MARVA Blog

Preparing For A Countertop Installation

Preparing For A Countertop Installation

March 28, 2018

The process of installing new natural stone surfaces from MARVA® will vary, depending on the fabricator (installer) that you select. This process is fairly simple; however, you should expect your kitchen to be out of commission for about two to six days, while the installation takes place.


In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of implementing new countertops in your home -- from choosing a surface, to customization options and then, ultimately, the final installation.

Choosing Your New Stone

Homeowners During MARVA® Pre-Selection Process

The first step in the process is determining the best type of stone for your new countertops. With several natural stone products to choose from – granite, marble, quartzite, or perfected-by-technology surfaces – there’s a material available to meet every performance and style need.

Some of the options offered by MARVA® include:

Granite

This type of stone is a go-to for homeowners seeking both beauty and durability. Granite can stand up to water, mild abrasions, and heavy traffic with little wear and low maintenance. In a kitchen, granite is ideal for areas that will be exposed to pooling water, like around a sink. Additionally, since granite is bacteria-resistant, there’s no need for the harsh cleaners; soapy water is all you need to wipe away any dust or dirt.

Marble

Marble is a classic option for an upscale look that can be adapted to nearly any design style. It exudes elegance and sophistication, and can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.

Neolith Sintered Compact Surfaces

Neolith surfaces combine the very best natural raw material with state-of-the-art technology to create high-tech, durable slabs that are resistant to scratching, stains, extreme temperature, moisture, chemicals, and more. For the hardcore home chefs, Neolith opens new possibilities to experiment in the kitchen without worrying about damage. The thin and lightweight nature of Neolith slabs - weighing only 3.5 lbs/sq ft in the 6mm thickness, and 7 lbs/sq ft in the 12mm thickness – is perfect for anyone seeking a minimalist interior. Home cooks can prepare food directly on the surface, without fear of scratches or etching (bye bye, cutting boards!), and then easily clean up afterward, since the nonporous surface won’t absorb bacteria-harboring liquids or harsh cleaners.

Cambria Quartz

Cambria takes the best of natural stone and enhances its durability, making it a perfect surface for modern life. Made of 93% natural quartz, one of the hardest minerals on Earth, and 7% resin, Cambria products are rated a 7 out of 10 on the Mohs scale, so their surfaces are unlikely to crack or scratch. Cambria surfaces are maintenance-free – they never need to be sealed or reconditioned, and cleaning requires no more than a warm, soapy cloth. They’re also heat-resistant, so the design won’t fade when exposed to high or prolonged temperatures; however, we always recommend the use of trivets before placing down hot pots. Another benefit to Cambria is that the designs are consistent, and can easily be matched for future remodels.


Choosing A Design

MARVA® Richmond, VA Stone Yard

There is an incredible selection of natural stones at any of MARVA®’s five showroom locations, featuring vast rows of granite, marble, quartzite, Cambria, and Neolith slabs to pick from.

There are several factors involved in choosing a countertop design, including the desired aesthetic of your interior, lifestyle, budget, availability of the design, and more.

Classic designs like white marble or black granite, or comparable options from Neolith and Cambria, offer a timeless, chic look, while colorful designs make a bold statement in your home. MARVA®’s Galleria Consultants can offer advice when it comes to choosing the best stone for your style and needs.

Once you have discovered the right design, be sure to take a sample home, so you’re able to fully envision how it would fit into your space. Lighting, cabinet colors, flooring, and other factors can impact the way a design looks in your space compared to the showroom, which means that having a sample can help paint a full picture of your surface’s place in the kitchen.


Customize Your Countertop

MARVA® Worker Polishing Stone Slab

Once you’ve selected a design, it’s time to decide on an edge profile and finish for your countertops. There a few finish options available for natural stone, Cambria, and Neolith surfaces, including leathered, matte, and high-gloss.

Polished

All of MARVA®’s products offer an option for a glossy, polished finish that reflects light. To create this, the slab is ground, sanded, and buffed until a perfectly smooth, reflective surface is born. In addition to creating a rich gleam, a high-gloss finish helps the stone repel stains and clean easily.

Matte

Also known as honed (for natural stones), Cambria Matte (for Cambria quartz), and Silk or Satin (for Neolith) – this finish creates a flat, velvety texture that adds depth and an inviting, touchable feel to your surface. Natural stone and Neolith both have room for some customization, from entirely flat to semi-matte. For natural stones like granite, a honed finish can make the surface slightly more porous than a polished finish, which could require a few more sealings over the course of the stone’s lifetime. For Cambria and Neolith, however, the surfaces always maintain their nonporous nature, regardless of finish, and won’t require any additional upkeep.

