countertop installation tips for hiring the best contractor

7 Mistakes People Make When Buying and Installing Countertops

Countertops are beautiful and durable, but they’re not the easiest task to complete. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when it comes to buying and installing countertops. In this article, we’ll discuss the most common mistakes people make when selecting countertops and how to avoid them. 

1. Incorrect or Sloppy Measurements

Some companies accept customer-provided measurements when they order countertops. Others say their employees must measure the space to avoid liability, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. For example, when walls aren’t plumb, you often get the wrong measurements. So double-check your dimensions before starting your kitchen remodeling.

When measuring for sinks and appliances, remember that there are sometimes different dimensions for each product on the same website. It’s best to research this ahead of time so you don’t end up with something that doesn’t work in your kitchen once installed!

It is best to have a professional company representative come out and measure. Some companies will use laser technology to have the best and most precise results. When a representative arrives at your house or office to measure, ensure all appliances are in place or have all specs ready for appliances and sinks.

If somebody from a company comes out to measure, verify their measurements before they leave–“Measure twice; cut once” is solid advice.

2. Selecting the Wrong Countertop Color or Material

There is a bit of science to choosing the right colors for your kitchen.

There are a few things to keep in mind. 

  • One is the overall color scheme of your kitchen. If you have a predominately white or light-colored kitchen, then you’ll want to choose countertops that are darker in color to add contrast.
  • From an aesthetic standpoint, the advantage of using darker colors is that they’re more likely to stand out and look more dramatic. They hide stains and scratches better than lighter colors, so your countertop will look cleaner for longer. 
  • Conversely, if your kitchen is mostly dark, you’ll want to choose lighter countertops to help brighten things up. 
  • There’s also a psychological effect that black surfaces can have on people with which you might not be as familiar. Black surfaces can make a small kitchen feel even smaller, though.
  • Another thing to consider is the material of your countertops. Some materials, like granite, come in a wide variety of colors, while others, like marble, are limited to a handful of hues. 
  • Finally, think about how much maintenance you’re willing to do. Light-colored countertops will show stains and scratches more easily than dark ones, so if you’re not willing to do the work to keep them pristine, you should stick with a darker color. 
  • The grey countertop that seems just right may not match the paint on your walls or cabinets, so make sure to see them side-by-side before purchasing. You can see a gallery sample at home or bring a cabinet door with you when you visit the store. Whatever you do, make sure you evaluate your colors in the context of their environment before buying.

By considering all of these factors, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect color and material for your new countertops.

3. Incorrect Seam Placement

When it comes to seam placement, natural colors and patterns will hide most of the seams on your countertop. That said, you’re almost guaranteed to have a seam somewhere on your countertop, so be sure you’re thinking ahead and position them in inconspicuous places. 

Try running them across instead of parallel to the sink’s edge or middle of the sink, as there is less noticeable space. 

4. Sacrificing Quality

You should visit the countertop showroom in person when shopping for a countertop. By doing this, you’ll avoid getting one that’s not up to your standards and discover any cracks, large pits, or defective pieces. It’s important to avoid buying something with significant structural damage that could affect the integrity of your kitchen countertop.

5. Choosing the Wrong Edge

The lack of a scientific formula for determining an edge is one of the reasons why choosing the right edge for countertops can be a challenge. Some people say there is no such thing as a wrong edge, but it is a false assumption. For example, if your style is contemporary and you chose a very sophisticated multilayered traditional style edge, it may look out of place. There are many edges and options, so make sure the countertop company shows you all options and explains which ones will go best with which style. 

6. Not obtaining a warranty

When purchasing granite countertops, buyers should be aware of the various types of warranties available. Some types of warranties do not cover defects in the material or craftsmanship, while others may only cover specific issues like chips or cracks. Buyers should also be aware of the time period within which they must take action if they experience a problem with their granite countertops.

7. Choose experienced and professional countertop company

When it comes to installing new countertops, it is critical to work only with a professional company. There are a number of reasons for this:

  1. Professional installers have the experience and expertise to ensure that the job is done right. They will take the time to measure the space correctly and will make sure that the countertops are installed properly.
  2. Professional installers will have the proper tools and equipment to do the job properly. It includes things like power saws, routers, and sanders.
  3. Professional installers will be familiar with the different types of countertops and will be able to recommend the best option for your home.
  4. A professional company will have experienced staff who will help you wiht the correct choice of material, colors, and styles that are best for your home, office, and best for your lifestyle. 

By working with a professional company, you can be sure that your new countertops will be installed correctly and will look great for years to come.

Conclusion:

If you are considering a new countertop and want to make an informed decision, we hope this article has helped. We’ve outlined some of the most popular materials on the market today and their benefits and drawbacks. 

Whether you go with granite, quartz, or something else entirely, remember that a quality installation is the key to ensuring your countertops look great and function well for years to come. If you need help finding a qualified contractor, we highly recommend Stone Spirit.

Stone Spirit has been in business for over 20 years. It is a leading countertop fabrication and installation company in Orlando. 

Not only will your new countertops look great and add value to your home, but they’ll also be durable and easy to care for.

Get in touch with them today for a free estimate