Installing a black matte granite countertop can be a rewarding experience. I recently took on this project in my own kitchen and let me tell you, it wasn’t just a weekend job. From the outset, the first thing you need to nail down is the exact size of the granite slab. My countertop space measured 120 inches by 25 inches, but I trimmed it down by 2 inches on one side to get a perfect fit. It’s essential to get precise measurements, otherwise, you could end up with gaps or overhangs that can’t be corrected.
Once I had my measurements, I headed to a local granite supplier. It's crucial to choose a supplier with a good reputation. I went with a store that had over 15 years of experience. They guided me through the different types of granite, and I eventually settled on a 2 cm thick black matte granite slab. The cost was around $60 per square foot, which put my total expenditure at just over $700. This might seem steep, but quality materials often come with a higher price tag.
Transportation was the next challenge. Granite slabs are heavy; my slab weighed almost 200 pounds. If you don’t have a vehicle capable of carrying such weight, consider renting a truck. I decided to use a rental truck that cost me an additional $50 for the afternoon. When transporting the granite, always lay it flat to avoid any cracks or breaks. With the truck ready, I enlisted the help of my neighbor to load and unload the slab. It’s not a one-person job; trust me, you’ll need an extra set of hands.
After getting the slab home, the first step was to remove the old countertop. This took about 3 hours and involved unscrewing fasteners and prying the countertop loose with a crowbar. Make sure to turn off any water or electricity connected to appliances. Keep a broom handy because the cleanup can be quite messy. Once the old countertop was removed, I had to check for any uneven areas on the cabinets. I used a carpenter’s level, a must-have tool, to ensure the cabinets were perfectly level before placing the granite slab on top.
If your cabinets aren’t level, shims are your best friend. These small pieces can be wedged between the countertop and the cabinet to correct any imbalances. In my case, there was a 1/8 inch difference in height from one side of the cabinets to the other. Shims fixed this issue quickly. When I was confident the cabinets were level, I applied a bead of silicone sealant along the top edge of the cabinets to adhere the granite to the surface. This silicone acts as a cushion as well as an adhesive, and it cost me about $10 for a good quality tube.
The placement of the granite slab was the most nerve-wracking part. Any misalignment would mean starting over, which was not an option. With the help of my neighbor, we lifted the slab carefully and aligned it with the front edge of the cabinets. Adjusting the slab took a bit of time, around 10 minutes, to get it perfectly in place. Once we were satisfied, we pressed it firmly down to ensure good contact with the silicone sealant.
After placing the granite, the next step was cutting the openings for the sink and cooktop. I borrowed a diamond-tipped saw blade from a buddy who works in construction. These blades are specifically designed for cutting granite and other hard materials. The whole process of cutting took approximately 45 minutes, including measuring and marking the areas to be cut. Cutting granite generates a lot of dust, so make sure to wear safety goggles and a mask to protect yourself.
With the sink and cooktop cutouts done, the next task was to smooth the edges. I used a wet polisher with diamond polishing pads ranging from 100 grit to 3000 grit. This took another 2 hours, but the result was worth it. The edges looked smooth and professionally finished. The wet polisher can be rented from most hardware stores and cost me around $60 for a 24-hour rental.
Sealing the granite is a crucial step that should not be skipped. Granite is porous, and without a good sealant, it can stain or absorb liquids. I used a high-quality granite sealer that promised a five-year protection period. Applying the sealer took about 30 minutes. You have to ensure the surface is clean before application. Spray the sealer evenly and then wipe it with a clean cloth to avoid streaking.
Finally, with the granite sealed, I had to reinstall the sink and cooktop. Reconnecting the plumbing and electrical took me another couple of hours. Double-check all connections to make sure there are no leaks or loose wires. The overall installation from start to finish took me a weekend, but it was entirely doable with some basic tools and an extra pair of hands. The end result? A stunning black matte granite countertop that elevated the look and feel of my kitchen significantly.
For those considering this project, having a clear plan and the right tools is essential. If you’re looking for more options and inspiration, check out this encimera granito negro mate.