Upgrading your kitchen or bathroom with new countertops is one of the most exciting ways to refresh your home. At Granite Rocks, with showrooms in Lethbridge and Penticton, our goal is to make the installation process as smooth as the stone we craft. Whether you’ve chosen quartz, granite, or Dekton, the right preparation and care will ensure your countertops look beautiful for years to come.
Below are our top recommendations — before, during, and after your installation — straight from the Granite Rocks team.
1. Preparing for Installation Day
A little preparation goes a long way in helping our team deliver the best possible results. Here’s how to get ready for your countertop installation.
Clear Pathways
Before our installers arrive, make sure there’s clear access from your home’s entrance to the kitchen or bathroom. Move furniture, rugs, and any obstacles that could make it hard to carry in the stone slabs. Remember, some pieces can be very heavy and require multiple installers to maneuver safely.
Clear Off Your Existing Countertops
If you’re keeping your old countertops for templating, please remove all items — small appliances, décor, dishes, or toiletries — from the surface. This gives our team a clean, accurate space to take measurements or begin removal work without the risk of damage.
Coordinate with Other Trades
If you’re renovating, try to plan your schedule so that plumbing, electrical, and cabinet work are completed or paused during countertop installation. The smoother the timeline, the fewer delays or surprises on installation day.
Pets and Children
We love furry friends, but for safety reasons, it’s best to keep pets and small children away from the work area during installation. Our tools, adhesives, and heavy materials make it a workspace that’s best left to the pros.
2. What Happens on Installation Day
Our Granite Rocks team handles everything from delivery to final adjustments. You can expect:
- Countertop fitting and placement with precision leveling.
- Sink and faucet hole cutting, if required.
- Final polishing and sealing (for natural stone).
- Strapping and curing around sinks to ensure a perfect bond.
Depending on the size of your project, installation typically takes between a few hours to a full day. Our installers will walk you through the process and answer any questions before they leave.
3. The First 24 Hours: Let Everything Cure
After the installation is complete, it’s tempting to jump right in and start using your beautiful new counters — but patience pays off.
Our team straps and secures the sink to ensure it cures properly. It’s important to leave the sink untouched for at least 24 hours before removing the strapping or reconnecting plumbing. Doing so too early can affect the adhesive bond or alignment. If you’ve scheduled a plumber, make sure they know to come the following day.
4. Caring for Your Countertops After Installation
Your new countertops are built to last, but proper care will keep them looking brand new for years. Granite Rocks recommends these key practices:
Sealing Natural Stone
If you’ve chosen granite or marble, resealing is part of ongoing maintenance. Natural stone should be re-sealed every 1–3 years, depending on how much daily use it gets and the type of cleaners used.
A simple test: sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, your seal is still working. If it absorbs quickly, it’s time to re-seal.
Dealing with Chips or Cracks
Accidents happen — pots, pans, or heavy objects can sometimes chip the edges. If this happens, contact Granite Rocks before attempting any DIY fixes. Many chips can be repaired by our technicians, restoring the surface nearly to new.
Removing Metal Marks
You might notice gray scuffs along the edges over time, usually from belt buckles or sliding cookware. These can often be removed with a simple mix of Simple Green and water. Gently buff with a soft cloth until the mark fades.
Cleaning Products We Recommend
Daily cleaning is simple — mild and consistent care is the secret. The best products to use include:
- Dawn dish soap
- Simple Green (diluted)
- Barkeepers Friend (Stone formula) — for tougher stains only
Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials such as:
- Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners
- Magic Erasers or Mr. Clean pads
- Steel wool or scratch pads
These can dull the surface or weaken the sealant. When in doubt, call our team and we’ll guide you through the best solution.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Over the years, our installers have heard nearly every countertop question imaginable. Here are a few of the most common — and ones you might see expanded on in our upcoming blogs:
- Do I need to remove my sink before templating?
Not always. In most cases, we can measure accurately without removing the sink, but it depends on the project setup. Our team will confirm before we arrive. - Can I place hot pans directly on my countertop?
Quartz and granite are heat resistant but not heatproof. Always use a trivet or hot pad to prevent thermal shock or discoloration. - Will my countertop seams be visible?
Some seams are necessary for larger installations. We color-match epoxy to make them as subtle as possible. - What’s the difference between granite, quartz, and Dekton?
Each material has its strengths — granite for natural beauty, quartz for low maintenance, and Dekton for extreme durability. Visit our Lethbridge or Penticton showroom to see and feel the difference for yourself.
6. When to Call Granite Rocks After Installation
Our relationship with clients doesn’t end once the countertops are in place. If you ever notice:
- A chip, crack, or discoloration
- Dullness in the stone’s finish
- Stains that won’t come out with our recommended cleaners
Contact us right away. We’re happy to inspect and recommend a fix. Often, these are quick and affordable repairs that extend the life of your investment.
7. Visit Granite Rocks in Lethbridge or Penticton
Your countertops are the centerpiece of your home — they should be both stunning and strong. With the right care and a little attention to detail before and after installation, your surfaces will stay as impressive as the day they were installed.
If you’re planning a renovation or looking for expert advice on materials, maintenance, or repairs, the team at Granite Rocks is always here to help. Visit our showrooms in Lethbridge or Penticton to explore our wide range of granite, quartz, and Dekton surfaces, or to request a free quote today.
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