Materials recommended for Installation

• Skilsaw brand saw (worm drive), or equivalent, to cut the granite
• 7” Diamond blade
• Marble & Granite Mortar mix or Thinset to adhere granite to plywood
• Sponge and bucket or garden hose
• Masking tape
• Color caulk-ceramic for use as a water barrier between the backsplash and the wall and between the countertop and the backsplash
• Caulk finishing tool
• 2 part Epoxy for seams
• Hardener to mix with epoxy
• Single-edge razor blades to remove excess epoxy from seams
• 511 Impregnator, or equivalent granite sealer
  

Installation Process

• For new cabinets, use ¾” plywood as a sub-top for granite countertops. Cut the plywood to fit the top of the cabinets with no overhang. (Note: For 24” wide cabinets, the plywood sub-top will be 24” wide.) For existing cabinets, remove only what is necessary for a clean and flat surface. Laminate countertops usually can be left in place and the granite fitted on top of the laminate. If you do this, remember to sand the laminate (#80 sand paper) to allow for a rougher sub-top surface for the granite to properly adhere to.
  
  
• Take measurements of the plywood sub-top to determine the cuts for the granite countertops. Apply masking tape to the granite top surface and draw cutting lines with a pen and straight edge. Masking tape allows the line to be visible while cutting as water runs over the granite. Always start cutting from the top, or polished side of the granite to ensure a true fit with no chipping.
  
  
• Allow the blade to cut smoothly through the granite; do not push the blade; rather, apply moderate and consistent pressure. Complete 4 passes at ¼” depth while cutting granite. While cutting granite, a wet sponge or garden hose running over the surface allows for smoother cutting with few dust emissions. Take your time. (NOTE: Remember, the blade is 1/16” wide so cut to one side of your marked line to allow for blade width.) Use a guide, or rail, for straight cuts. Backsplash pieces work well as a rail. Hold the backsplash in place with clamps on both sides.
  
  
• Fit granite countertop into place after cutting to measure for the fit. Remember, if you are using our granite backsplash and your walls are not straight, you may have up to a 3/4” gap between the countertops and the wall. This gap will be covered up by the 1” thickness of the granite backsplash. Take the next measurement from that recently cut granite countertop and cut the next adjoining piece.
  
  
• Fit all granite countertops into place. Apply the mortar mix on the underside of the granite with a ¼” trowel and adhere it to plywood sub-top. Mix the mortar to a very thick consistency to allow for leveling adjacent countertops. If the granite countertops are not level with each other, lift the countertops in place on their back edge (the countertop is now at a 30 degree angle). Apply more mortar to areas needed to level and gently lower the countertop back into place. This may require multiple mortar applications.
  
  
• After all countertops are secure, you can begin fitting your backsplash pieces into place. Follow the above instructions.
  
  
• When the countertops and backsplash are in place and secured, begin placing epoxy or caulk into the seams. If you use Epoxy it hardens in approximately 5-10 minutes, so mix only enough for instant application. Check that the color of the epoxy blends to your liking with the granite countertop before you apply it in the seams. Mix 10 parts color matched epoxy to 1 part hardener and begin to apply to seams. Use razor blades and Acetone to remove any excess epoxy. If you are using Caulk, apply a thin bead between granite countertop and the backsplash. Also, apply a thin bead between the wall and the top edge of the backsplash. Use a caulk finisher to smooth the caulk.
  
  
• After the installation is complete, the moisture from the mortar (between the plywood sub top and granite countertops) will dissipate through the top of the granite; creating a “wet” look. This moisture usually requires 2-4 days to dissipate, depending on room temperature. After the“wet” look disappears, apply the granite sealer to the entire countertop surface with a white paper towel. Let the sealer dry for 24 hours before using your new granite countertop.
  
  
• The ¾” plywood underneath your granite countertop can be covered with ¾” wood trim to match your
  cabinets.
  
  
• Job well done!