Planning for a Countertop Installation
To give you a better idea about what is involved in a countertop installation, here are the various steps you can take to be prepared.
The countertop specialists at Natural Stone City can walk you through the entire process and help you select and install the perfect countertop for your space. Contact us today to get started.
Countertop Installation
1) Plan Your Budget
*Above countertop by Caesarstone
When planning for a countertop installation, start by setting your budget.
Here are some things to take into consideration when setting a budget for your countertop installation:
Research the Cost Range:
Begin setting your budget by researching the types of stone countertops available (granite, marble, quartz, etc.) and their average costs per square foot. This will give you a ballpark figure of what you can expect to spend.
Prioritize Needs vs. Wants:
When budgeting for your countertop installation, distinguishing between needs and wants can help you prioritize your spending. Here's a breakdown:
Needs
Functionality: Ensure the countertop meets your functional requirements. It should be durable and able to withstand the intended use (e.g., cooking, food prep, etc.).
Quality Material: Invest in a material known for its durability and longevity, like granite or quartz. Consider the maintenance requirements of each material as well.
Proper Size: Measure the space accurately to ensure you're purchasing the right size countertop that fits your kitchen or desired area.
Installation: Budget for professional installation to ensure the countertop is properly fitted and installed securely.
Wants
Aesthetic Preferences: Colour, pattern, and texture choices fall under wants. These aspects might influence the overall look of your kitchen but might not significantly affect functionality.
Specific Brand or Designer: If you have a preference for a particular designer or brand known for luxury or specific styles, this might be a want rather than a need.
Special Features or Customization: Extras like built-in lighting, unique edge profiles, or customized designs are generally wants that can elevate the countertop's appearance but may not be essential.
Additional Accessories: Consider whether you need add-ons like backsplashes, integrated sinks, or decorative elements. These can add to the overall cost but might not be essential for the basic functionality of the countertop.
Flexibility in your wants can help manage expenses while still achieving an aesthetically pleasing result.
Get Multiple Quotes:
Reach out to different suppliers or contractors to get quotes. Compare the prices, materials offered, and services included in their quotes.
Consider Additional Costs:
*Above countertop is by Caesarstone
Additional costs like adding a backsplash can add up quickly.
It is also a good idea to ask about any additional expenses like the following:
Installation
Backsplash
Sealing
Removal of old countertops
Taxes
Delivery charges
These can significantly impact your budget, so you should factor them into your calculations.
Set a Contingency Fund:
You should also allocate a small percentage of your budget for unexpected costs that might arise during the installation process.
Future Maintenance Costs:
Consider the long-term maintenance costs associated with different types of stone countertops. Some require more maintenance than others, which might affect your overall expenditure over time. Different stone countertop materials have varying levels of porosity, which determines their susceptibility to staining and their need for sealing. Here's a breakdown:
Materials Requiring Sealing:
Granite: This natural stone is porous and typically requires sealing. It's recommended to reseal granite countertops every 1-3 years, depending on usage and the specific sealer used.
Marble: Marble is more porous and prone to staining, so it generally needs sealing more frequently, around every 6-12 months, to maintain its appearance.
Travertine: Like marble, travertine is porous and susceptible to staining, so regular sealing every 6-12 months is advisable.
Materials That Do Not Require Sealing:
Quartz: Engineered quartz countertops, made from crushed quartz and resin, are non-porous and do not require sealing. They are highly stain-resistant.
Soapstone: This dense and non-porous stone is naturally resistant to staining, and sealing is usually unnecessary. Some homeowners might choose to apply mineral oil to enhance its appearance, but it's not for protection against stains.
Slate: Slate is relatively non-porous and doesn't require frequent sealing. Occasional sealing may be done for some types, but it's less common compared to granite or marble.
Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific countertop material. Additionally, even though some materials may not require sealing, it's essential to promptly clean spills to prevent potential staining or damage to the surface.
2) Establish a Timeline
*Above countertops are by Caesarstone
Find a countertop installation company that has a quick turnaround time.
If you are doing a renovation or building a new home, timelines can be very tricky to manage. If you need your countertop quickly, you should choose a fabricator that will be able to give you a fast turnaround time.
Many stone fabricators can take as long as 12 to 16 weeks to install a countertop for you. That's not the case with Natural Stone City. The entire process can be completed in a week because we do everything ourselves, from selection to installation all in-house.
We know that you want your countertops installed as quickly as possible, that's why we strive to make this process as fast and as seamless as possible. You can come into our warehouse on a Monday and by Friday your beautiful new countertop will be installed in your home.
3) Research Materials and Colours
When planning for a countertop installation, the choice of materials and colours may seem overwhelming.
Materials:
Granite countertops have a unique and stunning natural beauty.
There are several popular stone countertop materials available, each with its unique characteristics in terms of durability, appearance, maintenance, and cost. Here are some of the most common options:
Granite: Known for its durability and natural beauty, granite comes in various colours and patterns. It's resistant to scratches and heat but requires sealing to prevent staining.
Marble: Loved for its elegant appearance and veined patterns, marble is softer than granite and more prone to scratching and staining. Regular sealing and careful maintenance are essential.
Quartz: Engineered quartz countertops are made by combining natural quartz with resins and pigments. They are durable, non-porous, resistant to stains, and require minimal maintenance.
Engineered Stone: Apart from quartz, there are other engineered stone options available that combine crushed stone (such as marble, quartz, or granite) with resins. These offer durability, a wide range of colours, and low maintenance.
