How To Install Quartz Countertops ?
Complete Guide To Quartz Countertop Installation
Quartz Countertops Overview
If you are looking for a complete comprehensive step by step guide on how to install quartz countertops then you have reached the right place. In this section, you will learn complete installation process to install the quartz countertop.
The quartz countertops offer the best combination of elegance and the durability. The quartz countertops are easily available in wide range of colors, designs and the finishes.
If you are looking for an elegant countertop designed to last for years then you will fall in love with quartz countertops. The quartz countertops are scratchproof, stainproof, heat resistant and the quartz tops can transform your kitchen interior.
The quartz countertops can be installed in different situations. For example, your kitchen remodel project might include completely new kitchen cabinets, backsplash, and the countertop.
You can also simply opt for the replacement of only existing countertop with a brand-new quartz countertop. The quartz countertop installation process will help you install the countertop like a professional.
Let us straight dive into the quartz installation process.
Quartz Countertops Installation Complete DIY Guide
Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Complete Guide To Quartz Countertops Installation
Table Of Contents
Installation Process
How To Install Quartz Countertop ?
The entire quartz countertop installation process can be split into eight simple easy to follow steps. Each step has been explained in detail with example. Â
- STEP 1 – Disconnect All Service Lines.
- STEP 2 – Removal Of The Existing Sink.
- STEP 3 – Removal Of The Existing Countertop.
- STEP 4 – Measurements For New Quartz Countertop.
- STEP 5 – Prepare The Base Cabinet For The Installation.
- STEP 6 – Installation Of The New Sink.
- STEP 7 – Installation Of The Quartz Countertop.
- STEP 8 – Cleaning And Finishing Work.
Tools For Quartz Countertop Installation
Let us take a quick look at the tools required during the installation process. If you are planning this as DIY project then you will need following plumbing and other tools.
You will need plyer, sprit level, measurement tape, thread sealing tape, pipe wrench, adjustable wrench, caulk and caulk gun, drilling bits, drilling machine, screwdriver, safety glasses, denatured alcohol and other tools for specific use.
How To Install Quartz Countertops
STEP - 1
Disconnect All Service Lines
The first step before starting any work is to disconnect all the service lines. The service lines to be disconnected include water supply lines, drainage lines, electrical connections and the piped gas connection.
We need to first disconnect both hot and cold water supply lines. This is a very easy process and you will find stopcock valves placed either bellow the sink area or outside the kitchen.
The service lines in the kitchen include cold water supply line, hot water supply line, piped gas connection and electrical supply connection if necessary.
In some kitchen, the supply lines control valves are placed right bellow the sink area. In such cases the simply close the supply valves and you are done.
You may have to remove the front panel strip of the base cabinet if it is detachable. This will help you getting more working space bellow the sink area.
After the disconnection, the next step is to remove the flexible water pipe connected to the sink faucet.
The sink drainage pipe connected to the sink waste coupling can be easily removed by rotating the connector in the anti-clockwise direction.
The service lines disconnection process is simple but you can always call a plumber, electrician and other agencies to handle the disconnection job.
Read More – Kitchen Plumbing
Quartz Countertops Installation Complete DIY Guide
STEP - 2
Remove The Existing Sink
The removal of the existing sink depends upon the type of the sink. The kitchen countertop sinks can either be undermount sink or overmount ( top mount ) sink or it could be integrated sink.
The undermount sinks are the most popular and commonly used sinks due to the inherent advantages. The undermount sinks are fitted beneath the countertop with the help of mounting clips.
The undermount sink can be easily removed by unclamping the clamping screws either by hand or by using the plyer. In case of laminate tops, the mounting clips are fixed with screws.
Depending upon your situation, you can remove the sink clamping clips and the sink can now easily be removed.
How To Install Quartz Countertops
STEP - 3
Remove The Existing Countertop
After the removal of the kitchen sink, the next step is to remove the existing countertop. The laminate countertops are the easiest to remove .
These countertops have wooden base and generally screwed to the base cabinets. Once these screws are removed, the laminate countertop easily comes out.
The countertop removal process is same for all types of wooden tops such as butcher-block countertops.
The concrete countertop will be the most problematic and difficulty countertops for its removal process.
Further, if the concrete top is a monolithic construction and large in size then you may have to use the cutting machine. Due care needs to be taken for countertop removal in order to protect the base cabinets.
How To Install Quartz Countertops
STEP - 4
Measurements For Quartz Countertops
After the removal of the existing kitchen top, the next step is to take the precise measurements for the installation of the new quartz countertop.
This is a very crucial step and must be done with utmost care and precision. Any mistakes in this step can lead to major installation problems.
There are two methods to take the measurements for the quartz countertops. Both the methods are used to record the measurements.
In the first method of taking the countertop size dimensions, a rough sketch is prepared on the graph paper. All the dimensions are measured and noted on the sketch including the offsets.
The allowance should be for the countertop that will go beneath the backsplash. Similarly, additional width should be added for the front and side edge projections. Â
In the second method, a mold ( model ) is prepared from 4mm thick and 6inch wide plywood strips by sticking them exactly to the shape and dimensions of the countertop.
Both the methods are complimentary to each other and can be effectively used for recording the precise measurements for the perfect installation for the quartz countertops.
The quartz countertops are cut to the size at the factory or at the workshop with special cutting machines. The plywood mold is used during the quartz slab cutting operation at the factory.
