Replacing kitchen countertops is an important step in enhancing both the aesthetics and function of your kitchen.
To ensure a smooth process and keep your new countertops looking like new for years to come, this article will explore detailed guidance across three key aspects: pre-installation considerations, installation tips, and daily maintenance methods.
1.Key Considerations Before Replacement (Planning and Selection)
Planning & Selection determines the final outcome and budget, making it crucial in countertop replacement.
1.1 Material Selection
Popular options include quartz,granite,artificial stone,sintered stone and stainless steel,each offering unique benefits. Exploring these materials can help you decide which fits your kitchen best.
Quartz: Currently the most popular choice. Made from 95% natural quartz particles with 5% resin and color pigments, it offers high hardness, scratch resistance, and strong stain resistance (requiring almost no maintenance), along with a wide variety of patterns. Drawbacks include higher cost, relatively noticeable seams (depending on the installer’s skill), and limited tolerance for prolonged high temperatures (avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface).
Granite:Natural stone with unique patterns in each slab. Extremely hard, highly heat-resistant, and scratch-resistant. But it need regular sealing (typically 1-2 times per year) to prevent staining, and some varieties are of high price.
Artificial Stone: Highly malleable, enabling seamless installations at relatively moderate price. However, they are less hard than quartz or granite, prone to scratches, and poor heat-resistance.
Stainless Steel: Commonly used in commercial kitchens. Absolutely waterproof, fireproof, antibacterial, and easy to clean.
Sintered Stone: A premium choice. Ultra-thin, exceptionally hard, heat-resistant, and highly stain-resistant with excellent antibacterial properties—safe for direct food preparation.
If you want to explore more about marble or quartz,please refer to blog below for detailed comparison in composition,appearance,physical properties,cost and maintenance.
1.2 Precise Measurements
- Final measurements must be taken only after cabinets are fully installed and fixed.
- Accurately mark the positions and dimensions for sink and stove cutouts (ideally provide the actual sink and stove units or precise drawings to the countertop manufacturer to pre-cut).
- Check wall flatness. If wall surfaces were uneven, it require on-site countertop cutting or polish to achieve a flush fit.
1.3 Budgeting
The budget should not only cover the cost of the countertop material itself, but also clarify whether it includes:
- Removal and disposal of the old countertop.
- Measurement and installation fees.
- Splashbacks (front and back).
- Cutout fees (for sinks, stovetops).
- Additional edge finishing fees (e.g., for rounded corners, thickened edges, or other special edging styles).
1.4 Schedule
From measurement,production to installation, the process typically takes 2-3 weeks.
On the day of installation, the kitchen will be unavailable for use. Please arrange meals in advance. After installation, you may need to wait for the adhesive to cure (usually 24 hours) before normal use.
2. Top 6 Tips During Installation (Supervision)
The details of the installation significantly impact the final quality and lifespan of the countertop.
2.1 Site Protection
Before installers arrive, protect floors, cabinets, and door frames to prevent damage during handling and construction.
2.2 Material Inspection
Upon countertop delivery, immediately check whether color and pattern match the selected design. Check surfaces for damage, cracks, or defects.
2.3 Critical Supervise Steps
Support Reinforcement: Ensure base cabinets are level and stable. Add backing boards or vertical supports under sinks and stovetops to distribute weight evenly and prevent countertop cracking from uneven stress.
Seam Treatment: If countertops require splicing, observe whether the installer carefully matches patterns, uses color-matched adhesive at seams, and ensures a smooth, flush finish after sanding (no detectable height difference when touched).
Cutout Edges: Edges around sink and stove cutouts should be smoothly and uniformly sanded.
2.4 Backsplash
Areas where the backsplash meets the wall and countertop must be sealed with high-quality mold-resistant silicone to prevent water flowing to base cabinets. This is crucial for moisture-proof!
2.5 Post-Installation Inspection
Level Inspection: Use a level to check the countertop’s flatness.
Check Sturdiness: Press down firmly on various areas of the countertop, especially overhanging sections. There should be no wobbling or unusual sounds.
Test Plumbing & Electrical: After installing the sink and appliances, check whether water and electricity function is normal, ensure drainage is clear, and check for leaks.
2.6 Ventilation & Curing
After installation, maintain kitchen ventilation for at least 24 to 48 hours to allow the adhesive to fully cure. During this period, avoid placing heavy objects on the countertop or cooking on it.
3.Daily Maintenance and Cleaning Methods (Extending Longevity)
Maintenance methods vary slightly on different countertop material, but the following general principles apply to most countertops.
3.1 General Cleaning Methods
Daily Cleaning: Wipe with a soft damp cloth and a neutral detergent (such as dish soap).
Stubborn Stains: Apply a non-abrasive cleaner (like baking soda paste) to the stain, let it sit briefly, then wipe with a soft cloth. Avoid using hard cleaning tools like steel wool pads or scouring pads.
Immediate Wiping: Promptly wipe away oil, dark liquids like soy sauce, coffee, as well as acidic substances such as lemon juice or vinegar.
3.2 General Protection
Heat Protection: Always use trivets! Placing hot cookware directly on any countertop surface carries risks (quartz and engineered stone may discolor or crack; granite, though heat-resistant, can still be damaged by extreme temperature changes).
Scratch Prevention: Avoid cutting food directly on countertops (except sintered stone). Use a cutting board.
Moisture Prevention: Keep countertops dry, especially around sinks. Prevent prolonged moisture exposure to seams and edges.
3.3 Specific Material Maintenance Tips
Quartz/Sintered Stone:
Maintenance is straightforward—follow general care guidelines. No sealing required.
Granite:
Requires periodic waterproof sealing. Perform a simple test: place a few drops of water on the surface. If water beads and remains untouched for 10–15 minutes, the seal is intact. If water absorbs quickly and leaves dark stains, resealing is needed.
Artificial Stone:
For minor scratches, gently buff with fine-grit sandpaper (600 grit or higher) dampened with water, then apply wax and polish to restore shine.
Whether you want a full kitchen remodel or just want to replace your countertops, TBM is here to help from start to finish.
TBM offer quality custom cabinet & custom countertop with 600+ material and color options at affordable prices.Free sample and Free design is available.Contact us now!
