Countertop Installation Problems and How to Fix Them

When one observes someone installing countertops, given their materials, it makes the job seem easy. But people do not understand that countertop installation, even cupboards, walls, and floors, aren’t always evenly perfect, leveled, or squared. Professional home and kitchen builders always anticipate that the expected places where these things are to be installed are always imperfect and beyond their control. It will take their skills, years of experience, and knowledge to set these kitchen items in place.

Aside from these experts’ capabilities to see and do things on your behalf, it pays for you also to know some countertop installation problems to understand the process. So, here are some common fitting issues and how to fix them.

Cracks

One of the most typical countertop installation problems is cracks. This usually occurs when the slab is not handled with care or when too much pressure is placed on it. But if the granite or marble countertop only had cracked after they were installed, the chances are that it was placed on an uneven area. If you spot any cracks after installation, inform your countertop installer immediately.

But to avoid this, let the installation experts check every surface first. You’ll see them use a laser level when measuring the surface before installing a new countertop. This will help them identify any imperfections on the surface and will help them formulate a strategy to correct them. You should also clean the countertop surface before installing it carefully.

Incompatible or Mismatched Slabs

This might not be a problem for a household with a tiny kitchen. But this often occurs in kitchens that need more than one slab for a countertop. It could be a slight difference in the color or a different pattern that made the other slab look disjointed and is not pleasing to the eyes. To prevent this from happening, carefully inspect each slab: color and design. Also, ask the installers to provide samples to see the pairs that match well. Because chances are, when the installation is done, and an unpleasant slab appears different from the others, it has to be removed and re-sealed.

Pro Tip: When deciding to install countertops, choose the material that will complement the color of your floor to make the whole kitchen area look continuous.

Sad Seams

Kitchen counters that are professionally installed are often seamless. But despite a good installation job, some people are uncomfortable with the seams in their countertops when installed improperly. The installer may have to remove the countertop and install it again, or he might need to seal the seams.

However, with the growing trend of homeowners preferring the DIY way of installing slabs, this is something they cannot do perfectly. Most end in a surface with unwanted seams. The best and fastest when this happens is to buy an epoxy kit and replace old sealants and fillers for better-looking joints between the slabs.

But if you have the time and resources, hiring a countertop installation professional will minimize the chances of this problem. While it will cost you a bit more, the professional will perform the job efficiently and correctly.

To close, make it a point to discuss these issues with your countertop professional before they begin work. After all, the countertop installation process is more complex than you may realize, and the last thing you want is to spend more money than necessary.

Sources:

https://bestkitchencountertops.com/countertop-installation-issues-every-homeowner-should-know/

https://www.bowenremodeling.com/blog/what-are-some-common-kitchen-countertop-installation-issues/