countertop fabricator will visit the installation site and take exacting field measurements of the

area to covered, cabinet placement, cabinet tops and leveling of surrounding walls. This process

may use everything from tape measurers and strips of thin wood or plastic to more advanced

means such as photo telemetry or laser measuring. Once the very exact measurements are taken,

a template is created for each countertop either in a hard form (strips of wood or plastic) or in

digital form (computer drawings), from which the creation of the actual countertop will be based on.

Natural stone supports a wide variety of edging, cornering and backsplash options. The straight

edge, bullnose, full bullnose and ogee edges remain the most popular, but custom profiles can

be accommodated by stone (although they may also dramatically affect the price). Backsplashes

must also be specified. Partial backsplashes (4 to 8 inches high) of the same thickness are the

most popular, as a full height backsplash may require the use of an additional slab, increasing the

price and the chances that color and veining will vary.

Sink styles will also have to be known before final cutting. Top mount (self-rimming) and

undermount sinks are used more frequently, but use of a “farmhouse” style sink is also possible.

The undermount design may require auxiliary framing to support the weight. Typical stone

countertops are heavy (up to 600 lbs.) and will require several installers to deliver and set. The

final installation can generally be done in 6 to 8 hours, which will include setting a plywood subtop

and shims if required and possibly metal support rods.

Granite and Other Natural Stone Countertop

Fabrication and Installation