6 Things to Expect During a Countertop Installation Project

July 3, 2025

Installing new countertops can dramatically transform your kitchen or bathroom, improving both aesthetics and overall home value. Whether you're upgrading outdated surfaces or starting fresh with a remodel, new countertops can redefine the look and feel of a space. However, it’s not as simple as picking a material and setting an appointment. The process involves several important steps—each requiring thoughtful planning, clear communication, and collaboration with a professional countertop company. From choosing the right materials to preparing your home for installation, understanding what to expect at every stage can help you stay organized, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure a smoother, more successful renovation experience.

1. What to Expect During the Planning and Consultation Phase

Every successful countertop project begins with a well-organized consultation. This is the moment to outline your goals—whether durability, style, or ease of maintenance—and communicate them with a trusted countertop company. They’ll help you choose materials that match your priorities and overall design vision.

Establishing a budget is a key part of this phase. According to HomeAdvisor, replacing kitchen countertops offers a strong return on investment, with up to 98.5% of the cost recouped in home value. This makes the project not just a visual upgrade but also a financially smart decision. A reputable countertop company can help you align your design goals with your budget, ensuring you make choices that enhance both style and long-term value without overspending.

Material selection also plays a central role. From granite and quartz to more budget-friendly options like laminate or tile, each surface brings unique strengths. A reputable countertop company will explain how each material performs in terms of heat resistance, maintenance, and longevity. Once the material is selected, this phase also involves establishing a project timeline, helping to manage expectations, and coordinating the next steps.

2. What to Expect During Measurement and Template Creation

After your initial decisions are made, the next step is to take detailed measurements of the installation space. This typically involves a home visit from the countertop company, whose team will use specialized tools to gather precise dimensions. This accuracy is essential for ensuring a proper fit and avoiding installation issues later.

Templates are created based on these measurements. These act as physical guides that outline where cuts will be made in the material, including holes for sinks, appliances, or fixtures. You’ll be asked to review and approve the template layout, which gives you a final chance to make any adjustments before fabrication begins.

At this stage, you’ll also finalize design features such as edge profiles and decorative details. The countertop company will help you make decisions that balance functionality and style while ensuring the final product aligns with the approved templates.

3. What to Expect During Material Fabrication

Once templates are approved, the fabrication phase begins. At this stage, the countertop company sources the chosen raw materials and prepares them for cutting and shaping. Careful selection and inspection of these materials are essential to ensure they meet your design preferences, durability requirements, and overall project standards. Quality control is critical throughout this phase, as any inconsistencies or defects can lead to project delays, misalignment issues, or expensive corrections down the line.

Using the approved templates, skilled technicians carefully cut and shape the materials to match your exact specifications. This highly detailed process may also include incorporating custom features such as integrated sinks, curved edges, backsplashes, or beveled and mitered edge profiles. These details contribute significantly to the finished look and feel of your countertops. A dependable countertop company will rely on advanced tools and experienced fabricators to maintain precision and consistency throughout every cut and contour.

After fabrication, the final product is polished, inspected, and prepped for transport. At this point, logistics and coordination become crucial. Your countertop company will work with installers to ensure that all components are securely packaged and delivered safely to your home. Proper handling during transit helps protect against chips, cracks, or other damage that could compromise the installation. Any errors or carelessness here can undermine the careful work done during fabrication, so meticulous attention to detail remains a top priority.

4. What to Expect During Pre-Installation Preparation

Before the new countertops can be installed, the old ones must be removed. This step requires care to avoid damaging cabinets, plumbing, or surrounding structures. A professional countertop company will handle this process efficiently while protecting your home from unnecessary wear and tear.

This is also the time to inspect the underlying structures. Cabinets may need reinforcement to support heavier surfaces like granite or quartz. Any uneven or unstable surfaces must be addressed before installation begins to prevent alignment issues or long-term damage.

In addition, space should be cleared and cleaned to create an ideal working environment. A tidy, debris-free area helps the installation team work efficiently and minimizes the chance of complications. Your countertop company may also advise you on preparing plumbing and electrical connections ahead of time to avoid delays.

5. What to Expect During Countertop Installation

Installation day marks one of the most exciting stages of the process—when all the planning and preparation come to life. The installation team begins by carefully placing each countertop section onto the prepped base, ensuring that the pieces are properly aligned. Leveling is especially important at this point, as it ensures a smooth, even surface that integrates cleanly with adjacent fixtures like sinks, stovetops, or backsplashes.

Precision is essential, particularly when working with large slabs or intricate cuts. An experienced countertop company will take extra care to secure each piece using professional-grade adhesives and fasteners, checking for stability and consistency along the way. A properly installed countertop not only looks flawless but is also built to endure everyday wear and tear.

Once placement is finalized, installers focus on aligning and sealing the seams. These joints should be nearly invisible to the eye, while the sealant provides vital protection against moisture, spills, and long-term staining. Before wrapping up, the team conducts a full inspection and a walkthrough with you to ensure every aspect of the installation meets expectations. This final review gives you a chance to ask questions, point out any concerns, and feel confident in the quality of the finished product.

6. What to Expect After Installation Is Complete

After your new countertops are installed, post-installation care is essential. First, understand the warranty coverage offered by your countertop company. A reliable provider will offer protection against defects and guidance on maintenance to ensure long-term performance.

