Installing your own granite countertops can help cut costs.
Installing your own granite countertop is a good option when you are trying to stay within a set budget, but would like to replace your existing countertops. Granite countertops can provide an elegant, durable touch to your kitchen décor. When you want your installation efforts to go faster and more smoothly, utilizing the retailer's template cutting service can be helpful. The retailer will create a template from your existing countertops, and then cut the granite slabs to match that template. After this, all you need to do is actually install the countertop.
Instructions
Remove Existing Countertop
1. Remove the plumbing connected under the sink. Use the pipe wrench to unscrew the drain piping first. Remove multiple pieces at the joints or you can simply remove the one connecting piece that runs from the sink drain to the trap elbow.
2. Turn off the water supply at the shutoff valve under your sink. Disconnect the hot and cold supply lines connected to the faucet. You may need to use the pliers to help you unscrew the lines.
3. Work around the seal that is between the sink edge and the countertop, using the putty knife. You can then lift out the sink.
4. Remove the existing backsplash. Use the utility knife to cut through any caulking that was used as a sealant, and then slide the putty knife between the wall and the backsplash to use as a wall protector when you use the pry bar to pull the backsplash away from the wall.
5. Remove the securing screws on the underneath of the existing countertop, using the screwdriver. A few usually are spread out for each section of the countertop.
6. Lift off each section of the old countertop. Once you have removed all the securing screws, your old countertop should lift right up.
The Granite Countertop
7. Measure the top of your cabinet bases with a tape measure. Measure from edge to edge, without leaving an overhang; the measurements should make your plywood edges flush with the cabinet bases.
8. Mark your measurements on the plywood sheets with a pencil and then cut out the sections you need with the circular saw.
9. Lay your plywood pieces in the appropriate area and add screws to secure the plywood to the cabinet bases, using the screwdriver. Make sure that you are only adding screws where the plywood and the cabinet base sections meet, along the edges.
10. Seal each section of the granite countertop, using the caulk gun and clear silicone caulk. Add quarter-sized globs of caulking about every 12 to 18 inches around the edges of the plywood. Use your securing screws as a guide on where the edges are. Include a continuous bead of caulk around the rim of your sink as well.
11. Lay each section of granite countertop in its proper location. Remember that the retailer cut each slab to fit a particular way.
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