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 Whether you're upgrading outdated surfaces or starting fresh with a remodel, new countertops can redefine the look and feel of a space.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

What is Backsplash and Why is it Important?

December 15, 2025

When planning your kitchen or bathroom countertops, one detail that often gets overlooked—but makes a big difference—is the backsplash. A backsplash is the vertical section of material installed on the wall directly behind your countertop. Its primary purpose is to protect your walls from water, grease, soap, and other everyday splashes, while also creating a clean, finished look that ties your design together. Why a Backsplash Is Important? Everyday tasks like washing dishes, cooking, or brushing your teeth can result in water, grease, and other debris hitting your walls. Without a backsplash, moisture can seep into the drywall over time, causing stains, damage, or even mold. A backsplash acts as a protective barrier, keeping your walls safe and making cleanup easier. Beyond protection, backsplashes enhance the overall look of your countertops. They create a smooth transition from counter to wall and add a polished, professional appearance to your kitchen or bathroom. Backsplash Heights and Options At MGL Granite, we can create backsplashes at any height to fit your design needs: Standard 4-Inch Backsplash: The industry standard is typically a 4-inch backsplash. It provides just the right amount of protection behind the countertop while maintaining a simple, timeless look. Full-Height Backsplash: Full-height backsplashes are more common in kitchens, especially behind ranges or sinks. They extend from the countertop up to the bottom of the cabinets—or even to the ceiling—creating a seamless, elegant look. Custom Wall Pieces: We can also fabricate custom backsplash pieces for walls, vanities, or other surfaces where a standard height might not fit your design. This flexibility allows you to achieve a truly personalized, high-end finish. Tile Backsplashes Some homeowners choose tile backsplashes for color, texture, or pattern. While tile can be beautiful, MGL Granite does not provide tile installation. However, we’re happy to coordinate with your tile installer to ensure a perfect fit where the countertop meets the wall. Finishing Touches That Make a Difference Choosing the right backsplash is about more than style—it’s about functionality and protecting your investment. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a 4-inch standard, the dramatic look of a full-height backsplash, or a custom piece to fit your walls, MGL Granite can fabricate and install the perfect solution for your space.

6 Reasons to Choose Granite Countertops for Your Kitchen Remodel

December 3, 2025

Discover why granite is a durable, stylish, and eco-friendly choice for any kitchen, backed by trusted countertop companies known for quality and value.

Granite Countertop Sealing: Why It Matters & How to Do It

November 24, 2025

Granite is one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops—and for good reason. It's durable, beautiful, and timeless. But like any natural stone, granite needs a little care to keep it looking its best. One of the most important steps in maintaining granite countertops is sealing them. In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of sealing granite, why it’s so important (especially for countertops that get regular use), and how MGL Granite can help. Why Does Granite Need to Be Sealed? Granite is a natural stone with a porous surface. That means that if it's left unsealed, liquids like water, oil, wine, or juice can seep into the stone, causing stains or even long-term damage. Bacteria can also find their way into those tiny pores, which isn’t something you want on your food prep surfaces. Sealing your granite countertops helps create a protective barrier that: Repels moisture and spills Prevents staining Makes cleaning easier Extends the life and beauty of your countertops How Often Should You Seal Granite? It depends on the type of granite, how much use your countertops get, and the type of sealer used. Some granite varieties are denser and require sealing less often, while others are more porous and need more frequent attention. As a general rule: Seal high-use kitchen countertops once a year. For less frequently used areas (like guest bathrooms), every 2–3 years may be enough. Pro Tip: Not sure if it's time to reseal? Drip a few drops of water on the surface. If it beads up, you're good. If the water soaks in, it's time to reseal. How to Seal Granite Countertops: Step-by-Step 1. Clean the Surface Thoroughly: Wipe down your granite with a gentle stone cleaner or warm soapy water. Remove all residue and let it dry completely before sealing. 2. Choose the Right Sealer: Use a granite-specific penetrating (or impregnating) sealer that soaks into the stone to provide long-lasting protection. 3. Apply the Sealer: Follow the instructions on the label. Typically, you'll a pply the sealer evenly with a clean cloth or applicator pad. Let it absorb for about 15–20 minutes. Wipe off any excess with a clean, dry cloth 4. Let It Cure: Most sealers cure within 24 hours. During this time, avoid using the surface or getting it wet. Want a Professional to Handle It? We've Got You Covered! At MGL Granite, we don’t just install granite—we help you maintain it. We offer professional granite sealing services, so you don’t have to worry about the mess or guesswork. Whether you need sealing for a newly installed countertop or want to refresh an older surface, we’re here to help. Keep Your Granite Looking Great for Years Sealing your granite countertops is a simple step that goes a long way in protecting your investment. With regular maintenance—or a visit from our team—you can enjoy the beauty and durability of your countertops for decades to come. Contact us today to schedule your sealing service or ask about the best care plan for your countertops!