Do it yourself granite countertops

dalemercier · 02-26-2009, 09:37 PM

Hi Iam thinking of buying precut to my sizes granite countertops. I would do the installation myself . With watching youtube and doing some reading on it , I think i could doit.But I have two options on grainte one is 2cm with edge and the other is thinner 1/2" with edges for 1 1/4 thinkness. I will be doing a surface mount sink,not under. So if i went with the thinner one you would not know. I will have to do two seams with epoxy that they will give me to match color of the countertop. I will also be cutting out for the sink but no polishing of edges
So what do you think about this

Bob Mariani · 02-27-2009, 06:48 AM

if you have the tools you can do it. Need something to hold the seams together until the epoxy sets. Maybe you can rent a vacuum clamp needed. The sink can be cut out with a 4" grinder (inside cuts) and a 5" saw both with diamond blades. I would not go with the thinner granite.

dalemercier · 02-27-2009, 04:48 PM

The thicker granite will cost me $800 more . Will the thinner one crack after it is down or is moving it before it is dowm the problem. Clamp the seam I am still not to sure about how to to that. I was thinking of two suckion cups that are one handle like the ones to help with moveing glass.

Bob Mariani · 02-27-2009, 05:09 PM

mostly be careful with handling. And what is done for the edges with thin materials? Those clamps will work, but two are not enough. Use at least four. You want a tight seam evenly held in place.

Scuba_Dave · 02-27-2009, 06:19 PM

Every kitchen I have ever been in people sit on the counter tops
I wouldn't want thin granite for that reason
2 cm = a little over 3/4"

The granite I just installed is 1 1/4" thick

buletbob · 02-27-2009, 06:28 PM

I have been seeing this a lot lately, the 1/2" thick stone. I was surprised thinking it would crack, but further investigating they lay it on top of 3/4" plywood. But still I prefer the thicker stone as long as the floor will support it. a center Island top that is. BOB.

dalemercier · 02-27-2009, 09:57 PM

The installation instructions I have from the company that sell the 1/2" granite , is to use 3/4 MDF for decking. It sayed that MDF is the preferred material in that it lays flat and to use L brackets to give extra support in the dishwasher area.Now about leveling the stone by using countertop laminate shims or small pieces of foam. Then epoxy glue dots 18 inches apart. Does any of that sound right.

buletbob · 02-28-2009, 07:14 AM

I Don't want to say the manufacture is correct or wrong. But MDF would be better then ply wood, as its much more smoother and flatter then plywood. the only problem I have with it ,is it does not hold up to water. and with a surface mount sink you have to be careful to make sure its sealed, caulk correctly.
Are they telling you to shim the MDF, or to shim the stone to the MDF?
I would shim the MDF and check it with some good straight edges, then epoxy the stone down to the MDF as they suggested. and make sure you off set the seam in the MDF from the seem in the stone.

BOB

Bob Mariani · 02-28-2009, 07:54 AM

MDF stays flat if you buy quality MDF.. the stuff at home centers is poor quality. Order from a plywood vendor. Or even use MDO.. I has the strength of plywood, will stay flat like MDF and is water resistant and the same surface as MDF.... Best thing to use for this purpose.

dalemercier · 02-28-2009, 08:34 AM

I will look into where I can buy MDO. Now about clamping the seam while the glue is drying.What is the best glue for holding down the stone. My instructions say Laticrete 310 epoxy , liquid nails , slear silisone or PL construction glue.

Bob Mariani · 02-28-2009, 10:38 AM

The epoxy is the strongest but all will work. Epoxy has the lower working time but you do not need much time. Dry set everything and be sure your seams are ready to go. Set the epoxy in the seams after taping the top edges of each seam. Have the clamps ready to go. Then glue the top of the MDO and set the stone.

loki791 · 02-28-2009, 03:53 PM

Before deciding on granite, check out this article in the New York Times about the poisonous radon gas that can be emitted from granite countertops. January was designated National Radon Month by the EPA, which has stated that you need to "fix the home if the radon level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher". You can test your countertop for radon (and your entire home, namely the basement, where exposure to granitic rock in the topsoil can make the radon level high) using home kits, but these kits are not failsafe. So I would recommend getting a home inspector in there to test your countertop and basement. Radon is clear and odorless and is a carcinogenic substance. I have a granite countertop and I'm now looking to replace it with a sustainable wood. Good luck.

Scuba_Dave · 02-28-2009, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loki791

Before deciding on granite, check out this article in the New York Times about the poisonous radon gas that can be emitted from granite countertops. January was designated National Radon Month by the EPA, which has stated that you need to "fix the home if the radon level is 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher". You can test your countertop for radon (and your entire home, namely the basement, where exposure to granitic rock in the topsoil can make the radon level high) using home kits, but these kits are not failsafe. So I would recommend getting a home inspector in there to test your countertop and basement. Radon is clear and odorless and is a carcinogenic substance. I have a granite countertop and I'm now looking to replace it with a sustainable wood. Good luck.

Have you tested it?
Have you tested your house?

loki791 · 02-28-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

Have you tested it?
Have you tested your house?

No I haven't - I am doing research on it now. Either will buy a radon home testing kit or get a profession home inspector. The take home kits are the cheaper way to go, but I've read that they can be flaky.

Bob Mariani · 02-28-2009, 04:41 PM

reliable reports also state that the amount of radon possible to be released from a slab of granite in your home cannot hurt you.

02-26-2009, 09:37 PM	#1
dalemercier Newbie Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 9	Do it yourself granite countertops Hi Iam thinking of buying precut to my sizes granite countertops. I would do the installation myself . With watching youtube and doing some reading on it , I think i could doit.But I have two options on grainte one is 2cm with edge and the other is thinner 1/2" with edges for 1 1/4 thinkness. I will be doing a surface mount sink,not under. So if i went with the thinner one you would not know. I will have to do two seams with epoxy that they will give me to match color of the countertop. I will also be cutting out for the sink but no polishing of edges So what do you think about this

02-27-2009, 06:48 AM	#2
Bob Mariani Remodeling Contractor Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sandy Hook, CT Posts: 3,590	Do it yourself granite countertops if you have the tools you can do it. Need something to hold the seams together until the epoxy sets. Maybe you can rent a vacuum clamp needed. The sink can be cut out with a 4" grinder (inside cuts) and a 5" saw both with diamond blades. I would not go with the thinner granite.

02-27-2009, 04:48 PM	#3
dalemercier Newbie Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 9	Do it yourself granite countertops The thicker granite will cost me $800 more . Will the thinner one crack after it is down or is moving it before it is dowm the problem. Clamp the seam I am still not to sure about how to to that. I was thinking of two suckion cups that are one handle like the ones to help with moveing glass.

02-27-2009, 05:09 PM	#4
Bob Mariani Remodeling Contractor Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sandy Hook, CT Posts: 3,590	Do it yourself granite countertops mostly be careful with handling. And what is done for the edges with thin materials? Those clamps will work, but two are not enough. Use at least four. You want a tight seam evenly held in place.

02-27-2009, 06:19 PM	#5
Scuba_Dave Xtreme DIY'r Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: South of Boston, MA Posts: 17,248	Do it yourself granite countertops Every kitchen I have ever been in people sit on the counter tops I wouldn't want thin granite for that reason 2 cm = a little over 3/4" The granite I just installed is 1 1/4" thick Last edited by Scuba_Dave; 02-27-2009 at 07:50 PM. Reason: sp

Do it yourself granite countertops