The Counters Blog

Check all the documentation before leaving the workshop to get a clear understanding of what is likely to be involved in the installation. During the transport secure the load with straps to avoid any movement that may damage or break the pieces. Check that the kitchen sink and the cook-top have been disconnected and that the previous countertop has been removed. Modify the edges to adjust the level and check the joints to determine if these are leveled and square. Place the leveler against the edge front, in the intersection of the joints.Check that all the doors and drawers can be opened before installing the countertop. Measure the widest part of the joint and draw the cutting line in the adhesive line with a pencil or marker. After cutting, check that the full edge (including the inside face) is evenly lined up and that the edge is smooth. Dirt, dust and any other foreign substance body may interfere with the adhesive quality between the countertops and cabinets. Apply small amounts of silicone on the cabinets surface every 20 inches. Decide how many light sockets and switch cutouts are required to complete the installation of the backsplash.Measure vertically from the countertop to the lower part of the socket, and from the countertop to the top part of the socket, horizontally. Leave space for the screws affixing the cover to the socket/plug. To fix the backsplash, apply small amounts of silicone every 20”. Install the kitchen sink faucet to the underside of the countertop. Leave a space of at least 1/8” along all the sides of the kitchen sink to allow for expansion. Check that all the holes have been filled with the suitable color. Take all required material and special tools from the fabrication shop. To avoid scratching them, do not let them touch any abrasive surface. Measure the cabinets and compare with the measurements on the worksheet. And check that the new countertop does not obstruct the opening of windows and drawers before installing it. If this has not been carried out and if you have any concerns, contact your supervisor and await instructions. The edge line up will be determined by the size of the joints. If there is no backsplash, the back edge of the pieces should be adhered to the wall. Determine whether it would be necessary to install wedges to adjust the level between the pieces. Check that all the joints are leveled airtight, and that the color of all the pieces match. Check that the joints are leveled by placing a spirit level on the surface of the countertop, perpendicular to the joint. Check that the area is completely clean before applying silicone. Use more silicone for the areas surrounding kitchen sink or the differently-shaped edges. To polish the rough and sharp edges, sand paper is needed (120). Flatten out all the joints and the exposed edges that need to be polished. Clean the countertop with lacquer thinner or mild soap and water. Check the measurements and position the backsplashes in their correct locations, against the wall check all the joints. Removing of the sockets and switch cutouts are required for the completion of the backsplash installation. Mark these measurements on the backsplash, leaving a space for the socket cover. Using an electric saw, cut the cutouts from the underside of the countertop. Make sure that there is enough space for the cutouts of the faucet, heads and hoses. Adhesive or staples will be used as reinforcement to attach the kitchen sink. For top-mount sinks determine the center of the sink based on the configuration of the cabinets base. Check that the edges are smooth, polished and that the colors match. If an under-mount kitchen sink has been installed, inform the customer to wait 24 hours to connect the piping.