Similarly, the quartz is a tough stone and the edge molding is done at the factory with the help of special grinding and polishing machines.
Read More – How To Select Quartz Countertop ?
Kitchen Sink And Hob Measurements
The allowance should be for the countertop that will go beneath the backsplash. Similarly, additional width should be added for the front and side edge projections. Â
In the second method, a mold ( model ) is prepared from 4mm thick and 6inch wide plywood strips by sticking them exactly to the shape and dimensions of the countertop.
Both the methods are complimentary to each other and can be effectively used for recording the precise measurements for the perfect installation for the quartz countertops.
How To Install Quartz Countertops
Faucet Measurements
Similarly, it is advisable to purchase the faucet to be installed prior to placing the order for the kitchen countertop.
The kitchen faucet can be either wall mounted or top mounted. The wall mounted faucet does not need any hole cutting work.
However, for the installation of top mounted faucet, a hole cutting will be required on the countertop flange behind the kitchen sink.
STEP - 5
Repair The Base Cabinet
If you are planning to replace the laminated countertop with quartz then the strength of the base carinated must be checked.
The old base cabinmates might require some repair work before the installation of the quartz countertop.
The laminated countertops are lightweight. However, the quartz countertops are relatively heavy. The base cabinet should be strong enough to support the weight quartz slab without any problem.
The easiest ways to repair and strengthen the base cabinet structure is to install steel angle brackets. The steel brackets are easily available and can be effectively used to structurally strengthen the base cabinet.
For the wooden frame base cabinets, the joints can be strengthened by grouting the water-based wood adhesive and by installing the steel brackets.
How To Install Quartz Countertops
STEP - 6
New Sink Installation
The next task during the installation is to install the undermount kitchen sink. This is done by placing and marking the kitchen sink position with marker on the rear side of the quartz sink piece.
After the marking the sink position, the next step is to apply the caulk using caulk gun on the rear side of the quartz top.
The caulk is a silicon based waterproof glue and sealant applied in the middle of outer edge marking and inner edge of sink cut.
The sink edges are cleaned with denatured alcohol and placed in position on the rear side of the quartz countertop sink piece.
The next step is to install the sink clips with screws which will hold the undermount sink in place. The kitchen hob is top mounted and can be installed after the installation of the quartz countertop.
The sink clips hardware is usually given with all reputed sink brands. Else you can buy separately from the hardware shop.
IMPORTANT
The size of the screws used to fix the sink clips should not be more than half the thickness of the quartz countertop. Oversize screws can damage the quartz surface.
At this stage the sink and quartz countertop edges should cleaned to remove the excess caulk. Now, install the sink drain waste coupling and the sink installation is complete.
After the kitchen sink installation, the next step is to install all the quartz countertop pieces in place on the base cabinet.
Quartz Countertops Installation Complete DIY Guide
How To Install Quartz Countertops
STEP -7
The Quartz Countertops Installation
The countertops are cut to the size in the factory and delivered to the installation site. The quartz is a heavy stone and you might need suction cup grips to lift the quartz during the installation.
Most quartz countertop shops provide the installation service. The installation service includes removal of the existing countertop, taking the necessary measurements, transportation and installation of the quartz countertops.
The installation of the quartz first starts with trial placement of the all the pieces placed on the base cabinet. This is done to verify that the delivered quartz countertop pieces perfectly fit into the slots as per the measurements.
Quartz Countertops Installation Complete DIY Guide
Quartz Installation With Silicon Glue
The quartz countertop can be installed by two methods. The first method is a soft installation with caulk silicon sealant glue.
In this method, the caulk silicon glue is applied on the top edges of the base cabinets and the quartz countertop is placed in position.
 In this method the quartz countertop is installed without using any mechanical clips or brackets. This is a very simple method of countertop installation.
In this method, it is advisable to keep one end of the countertop anchored bellow the bottom edge of the backsplash.
IMPORTANT
In this method, the use of very strong adhesive is not recommended. The use of strong adhesive might damage the base cabinet in case you wish to replace your countertop in future.
You can also install a 12 mm thick plywood on the top of the base cabinet as a buffer layer to protect the base cabinet. And the countertop can be glued on the top of this plywood.
Quartz Installation With Steel brackets
The quartz top can also be installed using small size steel brackets. In this method steel brackets are used to hold the quartz countertop in position.
IMPORTANT
The size of the screws used to fix the clamps should not be more than half the thickness of the quartz countertop. Oversize screws can damage the quartz surface.
For example, if the quartz countertop thickness is one inch, then the maximum length of the screws should not be more than half inch.
Both the methods are equally good for the installation of the kitchen quartz countertops and you can choose any method as per your preference
How To Install Quartz Countertops
STEP - 8
Finishing And Cleaning
After the installation of the quartz countertop pieces, all the joints are sealed with sealant material.
All the required plumbing work which includes installing the sink Fauset and the sink drain pipe connection.
After the completion of all miscellaneous work, the next step is to reconnect and restart all the service lines.
Most kitchen hobs are top mounted and installed by the hob company service representative. The hob installation can be done once the kitchen quartz countertop is installed and fully operational.
After the completion of the kitchen quartz countertop installation, the base cabinet front panel and front cabinet doors can be refitted back to the original position. Now we can restart all the service lines disconnected during the installation process.
Now we can start the deep cleaning operation.
Congratulations !
That brings us to the end of the how to install quartz countertop.