Each stone type has its pros and cons in terms of aesthetics, durability, maintenance, and cost. Consider your preferences, lifestyle, and maintenance capabilities when choosing the right stone material for your countertop.
Colours:
Natural Stone City has every colour you want and more!
Stone countertops come in a wide array of colours, each with its own appeal. Some of the most popular colours across different types of stone countertops include:
White: White countertops offer a timeless and clean look that complements various kitchen designs. White marble, quartz, or granite can create a bright and spacious feel.
Grey: Grey countertops are versatile and can range from light to dark shades. Grey granite or quartz often adds a modern and sophisticated touch to a kitchen or bathroom.
Black: Black countertops, whether in granite, quartz, or soapstone, provide a striking and elegant appearance. They can create a bold contrast in a kitchen or bathroom design.
Beige/Tan: Neutral tones like beige or tan in various stone materials offer warmth and versatility. These colours can blend well with different design schemes and provide a timeless look.
Brown: Brown countertops, especially in granite or quartz, can add warmth to a kitchen. They come in various shades, from lighter tans to deep chocolate browns.
Blue: Blue-hued stone countertops, although less common, can make a statement in a kitchen or bathroom. Blue quartzite or certain types of granite offer unique and striking aesthetics.
Green: Green-toned stone countertops, like certain types of marble or granite, bring a natural and earthy feel to the space. They can vary from subtle hues to more vibrant shades.
Ultimately, the popularity of specific colours can vary based on design trends, personal preferences, and the overall style of the kitchen or bathroom. The choice of colour should complement the space and your aesthetic preferences while considering factors like maintenance and durability.
4) Visit a Showroom to View Options in Person
Try to visit a warehouse so you can see full-sized slabs of stone.
Many countertop fabricators will show you small samples, but it is difficult to visualize what your countertop will actually look like from such a small piece. If possible, it is better if you can visit a warehouse to see full-sized slabs of stone so you can better imagine what your finished countertop will look like.
At the Natural Stone City warehouse we have over 1,000 slabs of stone in a vast array of different colours and materials ready to be viewed by you. Our experienced stone countertop specialists are ready to help match the perfect countertop with your vision for your dream space.
Natural Stone City is a fabricator of natural stone countertops. We sell and install:
Granite countertops
Quartz countertops
Marble countertops
Quartzite countertops
Laptitec stone countertops
We can help you find the perfect stone countertop for any space in your home including kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces and more.
5) Make Your Selection
*Above countertop by Caesarstone
Choose a countertop that will last for years like white quartz or grey quartzite.
When making your selection, you want to keep in mind that you will want your countertop to last for many years. Try to choose one in a neutral tone that won’t go out of style quickly and a high-quality material that will look great even after many years of use.
At Natural Stone City we understand that you will want your countertop to look current for a long time. That is why we are always trying to stay on top of what are the most popular countertop colours and we try to bring in stock that corresponds to the latest styles and trends.
Many people are thinking about the future and are looking for a countertop that will remain current and not look dated over the next 15 years, so that is why our warehouse is full of the most up-to-date stone looks.
6) Find Installers
Natural Stone City will do every step of your countertop installation process for you.
It is a good idea to choose a countertop installation company that does everything in-house. This will make the entire process go much smoother as you will be dealing with the same people from start to finish.
To give you a better idea about what would be involved with a countertop installation done by a fabricator that does every step of the process, here are the various steps that Natural Stone City takes once you have chosen your perfect slab.
Step 1:
Once you choose your perfect countertop slab in our warehouse we will send someone to your home to take laser measurements of your cabinets so that your countertops will fit your space exactly.
Step 2:
We will then return to our facility with your measurements and take the slab you have chosen and put it on a green screen. Once it comes off the green screens our expert programmers will view your photos and will be able to select your layout matching the veins perfectly with the computers programmed with our CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine.
Our CNC machines are all computer generated. This means that the measurements, vein matching and cuts will be done with extreme precision and your resulting fit will be perfect. You can watch this process in the above video.
Step 3:
Your slab will be precisely cut and polished by state-of-the-art machinery. It is then ready to be installed by our countertop specialists. This entire process can be done in as little as one week!
Natural Stone City Has Every Colour You Want and More!
Come visit our Kitchener warehouse at 2188 Shirley Drive, Kitchener, ON N2B 0A6
Natural Stone City has the largest selection of Granite, Marble, and Quartz in Southern Ontario, with over 100 colour options. You can choose from standard colours to super exotic options, shipped directly from Italy, Brazil and around the world. We carefully select each one, keeping the satisfaction of our customers in mind.
When you buy from Natural Stone City you’ll get:
Better value for your dollar
Any colour you want and more
Help from our knowledgeable staff who are experienced stone countertop specialists
Contact us today and we will help you choose the perfect countertop for your home.
What Our Customers Are Saying…
“NSC exceeded all my expectations. I had no idea that most places provide a free sink when you order a countertop from them. Since I had a custom vanity made (custom size) I ordered the sink when I had the vanity done. Some places (Lowe's) even refused to deal with me and their associate walked away from me when I said I wanted to use my own sink. Natural Stone City said "No problem!"
Everyone from NSC I dealt with was very professional and courteous, and it was obvious that they care about their customers. As a result, everything went without a hitch and the entire process was very smooth and stress-free. If I decide to redo my kitchen countertops I will go to NSC again.
P.S. Special thanks to Maria D.”
— Alena C.
