If you're having granite countertops installed, consider a waterfall island or countertops for a trendy look. Waterfall countertops are becoming popular due to the beauty they add to your kitchen. Here's a look at how to choose the waterfalls you want and how they're installed.
Where To Install Granite Waterfalls
Consider how your kitchen is designed when planning a waterfall countertop. If you have a large island, you might want the waterfalls on the island only. You might even want a waterfall on only one side to save on costs. If your other kitchen counters don't end next to a refrigerator or oven, you might want waterfalls on them too, especially on an end that faces the dining or living area of your home. Granite waterfalls add to the cost of your kitchen remodel, so you may want to use them sparingly. However, if your budget allows it, you can add as many waterfalls as you like.
How To Choose The Granite Slab
A waterfall is highly visible, so take time to choose the granite slab carefully. Ideally, the vein pattern flows from the top to the sides of the island, but that isn't always possible with granite since each slab has unique veins. Look for a slab you find attractive as a whole since a waterfall usually doesn't have any cutouts unless one is needed for outlets.
An important step in granite countertop installation is choosing the slabs you want and visualizing how the slabs will look on your counters and how well the slabs work together.
How A Granite Waterfall Is Installed
Like any granite countertop installation, the first step is to create a template. At the very least, the height and width of the slab have to be shaped to match your counters or island. Also, the cutouts for outlets have to be aligned perfectly. Cutting slabs is often done by the fabricator at their facility, but cutting to create outlet space might be done on your property. If so, the installers use a vacuum to suck up the dust so you don't have to worry about granite dust getting in the air of your home.
A granite waterfall rests on the floor and is attached to the horizontal slab of granite with adhesive. The adhesive creates a strong bond that keeps the vertical slab secure and stable. Once the adhesive is applied, the excess is removed with a blade and then the granite is polished. When the installation crew is finished, the seam where the horizontal and vertical slabs of granite meet is nearly invisible so the waterfall looks like a single piece of granite.
A contractor who offers granite countertop installation services uses similar skills to join slabs of granite on your other kitchen countertops. The only difference is that it takes patience and even more skill to line up the angle of the waterfall perfectly and to blend in the seam so your waterfall is an attractive, eye-catching addition to your kitchen renovation.
Contact a company like Granite & Marble Depot to learn more about granite countertop installation.
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