Everything You Need to Know About Countertop Installation: From Prep to Finish
Installing new countertops is one of the most rewarding upgrades you can make to your home. The right countertop material and a smooth installation process can dramatically transform the look and function of your space. At Masters Countertops, we’re proud to guide homeowners through every step of the process—from selection to expert installation.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about countertop installation, including:
- How to prepare for countertop installation
- Leveling cabinets before installation
- What to expect on installation day
- How long it takes to install countertops
- Whether countertop installation disrupts daily life
- DIY vs professional countertop installation
Let’s dive in.
How to Prepare for Countertop Installation
Proper preparation ensures a smooth installation process and minimizes potential delays. Here’s how to get your home ready:
1. Clear the Area
Remove any items from the existing countertops, drawers, and cabinets. This includes small appliances, décor, and dishware.
2. Secure Pets and Children
Installation requires heavy lifting, power tools, and adhesives. For safety, keep children and pets away from the work area.
3. Ensure Easy Access
Clear driveways, hallways, and doorways so installers can move large slabs safely into your home.
Leveling Cabinets Before Countertop Installation
Before your countertops can be installed, it’s critical that the cabinets they rest on are properly leveled. Uneven cabinets can cause a range of issues, from cracks in the countertop to improper alignment and long-term damage. Industry standard is for cabinets to be within ¼” level.
Why Cabinet Leveling Matters
Granite, quartz, marble and quartzite countertops are heavy and require stable, level surfaces to support their weight. If the cabinets are not level:
- Seams may not align properly
- Countertops could crack under stress
- Gaps may appear between the stone and cabinetry
- Water pooling or drainage issues could occur
How Professionals Level Cabinets
If adjustments are needed, professionals will typically unscrew the cabinets from the walls and use shims—thin, wedge-shaped pieces of wood or plastic—to raise the cabinets and even out the surface.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re replacing both countertops and cabinets, always have the cabinets installed, leveled, and secured to the wall or floor first. Never install countertops on unanchored or unsecured cabinetry.
What to Expect During a Countertop Installation
Understanding what happens on installation day can help ease any anxiety and ensure you’re prepared.
Step-by-Step Installation Process:
1. Arrival & Setup
Our crew arrives during your scheduled window and begins preparing the space. This includes laying down protective coverings and reviewing the final design. No other trades should be in the area during the installation.
2. Removing Old Countertops (if needed)
If we’re removing existing countertops, this is done first. The old material is carefully detached and removed from the premise.
3. Dry Fitting the New Countertops
The slabs are placed onto the cabinets to ensure a perfect fit before adhesive is applied.
4. Seaming & Joining
If multiple slabs are required, our installers align them precisely using the most advanced vacuum tools for almost invisible seam. Seam adhesive is color-matched to your stone for minimal visibility.
5. Securing the Countertops
Once aligned, we use epoxy and brackets to secure the stone in place.
6. Sink & Cooktop Cutouts
Pre-cut openings for sinks and cooktops are refined as needed, and the sink is often mounted with brackets or clips underneath the countertop.
7. Caulking & Finishing Touches
We apply paintable caulk around backsplashes and silicone around areas that are in contact with water to create a watertight seal. The final product has a perfect finish.
8. Final Clean-Up & Inspection
We clean the workspace and walk you through the finished job. If sealing is required (like with granite), we’ll apply it before leaving.
How Long Does It Take to Replace Countertops?
The timeline for replacing countertops varies based on material, project size, and whether demolition is required.
Typical Timeframes:
- Templating & Design: up to 1 hour
- Fabrication: 5 to 7 business days after templating
- Installation: 2 to 4 hours for an average kitchen
For full kitchen installations, expect a total lead time of 5 to 10 business days from templating to installation. Masters Countertops uses advanced tools like laser measurements and robotic saws to reduce turnaround time without sacrificing precision.
Will Replacing My Countertops Disrupt My Daily Life?
It’s natural to wonder how much a countertop replacement will impact your routine.
Here’s what to expect:
- Temporary Kitchen Disruption: Your kitchen will be unusable on installation day. If a sink or cooktop is involved, you’ll need a plumber to reconnect these—typically the following day.
- Noise & Dust: Installation involves power tools and grinding, which can be noisy. Certain materials require faucet holes and cooktop openings to be cut out on premise, to avoid possible damage to the material during transportation. We minimize dust with vacuum attachments, but it’s a good idea to cover nearby furniture.
- Limited Access: Stay out of the installation area during the process to ensure safety and allow the crew to work efficiently without interruptions.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re installing new countertops in a kitchen, prepare meals in advance or arrange alternative meal plans for installation day and the day after.
Can I Install New Countertops on My Own, or Should I Hire a Professional?
The DIY movement is stronger than ever—but when it comes to installing countertops, especially stone surfaces like granite or quartz, it’s important to understand the risks.
Reasons to Hire a Professional Installer:
- Weight & Safety
A typical granite slab weighs over 250 pounds. Lifting and maneuvering it without the right equipment and experience is dangerous and may cause injury or damage. - Precision & Tools
Professional installation involves specialized supplies and tools to ensure proper fit and finish. These tools are very expensive and most DIY-ers do not have them. - Seam Visibility
Professionals color-match seams and ensure they’re nearly invisible. DIY jobs often result in poor quality seam placement or obvious lines. - Warranty Coverage
Most granite and quartz warranties are only valid if the product is installed by a certified professional. - Costly Mistakes
Incorrect measuring, cutting errors, or uneven installation can lead to broken slabs and expensive re-dos.
Should I Install Countertops Myself?
Unless you’re installing lightweight laminate or butcher block in a DIY-friendly project, we don’t recommend installing stone countertops on your own.
Even experienced contractors often outsource this part of the project to countertop specialists because of the expertise and equipment required. Masters Countertops offers affordable, fast, and precise installation so your investment lasts for decades.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Installation Experience
✔️ Do Not Have Other Trades in the Area
To ensure a safe, efficient installation, avoid scheduling other trades (like plumbers, electricians, or flooring installers) to work in the same space during countertop installation.
✔️ Check for Structural Support
Large overhangs, especially for breakfast bars or islands, may need added support. We’ll advise you during your consultation.
Why Choose Masters Countertops for Your Countertop Project
At Masters Countertops, we combine old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology to deliver flawless countertop installations. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Fully automated, high-precision fabrication
- Digital laser measurements for perfect templating
- Robotic saws and CNC machines for accuracy
- Eco-friendly processes that reduce water usage by 95%
- Huge inventory of granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite
- Friendly, expert installers who treat your home with care
📍 Visit our showroom at 363 Alice Street in Wheeling, IL, or request a fast, free quote online.
Final Thoughts
Installing new countertops is a powerful way to refresh and elevate your living space—whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, home bar, or beyond. With the right materials, skilled installation, and thoughtful planning, you’ll enjoy lasting beauty, functionality, and value. At Masters Countertops, we make the process smooth, affordable, and tailored to your vision.
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