Countertop Installation: The Big Day
After weeks of planning and fabrication, your countertops are finally arriving. This is one of the most transformative days of your kitchen remodel - in just a few hours, you'll have functional surfaces and your kitchen will start looking complete. Here's what to expect and how to ensure a smooth installation.
Quick Summary
4-8 hours
24 hours (seams/caulk)
Inspect and approve
Before the Crew Arrives
Prepare your home for a smooth installation by completing a few simple tasks the evening before or morning of installation.
- Clear the path - Stone slabs are heavy and require a clear route from the truck to the kitchen. Move furniture, rugs, and obstacles
- Protect floors - Installers usually bring floor protection, but you may want to lay down additional protection for hardwood or tile
- Empty cabinets beneath sink - Installers need access to mount the sink from below
- Clear all countertop areas - Remove any items from cabinet tops or temporary surfaces
- Have sink and faucet ready - These should be exactly where installers can access them
- Plan to be home - You'll need to make decisions and inspect the final result
The Installation Process
Arrival and Setup (30-60 minutes)
The installation crew typically arrives with 2-4 people, depending on the scope of work. Stone slabs are heavy - a standard kitchen piece can weigh 200-400 pounds - so multiple people are needed for safe handling.
- Crew inspects cabinets and verifies they match the template
- Floor protection is laid along the path from truck to kitchen
- Tools and supplies are staged for efficient work
- Slabs are carefully unloaded and brought inside
Dry Fit (30-45 minutes)
Before applying adhesive, each piece is placed in position to verify fit. This is your opportunity to see the countertops in place and confirm everything looks right.
- Pieces are carefully positioned on cabinet tops
- Seams are checked for alignment and fit
- Overhangs are verified to be correct
- Minor scribing may be needed where countertop meets wall
Permanent Installation (1-2 hours)
Once dry fit is approved, the countertops are permanently secured to the cabinets.
- Silicone adhesive is applied to cabinet tops in strategic spots
- Countertops are set in final position
- Level is checked and shims added if needed
- Adhesive needs 24 hours to fully cure (but countertops won't move once set)
Seam Treatment (30-60 minutes)
Where countertop pieces meet, seams are filled with color-matched epoxy to create a nearly invisible joint.
- Pieces are pulled tightly together with clamps or suction cups
- Color-matched epoxy is worked into the seam
- Excess is scraped away and surface is polished
- Well-done seams are difficult to see and feel
Sink Installation (45-90 minutes)
For undermount sinks, installation happens during countertop installation. Drop-in sinks can be installed separately.
- Undermount sinks are attached from below with clips and adhesive
- Silicone sealant creates a waterproof bond between sink and stone
- The sink is supported during curing (often with temporary bracing)
- Faucet holes are verified or drilled on-site if not pre-cut
Note: Your plumber will need to connect the faucet supply lines and drain after the counter installers leave. Coordinate with your plumber for same-day or next-day hookup so you can use your sink as soon as possible.
Cooktop Installation (If Applicable)
Drop-in cooktops are installed during the countertop visit if you have one.
- Cooktop is test-fit in the cutout
- Mounting clips or brackets are attached
- Cooktop is set in place and secured
- Gas or electrical connection is done by your contractor or appliance installer
Final Touches (30-45 minutes)
The installation wraps up with caulking, cleaning, and a final walkthrough.
- Silicone caulk is applied where countertop meets walls
- All surfaces are cleaned and polished
- Installation debris is cleaned up
- Care instructions are provided
Inspection Checklist
Before the installation crew leaves, carefully inspect everything. Issues are much easier to address when the team is still on-site.
Surface Quality
- Check for chips, cracks, or scratches on all surfaces
- Verify the material matches your selection (color, pattern)
- Inspect edge profile - is it what you ordered?
- Run your hand along edges to feel for roughness or sharp spots
Seam Quality
- Seams should be tight with minimal visible gap
- Run your finger across seams - should feel smooth, not raised or depressed
- Seam color should closely match the surrounding stone
- Height should be even on both sides of the seam
Sink and Cutouts
- Sink is centered in the cutout (or offset as planned)
- Edge around sink is consistent width all around
- Faucet holes are in the correct positions
- Cooktop cutout (if applicable) is correct size and position
Overall Installation
- Countertop is level across all sections
- Overhangs are consistent and match specifications
- Gap between counter and wall is minimal and consistent
- Caulk is neat and consistent
Curing Time and First 24 Hours
Your countertops are usable right away, but some care is needed while adhesives and sealants cure fully.
| What | Wait Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Light use of countertops | Immediately | Avoid heavy pressure on seams |
| Normal countertop use | 24 hours | Seam adhesive fully cured |
| Sink use | 24 hours | Silicone sealant needs to cure |
| Heavy items on countertop | 24-48 hours | Especially near seams or edges |
Important: Do not use the sink for 24 hours after installation. The silicone sealant between the sink and countertop needs time to cure. Getting it wet before curing can compromise the waterproof seal and lead to future problems.
Care for Your New Countertops
Different materials have different care requirements. Here are general guidelines - always follow your fabricator's specific recommendations.
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
Low maintenance. Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners. Use trivets for hot pans - quartz can be damaged by extreme heat. No sealing required.
Granite
Clean with stone-safe cleaner or mild dish soap. Seal annually (or as recommended) to prevent staining. Granite is heat-resistant but trivets are still recommended. Blot spills quickly to prevent absorption.
Marble
High maintenance but beautiful. Very susceptible to etching from acidic foods (citrus, tomatoes, wine). Seal frequently. Clean only with pH-neutral cleaners. Use cutting boards and trivets always.
Quartzite
Harder than granite, very durable. Seal similar to granite. Heat resistant. Clean with stone-safe products. Despite the similar name, quartzite is natural stone, unlike engineered quartz.
FAQ
How long does countertop installation take?
Most kitchen installations take 4-8 hours. Simple L-shaped kitchens with one seam may be done in 4 hours, while large kitchens with islands and multiple seams could take a full day.
How long before I can use my new countertops?
Light use is fine immediately, but avoid heavy pressure on seams for 24 hours. Don't use the sink for 24 hours while silicone cures. After 24 hours, use countertops normally.
Will the sink be installed the same day?
Yes, undermount sinks are installed during countertop installation. Your plumber will need to connect faucet supply lines and drain after - coordinate for same-day or next-day hookup.
What if I notice a problem with the countertops?
Inspect carefully before the crew leaves. Check for chips, scratches, uneven seams, or improper sink positioning. Point out issues immediately - once the crew leaves, proving damage occurred during installation is difficult.