning of electrical outlets, the sink, and the faucets, as the thickness of the granite may alter some of the process for re-installation of these items. The installers will also be trained to make adjustments for setting a cook top on the newly laid granite countertop.

However, before all this, homeowners need to make sure that the granite slabs are transported safely to the home. Granite countertops should be carried on a flat surface with an additional support. At the bottom of the granite countertop, additional support should be compulsory given then only the stone will get damaged.

When storing granite slabs at home before installation, home owners need to make sure that the granite is stored flat or slanted against a wall. Care should also be taken to ensure that nothing falls on the granite slab surface as it will dent it.