Leathered/Riverwashed

For natural stone, this finish is referred to as being “leathered” for the textural similarities to veined leather. The finish mimics the movement of the veins and color variations of natural stone. The leathered finish is gaining popularity, and creates an experience for guests, inviting touch and creating conversation. For Neolith, the finish is referred to as “Riverwashed,” because it appears to have been polished by flowing water.

After you have settled on a finish that you love, it’s time to choose an edge profile that fits into the greater design theme of your space. Edge profiles can completely alter the dynamic of your surface, whether it’s amplifying the glamour of your countertops, or streamlining their edges for a more minimalistic, modern effect. Neolith offers three edge profile options, including eased and honed, mitered with apron, or waterfall. Cambria offers nineteen different edge options – from stacked options like the Rimrock Edge to rugged, rustic offerings like the Morraine Edge. Check with your fabricator to get an idea of your options.


Preparing Your Kitchen

Kitchen Before Countertop Installation

A beautifully renovated kitchen awaits! Home improvement projects can be quite the undertaking, but with ample communication between the homeowner and fabricator (installer), countertop installs are generally painless and quick. When it comes time to install your gorgeous surfaces from MARVA®, there are a few ways homeowners can help streamline the process and limit roadblocks along the way.

Before countertops are installed:

Clear the space

All of the items in kitchen, including small appliances, spice racks, dishes, etc – must be cleared to make space for your fabricators, and to ensure no items get damaged upon removal of the old countertops. This also poses an excellent opportunity to clean out your kitchen cabinets, and get rid of anything you are not using.

Disconnect and remove appliances

Your microwave, toaster, and blender will need to be unplugged and taken off of the countertops. To make them accessible during installation, consider setting up a “temporary kitchen” elsewhere in the home where you’ll be able to access them if necessary.

Disconnection and removal of your sink

Unless you have and are keeping a recessed sink, you will have to take out your sink for the duration of the countertop install. Many fabricators will handle this step for you. If you plan to take care of this step yourself, you’ll do so by simply disconnecting the faucet underneath the sink by turning off the water supply valves to the hot and cold water lines, and use an adjustable wrench to disconnect the faucet water lines. The sink can sometimes be removed with the faucet and other accessories attached, saving you a step.

Removal of your old countertops

Your installer may prefer to have their crew complete this step. However, if you prefer to do this on your own to save money and time, taking out your old countertops can be a fairly simple process. Look below the surface for screws or other hardware holding sections of countertop together or against the cabinet framework. If your countertop is laminate, you can cut it into more manageable sections before removing.


During the Installation

MARVA® Worker Measuring a Cambria Slab

Once the installers have arrived, it’s time to focus on the area around the space, rather than the kitchen itself. In this case, much of your role is to stay out of the way of the crew installing your new countertops, making it easier for them to work.

Here’s what you can do while the installers work on your new countertop:

Cover vents and doorways

If your kitchen opens to a living area, you’ll want to keep dirt and dust off of your furniture and carpets. You can do this by placing sheets or plastic covers over your furniture to protect it. Additionally, if there is a doorway between your kitchen and the living area, consider hanging plastic sheeting in its frame to keep the mess contained.

Move expensive items away from work area

In addition to appliances, items you should remove include electronics, antiques, and personal items so that they do not become dirtied or damaged by the renovation.

Keep kids and pets out of the area

It is potentially dangerous for animals and children to be present when a construction crew is wading through the home, especially when they’re carrying heavy items and often unable to see what’s directly ahead of them. Consider asking relatives to take in the pets and children for a few days while the project is being completed.


Living Without a Kitchen

While your countertops are being installed, your kitchen will be out of commission. A countertop replacement is a faster project than a full-on renovation, but will still mean your kitchen is a no-go zone for a few days.

As previously stated, setting up small appliances in another portion of the home can make it easier to go without a kitchen during the process. Repurpose that buffet bar in the dining room for your toaster oven, microwave, and other gadgets that can stand in for your oven for the time being. You may also elect to utilize paper plates and utensils, and begin grilling for a few days, if the weather permits.


Caring For Your Countertops

Cleaning Your Countertop Image

Once the countertops are in place, confirm the warranty and maintenance requirements with your installers. This is where your natural stone partners such as MARVA®, Antolini, Cambria and Neolith are helpful! MARVA® can answer questions regarding your warranty or maintenance for your countertops. Some surfaces like Neolith and Cambria won’t need to be sealed at all, whereas granite, marble and other natural stones have their own timelines for resealing, which should be discussed with your installer.

MARVA is the Mid-Atlantic’s premier provider of natural stones. We are happy to help resolve any warranty related questions, and answer cleaning and maintenance questions.


Have further questions?
Contact your local MARVA® Location.

Other Sources for Inspiration

Like What You're Reading?

Get more articles like this delivered straight to your inbox.



Inspiration Gallery

View Inspiration Gallery View Inspiration Gallery

We understand the industry,

because we are in the industry.

Scroll