3 Things You Need to Know about Installing Marble Countertops

by Kevin Smith Author

If you're getting new marble countertops in your kitchen, there's a lot that goes into getting those slabs of stone put in place. It's important that you know what to expect, so that there are no major surprises leading up to your kitchen renovation. So, here are 3 things that you need to know about marble countertop installation in Woodstock, GA.

Cabinets Need Reinforcing

If you didn't have stone countertops before this current renovation, it's important to know that your cabinets will likely need to be reinforced before the marble can be installed. Even if you're not planning to replace your cabinets, any cupboard that will be supporting the weight of your new counters will need to be strengthened.

Marble is much heavier than vinyl or wood countertops, and need to have special weight-bearing beams added in order to be able to support the greater girth of the stone slabs. So, unless you know for a fact that your cabinets are already reinforced to hold up a stone countertop, be prepared to have your lower cabinets worked on before you can get your marble installed.

It's Usually a Single Slab

Most stone countertops (whether it's granite, marble, or another type of natural stone) come in a single slab. What does this mean for you? Well, for starters, it's important to know that the contractors will need to measure the dimensions of the top of your cabinet very carefully prior making the necessary cuts. The slab is then usually cut offsite, then transported to your home for installation.

The single slab also means a more beautiful, flowing design for your counters, without having the marble's beautiful grain obstructed by seams from putting together several pieces. In fact, this is precisely why stone counters are usually cut as a single slab.

Complications Arise

Marble is an extremely heavy material that can be difficult to maneuver and work with. So, you should always be prepared for some complications to arise. For example, if a measurement is off by even a single inch, your contractor will need to re-cut the whole slab of marble. Or, the slab could be damaged in transportation to your home.

While working with an experienced and reliable contractor reduces the odds of these things happening, it's important that you are always aware of the possibility of these issues arising. So, if you're getting marble countertop installation in Woodstock, GA, manage your expectations appropriately, and pretty soon, you'll have those beautiful marble counters you've been dreaming of.