The New Countertop Installation Process: What to Expect

If you want to make a big impact on the look and appeal of your kitchen or bathroom there’s no better way to start than upgrading your countertops.  Countertops make a huge visual impression, especially in a small space. If you’re worried that the process will be overwhelming or complex, you can stop stressing right now! Replacing your old countertops with new stone, quartz or solid surface tops is very straight forward and one of the easier home remodel projects you can do. Here’s what you can expect from the countertop installation process.

kitchen quartz countertops austin texas
New countertops are a simple way to make a huge impact on the look and feel of your kitchen.

Step 1 – Choosing the Right Material for Your Countertops

Deciding on what material you want to use for your new countertops is the first and most important step in your new countertop journey. There are several things you’ll want to consider:

  • Durability
  • Style
  • Cost

How you will the space is a big determining factor in determining which material is best. For example, quartz is a popular choice for kitchens because of its durability. Marble, because it is a softer material, is suggested for installation in low traffic areas such as bathrooms.  Granite or other natural stone is always recommended for outdoor installation.

Our showroom specialists can help you to determine the best material for space depending on your style and budget. We have a large selection of samples and full slabs in our showroom and stone yard for you to choose from.

Step 2 – Design and Installation Considerations

There are a few things you’ll need to consider regarding your countertop installation process. If you are replacing existing countertops, you’ll need to decide who is going to do the demo. You might want to do it yourself or have your contractor do it.  If you would like us to do the demo let us know and we will add it into your bid.

Other considerations include:

  • Sinks
  • Faucets
  • Backsplashes
  • Countertop Edges
  • Plumbing

You can reuse your existing sinks and faucets or upgrade to a new one. AAA Countertops carries several styles of kitchen and bathroom sinks but you are free to use any sink you choose.  One thing to keep in mind is that you will need to schedule a licensed plumber to disconnect and reconnect your sinks plumbing.

Step 3 – The Estimate

Once you’ve picked out a material, we will create a formal estimate for you. In order to give you an accurate measurement we will need the dimensions of your countertops.  If you are replacing old countertops, you can simply measure the existing tops and create a simple dimensioned sketch. If this is a new build, we can use the plans from your builder. These measurements will be used for the creation of the estimate only. We will take precise measurements before we install so its ok if your measurements are a little off.

Your estimate will include the cost for all material and labor. If you are purchasing a sink from us or if you would like us to demo your existing tops, these costs can be included as well.  Review the estimate carefully. If everything looks good, sign the estimate and return it to us and we will schedule step 3……

Step 4 – Laser Measure and Production

We will schedule our laser measure team to come measure your space for your new countertops before we go into production. This can be scheduled either in the morning or the afternoon on whichever day is best for you. Plan on a 4 hour window for them to arrive. The team will call you when they are about 45 minutes out.  Once we have the results from the measure, we will put your job into production.

Step 5 – Fabrication

Fabrication of your new countertops will be done in our shop. We use CNC machines and routers to cut and polish our countertops so this step usually only takes a few days. Once we have started fabricating your countertops we will put you on the schedule for installation.  

If your countertops include sink cut outs we will need your sink onsite in order to accurately template the cut out. If you are getting a sink from us there is nothing you need to do. If you are using your own sink, you will need to drop it off at our shop.

Once your countertops are perfectly cut and polished, they will be ready for installation.

Step 6 – Installation

The day before your countertops are scheduled to be installed, we recommend removing items from your drawers and cabinets. If you don’t want to remove everything, you can alternatively cover your interior items with plastic.  Though not necessary, this will keep your items from getting dusty from the countertop installation process.

AAA Countertop installation crew getting ready to install some countertops!

When your installation crew arrives, they will put down necessary drop cloths and get prepped to install. You can expect the installation process to take a few hours, more or less depending on the same of your job.

If you are having granite countertops installed, the crew will seal them before they leave. Quartz and solid surface countertops never need to be sealed. Learn more about the care of countertops here.

The countertop adhesive takes about 24 hours to cure. We recommend waiting until the adhesive is fully cured and dried before hooking the plumbing back up and using your sinks.

You will need to wait about 24 hours before hooking the plumbing back up.  Other than that, your countertops will be ready for use immediately!   

The countertop installation process can happen in as few as 5-7 days from when we receive your signed quote.  If you’re ready to get started on your new countertop journey, contact us today for a free quote!