Congratulations on your choice of quartzite for your new kitchen and bath countertops. Quartzite is a fantastic material that offers a great combination of durability and aesthetic beauty. We hope you are planning on professional installation, but if not, there are things you should know before you attempt to do it yourself.
Professional installation is usually recommended because quartzite is a difficult material to work with. It requires quite a bit of knowledge and the right tools. Fortunately, customers who purchase quartzite countertops from Bedrock Quartz get professional installation with their purchase.
If you plan to go it alone, here are some important things you should know:
1. Preparation Is Crucial
Quartzite slabs are limited in terms of their size. So preparation is crucial. It’s important that you determine exactly how much material you will need before you get started. Larger installations are going to require multiple slabs. That means two things: more complicated installation and a more delicate selection process at the showroom.
It goes without saying that you want multiple quartzite slabs to be fairly consistent in both thickness and flatness. That is the bare minimum. You also want them to look similar. Otherwise, multiple slabs could present a mismatched look that would throw your whole kitchen off.
2. Measure Twice, Cut Once
Although quartzite slabs are cut to size during fabrication, you might have to make minor adjustments on-site. The same rule we apply to carpentry also applies to countertop installation: measure twice and cut once. The challenge with quartzite is that it is not nearly as forgiving as lumber. You have only one opportunity to get it right.
In terms of fitting slabs in place, caution and care are the two most important words. Work slowly and intentionally. Pay close attention to how everything fits together. A good fit will matter a great deal when it comes time to actually secure the slabs in place.
3. Ensure Proper Support
One of the biggest mistakes DIY homeowners make is installing quartzite countertops without providing adequate support. Quartzite is a natural stone. It is very dense and heavy. Inadequate support could lead to bowing and eventual cracking. A worst-case scenario would see the cabinetry underneath completely collapse.
Hand-in-hand with ensuring proper support is leveling. It is important that quartzite slabs be perfectly level across their entire surface so that they don’t crack. Leveling can be accomplished with shims, construction adhesive, or a combination of both.
4. Seams Can Be Dicey
Seams are pretty much unavoidable in modern kitchens where an open layout is preferred. Open kitchens tend to feature large countertop spaces with plenty of work room. Unfortunately, seams can be dicey.
We tend to recommend book-matched slabs to maintain a consistent pattern flow across a seam. Installers often miter edges slightly to hide what is left of a seam. If you don’t have any experience with quartzite countertops, seam management could be the most difficult part of the job for you.
5. Don’t Forget the Sealant
Fitting, installing, and securing quartzite countertops is a big job you are going to feel good about once it’s done. But there is one more step: sealing. Don’t forget the sealant no matter what you do. Sealant is going to preserve your precious quartzite surface so that it lasts for a long time.
If all of this seems complicated to you, do not take your chances. Have a professional install your quartzite countertops. Professional installation guarantees the job is done right by experienced craftsmen with the knowledge, tools, and techniques to give you a finished product that meets your high standards.
