Granite worktops

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April 28, 2004 at 2:45 pm #5335
DaveH	Hi, and thanks for a really useful site. I will soon be fitting a new kitchen to my renovation project and wanted some advice on fitting Granite worktops – ie. how is it done? I know it is probably a job best left to the experts but I would like to have a go myself, so what is the best material to use for the fitting templates and what is the best method for cutting? I will be using a surface mount sink and a range cooker. How do you join worktops at 90 degrees and how are they attached to the units? Sorry for all the questions but I have only used laminate worktops before. Thanks
April 28, 2004 at 3:33 pm #5337
timfoley	Dave, Welcome to the forum. Your original post has been edited to reflect our policy as described in the following post. http://www.kitchensfitted.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=111 I advise that you seek opinion on a company using the number of internet consumer sites at your disposal. Your judgement on a company may be totally at odds with others and it is for this reason we have no wish to allow the forum to take a consumer watchdog route. Sorry to sound so forthright but sometimes reputations are quickly formed on one mistake and rarely forged on many successes. Anyway, back to the question. Templating is the best method by which to install granite and in doing so is not too dissimilar to installing laminate worktops as described in our website article, installing worktops. The finished template is then sent off for fabrication before installation. Delivery of your tops can take between 4 days to 14 days, depending on the company you choose. Granite is sited on the units using silicone sealant in random areas of the cabinet tops. Jointing is undertaken using a two part adhesive in a matching colour and again this can be sourced from your chosen supplier. For templating purposes I would advise 6mm MDF Board with clear written instruction of polished edges, cut-out sizes etc. Hope this helps, Tim
April 28, 2004 at 3:52 pm #5338
DaveH	Thanks for your quick reply Tim, and I apologise if part of my first post was not in-keeping with the site. Am I right in understanding that the Granite needs no fixings, either to the units or to adjoining pieces of granite, other than silicone. The weight of the granite and some silicone is enough to keep it in place? To clarify the original question regarding cutting the granite, I can source it pre-cut into 3m worktop lengths with a polished front and ends at a very reasonable price. Is it feasable for me to transfer the template onto the granite and then cut it with a diamond blade in a stihl saw or similar? Any slight discrepencies around the edge (not that there should be any with accurate templating!) will be covered up with the 100x20mm granite upstand. Your honest opinion would be appreciated as this could save me over £1000 if I am able to do the cutting myself.
April 28, 2004 at 8:14 pm #5339
timfoley	Dave, No need to apologise I’m happy that you took my response with the courteousy it was extended. Sorry if I failed to respond fully to your original post. My own knowledge is based on installation and you are correct with your description for granite installation. I will however investigate with a fabricator rearding your query on cutting granite and will post a reponse shortly. My own feeling is that it is entirely feasible and if you are confident enough to achieve this then it will prove to be a substantial saving. I will though, bow to a better judgement and respond when I have an answer. Tim
May 20, 2004 at 10:29 am #5364
tulsamac	Hi, I’d firstly like to say Hi, and thankyou for a very informative and helpful forum. I, like DaveH, planned on installing granite worktops to our new kitchen, but was a little scared by the cost and the need for templating etc. That was, until I visited a local stonemerchants, who have introduced a product that are granite sheets which are only 12mm thick that they supply in kit form. I know what your thinking, I was sceptical about the apearence too, but they really do look good. The installation of this system we saw in their showroom looked very good indeed, and because you’re only working with 12mm thick granite (bedded on water resistant timer/mdf boards) it is a lot easier to cut and handle, they supply all jointing compounds (joints are barely visable) and can even supply you with a diamond blade for your angle grinder if cutting is required. They can also supply matching granite splashbacks. This may not help DaveH, as he has probably installed his tops by now, but maybe give people with future plans of fitting granite worktops another option to consider.
May 20, 2004 at 5:08 pm #5365
timfoley	Tulsamac, Welcome to the forum and thank you for your contribution with regard to a worktop alternative. Unfortunately as the link you provided was to a retail site we have had to edit your post. Our policy is to provide our visitors with informative guides and although the site you linked to has a comprehensive installation guide it is nevertheless a retailer and unless a company we recommend via our links page decides to assist us in maintaining our website, we cannot allow weblinks. We do not have a problem if the company wishes to apply to appear on our pages and will judge all applicants to ensure they offer best value and quality to our visitors. 12mm granite is a cheaper alternative to standard granite but it must be remembered that it is, after all, less than half the guage of a 30mm granite top and is priced accordingly. The number of joints in a large kitchen may pose a problem with a growing number of consumers seeking a seamless finish to the worktop but I am a fan of engineered stone surfaces and would forsake the appearance of a joint to compensate for the durability, classic look and reflective surface of products such as Caesarstone.