DIY Network

Blog Cabin: Granite Countertops and Distressed-Finish Bench The country kitchen in DIY's Blog Cabin gets some modern enhancement with the installation of granite countertops. Also, tips on creating a distressed look on wood furnishings. From "Blog Cabin" episode DBLG-108

DIY's online voters wanted granite countertops, and the Blog Cabin team grants their wish. Host Amy Devers stops by a local granite fabricator to pick out our cabin’s countertops and get a quick rundown on how it’s fabricated. After a harrowing trip down the mountain, the granite countertops are installed in the cabin's kitchen.

In a second project, Amy and cabin contractors Chris and Simon Hodshon team up to make some rustic seating for the cabin's dining room table.

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Country Kitchen: Countertops

Materials:

granite
countertop material
sealants

• Note: Granite was the countertop material selected for this installation. There are many other types of countertop material to choose from including wood, sealed concrete, marble, composite, etc. The type(s) of sealant you use will be determined by your choice of countertop material. For this project, with granite as the chosen countertop, we used four kinds of sealant: a temporary sealant, a thick clear silicone applied beneath, a color-matched seal for visible seams and a final sealing spray.

Tools:

measuring tape
level
tools for cutting countertops

• Note: The type of cutting tools used will also depend on your choice of countertop material. This project necessitated that the stone be cut by professionals.

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure D

Selecting Your Countertop Material

Choose your preferred material. This project calls for installing granite countertops, which may call for consulting with a professional for help on certain aspects. Some countertops are best left to the pros, who have the proper tools and technology and will measure and cut these large pieces with laser precision. But countertops can be made of many different materials and once correctly cut are installed using the same steps. Once you decide what materials you are going to use for your countertops, check with the manufacturer for their suggested installation techniques.

Granite Countertops Installation

• Prepare for your countertops by measuring the cabinet layout (figure A) and making a template to follow for later installation. Get hard measurements on things that are square and plumb, and soft measurements for areas that may need adjusting, such as the sink (figure B).
  • Note : Allow an inch to an inch and a half for the overhang of the countertop on islands and exposed edges of cabinets (figure C). For pieces that will butt up against large appliances, subtract 1/16th of an inch to allow for easy install and removal. If you've enlisted the help of professionals for installation, they will likely do the measuring themselves.
  
  

• With your measurements, either cut the materials yourself, or make sure you've provided your chosen professionals with the correct measurements (figure D) so they can cut the material.

• Remove cabinet drawers for a faster install process.

• Since you've already measured and prepped the cabinets, carefully bring your countertop material inside and place it onto the designated cabinet or island top and make sure they fit properly into place.
  • Note : This serves as a dry fit to make sure all of the pieces were cut properly before adhering anything to your countertops.
  
  

• After setting the countertops in place, check for level (figure E) and shim any necessary areas (figure F).
  • Note :This step will be dependent on what materials you've chosen for your countertops.
  
  

  Figure E

  Figure F

  
  

  	Figure G
  	Figure H

• When all pieces are level, secure your countertop with your manufacturer's preferred adhesive (figure G).
  • Note : On some materials, such as granite, there is a temporary sealant to be applied prior to (but in conjunction with) using the stronger adhesives.

• When attaching stone to wood, as we did, use a silicone adhesive to adhere the granite to the wood cabinets. This gives proper cushioning and provides enough strength to keep the granite in place. Continue to adhere all countertops to cabinets and island.

• After securing your countertop into place, seal the seams with color-matching silicon (figure H).
  • Note : If one side is higher, knock it down into place while protecting the countertop material.

• Give it a final seal with spray sealant. (Type of sealant depends on materials and manufacturer's suggestions)

• Remove any excess sealant with solvent and carefully cut away any excess that isn't easily removable.

• After completing the countertop installation, replace cabinet drawers.

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