Routine cleaning is the cornerstone of proper care. Different materials require different cleaning methods, and your countertop company can recommend the appropriate products. Avoid abrasive cleaners and always wipe spills promptly to maintain both hygiene and surface quality.

Ongoing maintenance involves occasional inspections and small touch-ups as needed. Cracks, chips, or sealant issues should be addressed early to prevent more significant damage. Many homeowners schedule periodic checkups with their countertop company to ensure their investment continues to perform as expected.

A countertop installation project may involve several steps, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. When you understand what to expect at each phase—consultation, measurement, fabrication, installation, and post-installation care—you’re better equipped to navigate the process smoothly.

Working with an experienced countertop company is key to success. From helping you select materials to ensuring a flawless installation, the right team will guide you every step of the way. With careful planning and expert craftsmanship, your new countertops can elevate your space and serve your household beautifully for years to come. If you want to add function, beauty, and vibrance to your home, call the countertop experts at MGL Granite Inc!

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6 Things to Expect During a Countertop Installation Project

Understanding Countertop Thickness: Why 3cm is the Granite Standard and Quartz Has Options

November 4, 2025

When planning a kitchen or bathroom renovation, one detail that often flies under the radar is countertop thickness —but it plays a big role in the final look, feel, and functionality of your space. For granite and quartz, two of the most popular materials on the market, thickness isn't just about aesthetics—it's about strength, durability, support requirements, and installation. Let’s break it down. The Granite Gold Standard: 3 cm Granite countertops are almost universally installed at a 3 cm thickness (about 1 1/4 inches) . Why? It’s simple— 3 cm granite is strong enough to be installed without an underlayment in most cases. Granite is a natural stone and, while incredibly durable, it can be brittle when too thin. At 3 cm, it strikes the perfect balance between strength and elegance. Pros of 3 cm Granite: No plywood support needed under most areas. Sturdier and more resistant to cracking or breaking. Substantial, high-end appearance. Things to keep in mind: Supports are typically required for longer overhangs (like breakfast bars or islands) to ensure stability and prevent flexing or cracking. Heavier weight may slightly increase installation effort. Quartz: 2 cm or 3 cm—What’s the Difference? Unlike granite, quartz countertops are engineered , meaning they’re made from a mix of natural quartz and resin. This allows for multiple thickness options —the most common being: 3 cm quartz (1 1/4 inches) 2 cm quartz (3/4 inch) Why the Variety? Because quartz is manufactured, it can be made thinner than granite without sacrificing too much integrity. 2 cm quartz offers more flexibility for certain designs and budgets , while 3 cm remains ideal for heavy-use areas . 2 cm vs. 3 cm Quartz: A Detailed Look at Pros and Cons 3 cm Quartz Pros: Durability & Strength: Thicker material offers more resistance to chips, cracks, and flexing—ideal for high-use areas like kitchens and laundry rooms. No Plywood Underlayment Needed: Can be installed directly on cabinets, simplifying the installation process and potentially saving on labor and materials. Luxury Aesthetic: The thicker edge creates a more substantial, premium look that aligns well with high-end or traditional design styles. Better for Decorative Edge Profiles: With more material to work with, fabricators have greater flexibility for creating detailed edge treatments like ogee or bullnose. Cons: Heavier Weight: More challenging to maneuver and install, particularly in second-story installations or tight spaces. Higher Material Cost: Uses more quartz, which can raise the overall price per square foot, although the increase is often moderate. Added Weight on Cabinetry: In some cases—particularly with older or less sturdy cabinets—additional support may be recommended to handle the weight safely. 2 cm Quartz Pros: Lighter and Easier to Handle: Makes it a great choice for installations on upper floors or where maneuverability is limited. Cost-Effective: Less material means a lower price per square foot, and potentially reduced labor costs for vertical applications. Ideal for Vertical Surfaces: Perfect for full-height backsplashes, wall cladding, fireplace surrounds, and shower installations where a lighter slab is easier to mount. Modern Aesthetic: The thinner profile creates a clean, contemporary look, especially when paired with simple edge styles. Cons: More Fragile if Unsupported: More susceptible to breakage, especially near cutouts or unsupported spans, if not properly reinforced. Edge Limitations: Fewer options for thicker or more decorative edges without extra fabrication. May Require Laminate Edges: To mimic the look of 3 cm, a laminated front edge (where two strips are glued together) is often used. This adds time, cost, and introduces a visible seam. Installation Tip: Don’t Skip the Dishwasher Brackets We always recommend adding dishwasher brackets , even though they’re an optional upgrade. These brackets help anchor the countertop securely over the dishwasher, especially important when opening and closing the appliance regularly. They offer extra peace of mind and long-term stability —a small investment that protects your countertop and cabinetry over time. When to Choose Each Thickness Choose 3 cm for: Kitchen countertops, islands, bathrooms, and laundry rooms—any space where strength and durability matter most. Choose 2 cm for: Backsplashes, vertical applications, or furniture-style pieces where weight and thickness aren’t as critical. And remember, any countertop with a significant overhang—regardless of thickness—should have proper support brackets for safety and longevity. The Bottom Line Countertop thickness isn't just a design choice—it's a structural one. Whether you’re working with natural granite or engineered quartz, choosing the right thickness means your counters will not only look amazing, but stand up to everyday life. Need help deciding what's best for your space? Let us know—we’re happy to walk you through it!