How a countertop job runs
- Choose the material and the slabFor natural stone, ask to see the actual slab or slabs, because veining and color vary from one to the next.
- Choose the sink, faucet and cooktop firstThe cutouts are made from the real fixtures, so the models must be chosen before measuring.
- Cabinets are setThe countertop is measured after the cabinets are installed and level, never from drawings alone.
- TemplateThe fabricator measures or makes a template of the actual run, including walls that are not straight.
- FabricateThe slab is cut, the edge profile is shaped and the cutouts are made.
- InstallThe tops are set, seams are joined and the sink and cooktop are fitted. Plumbing and electrical are reconnected by the licensed trades.
- BacksplashTile or slab goes on after the counters. See backsplash, flooring and lighting.
Materials at a glance
The full comparison covers heat, stains, upkeep and seams. The short version:
| Material | What it is | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Engineered stone made of crushed quartz and resin. | Consistent pattern from slab to slab and no sealing, but resin can be damaged by high heat. |
| Granite | Natural stone, quarried and cut into slabs. | Each slab is different, and some stones need periodic sealing. |
| Soapstone | Natural stone, soft and dense, with a muted gray. | It darkens with oil and develops scratches that can be sanded or oiled out. Many people like the patina. |
| Butcher block | Wood strips laminated into a top. | Warm and repairable, but it needs sealing or oiling and should not sit in standing water. |
Edges, seams and overhangs
- Seams. Ask where they will be and how many. A seam at the sink cutout is a weak point, so fabricators usually avoid it.
- Edge profile. A simple, square or slightly eased edge is the easiest to keep clean. Elaborate edges take more fabrication and catch crumbs.
- Overhangs. A counter that overhangs for seating needs support. The amount of unsupported overhang depends on the material and thickness, so ask the fabricator.
- Thickness. A thick edge can be made from a thinner slab. Ask how it is built up.
Questions to ask a fabricator
Permits and your town
Countertops are named with cabinets and tile as finish work that does not involve structural changes, which the state building code exempts from a permit. A new location for the sink is plumbing work and is not finish work. See permits in New Haven.
Common questions
Why can’t the countertop be ordered with the cabinets?
Because the cabinets and the walls are rarely exactly where the drawings say. The fabricator measures the installed cabinets so the top fits.
Which material is the most heat resistant?
Natural stone such as granite and soapstone tolerates heat better than engineered stone, but a trivet is the safe habit for every surface. See the comparison.
Can I keep my old sink?
Sometimes, but an undermount sink needs a cutout that matches it exactly, and an old sink may not match a new layout. Decide before the template.