5 steps for choosing a kitchen countertop, from showroom to your home

Step 1 – How to choose the material from showroom?

Step 2 – How to order?

Step 3 – How to pay? Delivery conditions

Step 4 – Installation

Step 5 – Treatment and aftercare of your countertop after installation

Choosing a natural stone kitchen countertop is not easy and there are specific steps for taking full advantage of it. PIATRAONLINE offers plenty of options for making your choice easier and apart from countertop itself, we have a full range of services, starting with initial counselling up to final aftercare. PIATRAONLINE services associated with these countertops (standard or custom size) includes production, delivery, installation and aftercare. For making sure you find the perfect countertop for your kitchen, we recommend the next steps:

Step 1 – How to choose the material from showroom?

PIATRAONLINE’s Pavilion and showroom includes a wide range of stone countertops of all kinds.  You have the following options:

• Granite countertops – with beautiful colors and a wide color variation. Available with polished and honed finish, with good compressive strength and low porosity. These countertops have low sensitivity to surface temperature variations and are practically immune to scratching. The polished finish handles perfect the action of food acids. Granite countertops can be used in any environment and have excellent results as public areas countertops. Having at least 2 cm thickness, granite countertops are heavy, so you will need a solid kitchen furniture for support. Maintenance and aftercare are inexpensive, hence the affordable price. 

• Slate countertops – with similar features, compared to granite (high hardness and low porosity). Durable against environmental factors and specific corrosive agents, slate is sensitive to scratching. Benefits include beautiful color, attractive look and low aftercare costs. Countertop thickness is 2-3 cm and will require a solid support because it is heavy.

• Marble countertops – are famous for their beauty, a perfect math for any kitchen. They're also durable against environmental factors, yet sensitive to scratches, impact and staining.  Marble tops have a special color variation and marble’s typical veins conveys them a particular style. Marble countertops are ideal for residential kitchens; the 3 cm thickness is recommended. Maintenance costs are higher and these countertops require treatment on a regular basis. Besides, you should provide them with a solid support.

• Travertine countertops – have similar features compared to marble. Travertine is softer (recommended thickness is 3 cm, polished finish) and more sensitive to the attack of corrosion agents. Travertine countertops require waterproofing against water and staining and use specific treatments. Travertine countertops require aftercare on regular basis after waterproofing. Nevertheless, travertine delivers elegant colors and finishes with affordable price. Also, you should have a solid support.  

photo source: cdgranite.com

Step 2 – How to order?

After choosing the material, you need to submit the order, so you will need size and shape. PIATRAONLINE countertops have standard size of 250 x 65 cm and 3 cm thickness, rectangular shape, no cut-out, or can be cut-to-size with 3 cm thickness. Black Galaxy Granite Countertop and Fantastico Gold Granite Countertop are also available with larger standard size. For a cut-to-size countertop, you have to e-mail us the size, shape and type of material.

Step 3 – How to pay? Delivery conditions

For standard size countertops, delivery is from stock. For a custom-size countertop, you should pay 40 % upfront and allow between 4 and 6 weeks for delivery.

photo source: mckennarochester.com

Step 4 – Installation

It is recommended to have experts for installing your countertop. But, if you prefer a DIY installation, keep in mind the next steps:

• Check wall joints for right angles. If there are problems, the solution is either to load walls until obtaining the right angle, or to adjust the countertop.

• Install the support furniture and attach it to walls and flooring.

• Use spirit level for checking floor smoothness.

• Make a 1:1 countertop cardboard pattern and use it for highlighting the cut-outs.  

• Cut-out the cardboard according to markings.

• Decide on the edge processing (half bullnose, bullnose, bevelled).

• Complete the final measurements for checking size, cut-outs and types of edges. 

• Process the edges using angle grinder with abrasive wheel (different size sandpaper for final finish)

• Cut-out using a circular saw with diamond disc.

• Check smoothness and vertical alignment.

• Use silicone for sealing the areas between countertop – wall (backsplash) and countertop – furniture.

• Install bathroom sink and sink faucet.

Step 5 – Treatment and aftercare of your countertop after installation

It is recommended to treat countertop surface after installation. Treatment includes 2 stages:

• Surface cleaning – with professional detergents.

• Surface sealing – using professional sealing solutions, apply one or more coats for protection against water, dust and stains.

• Countertops aftercare – only with professional solutions

Keep in mind these 5 steps and be sure that you will find the best countertop for your kitchen at PIATRAONLINE.