Quartz Countertop Installation

Quartz Countertop Installation: Step-By-Step Guide

Have you ever thought about how quartz countertops are made? They’re a bit different from marble or granite, which are cut straight from quarries around the world. Quartz countertops, while made from natural quartz, are actually considered engineered countertops. That’s because they’re not taken directly from nature—they’re carefully manufactured to get that polished and stylish look you see in kitchens and bathrooms.

One of the benefits of quartz being manufactured is that customers can customize it much more than granite or marble.
Another benefit is that it is typically cheaper than granite or marble. Please continue reading to learn more about how quartz countertops are made and how they become part of your kitchen or bathroom decor.

Space preparation is key

Whether you hire a team associated with a revered quartz countertop supplier in your vicinity or any leading quartz manufacturer in India, the team of professionals will begin the quartz countertop installation project by preparing the space. This is an essential step as it not only puts the project on the fast track but at the same time, allows the project to be completed without wasting any resources and materials.
In this context, a space preparation checklist usually consists of the following –

  • The flooring needs to be finished
  • The paint on the walls surrounding the countertop should be dry
  • All plumbing and electrical work should be completed and
  • Space should be properly lit up using project lighting equipment.

Quartz countertop installation guide: 

Start by getting the right quartz countertop for your space

Quartz countertops are available in a variety of colors and patterns. Before installing the countertops, you want to ensure you pick a color and pattern that matches the aesthetics of your home. With seemingly endless quartz countertop color options, you’ll have much to consider in your decision process. You must also work through the type of edging, cut-outs, and backsplash that you want. It is important to have a clear vision of how your space should look after the quartz countertop installation. Passing on clear instructions and expectations to the fabricator will help eliminate any disappointments.  

Prep your space :

Before you schedule your quartz countertop installation, make sure your space is ready. This helps avoid delays and extra costs. Many new homeowners assume that only the cabinets matter for installing quartz countertops, but there’s more to it.

To make the process smooth, finish the flooring, let the wall paint dry, and complete any plumbing or electrical work before installation. Being prepared will save you time and hassle!

Measure the size of the cabinets before purchasing your quartz slabs

Using a measuring tape, get precise cabinet top measurements. This is the most essential step prior to installation. Overestimating or underestimating your quartz slab’s size can lead to inaccurate cuts and wasted quartz. Remember to carefully measure for the sink opening as well to ensure your quartz slab comes with an accurately sized space for the sink.  

Dry fit the quartz slab

Once you receive your quartz slab, fit it on the countertop by placing each slab in the installation area. This process is referred to as dry fitting and ensures that each piece of slab fits perfectly into its space without leaving spaces or gaps. Although dry fitting is a simple procedure, it will require assistance from a friend or contractor since quartz slabs tend to be heavy.  

Mark precise cut lines on the quartz and shape it to the countertop 

After dry fitting, you may need to make adjustments to fit the space exactly. If you find that the slab needs to be cut or trimmed, mark the regions with a straight edge and pencil, starting with the top and following with the bottom. Mark the area on all four sides of the slab for the most accurate cut.

Use your diamond masonry blade attached to your power saw to saw along the marked regions

Your blade depth should be half the thickness of your quartz slab. To ensure you work with a steady surface, use your left hand to hold the slab as your right-hand moves the saw along each pencil mark. Ensure that the diamond blade teeth point in the opposite direction of the quartz slab and repeat on all ends. To prevent the quartz from overheating damage, remove the blade every 30 seconds or use wet diamond cutting tools.

You can now attach your quartz countertop

If you remove your kitchen sink while taking out the old countertop, make sure to reinstall it before putting in the new quartz countertop. To protect your cabinets, use tape along their top edges. Covering the tops of the cabinets is important because it prevents the silicone adhesive from touching the edges.

Use ledgers to boost low cabinet support

Quartz countertops are heavy and weigh 25 pounds per square foot. Although they are fully functional even when placed on top of the cabinets with no support, adding support to weak-looking regions is paramount. Ensure you also install ledgers with screws and an electric drill to provide added support. 

Apply silicone adhesive in beads on the cabinet

You can start with 2-3 inches of adhesive on the cabinet corners and slowly work around the cabinet. To ensure that the quartz is securely held, space each adhesive bead by 6-12 inches. Do not wait for the adhesive to dry to remove the painter’s tape as it will be more difficult.  

Seal visible joints 

Even after a dry fitting, you may observe visible joints between the quartz slabs. To seal the joints, use painter’s tape to cover the surrounding surface. Apply an adhesive into the joints and let it dry. Remember to remove the painter’s tape before the adhesive dries.  

Can I Customize Quartz Countertops?

One of the wonderful things about quartz countertops is that they are much more customizable than marble or granite. Quartz is naturally white, but it’s mixed with pigments during the creation process to give it color. So, if customers want quartz customized to their liking, they pick different colors. As a result, there is a myriad of color choices ranging from pink to blue.

Another way that customers can customize their countertops is by changing the edging. There are several edges to choose from, including straight edge, half bevel edge, quarter round edge, and ogee, to name a few.

Finally, another way that customers can customize their quartz countertops is by the finish. Many choose to get a polished finish which is a shiny look. However, not all customers want a glossy look. Therefore, they opt for a matte finish that is honed or textured. Or they may choose a more rustic leather finish.