If you're reading this, you're probably considering new countertops for your kitchen or bathroom. I've been in the countertop business for over a decade, and I can tell you that installation day is both exciting and nerve-wracking for homeowners. After all, you're making a significant change to one of the most important rooms in your home.
At Cobble Creek Countertops, we've installed thousands of countertops across Utah over our 17 years in business. I've personally overseen hundreds of installations, from simple bathroom vanities to complex kitchen islands with waterfall edges. Through this experience, I've learned exactly what homeowners need to know before, during, and after the installation process.
Many homeowners I work with are surprised by how detailed the countertop installation process actually is. It's not as simple as placing a slab on your cabinets and calling it a day. Let me walk you through what really happens.
The journey begins with selecting your perfect countertop material. This is where your design vision meets practical considerations like durability and maintenance. During your consultation, we'll discuss:
I always recommend seeing samples in person rather than relying solely on photos. The way light hits a granite or quartz surface in your actual space can look dramatically different from online images.
Last month, I worked with a family who was set on a particular granite based on photos they'd seen online. When they came to our showroom, they realized the actual stone had much more movement and color variation than appeared in pictures. They ended up selecting a completely different material that better suited their taste.
After you've selected your material, we schedule a templating appointment. This is a critical step that many discount installers rush through, but it can make or break your installation. During templating:
We use digital templating technology that creates a computer model of your space. This allows for precision within 1/16 of an inch, which is crucial for a perfect fit.
I remember a complex kitchen installation where the homeowner wanted a farmhouse sink but hadn't purchased it yet. We took extra measurements to ensure that whenever they did get the sink, the countertop would accommodate it perfectly. Planning ahead saved them from costly modifications later.
Once templating is complete, the fabrication process begins. This typically takes 5-10 business days depending on material and complexity. During fabrication:
Quality fabrication makes all the difference in the final product. Our fabricators at Cobble Creek have years of experience working with various materials, from delicate marble to engineered quartz.
One thing many homeowners don't realize is that natural stone slabs can have natural fissures or variations. Part of our fabrication process involves working around these natural characteristics or enhancing them, depending on your preference.
If you're replacing existing countertops, removal happens either the day before or the morning of your installation. This process involves:
The removal process can take 1-3 hours depending on the size and material of your existing countertops. We take care to protect your cabinets and floors during this process.
I once worked on a removal where we discovered significant water damage to the cabinets that wasn't visible until the old countertops came off. We were able to help the homeowner make quick repairs before installing the new countertops, potentially saving them from bigger problems down the road.
This is where the transformation happens! On installation day:
The actual installation typically takes 3-5 hours for a standard kitchen. Complex installations with multiple seams or unusual shapes may take longer.
An important point about seams: while we minimize them whenever possible, some kitchens require seams due to the size limitations of natural stone slabs or the layout of your space. With today's technology, we can create seams that are nearly invisible, especially in patterned materials.
After the countertops are installed:
At Cobble Creek, we don't consider the job complete until you've had a chance to inspect the finished product and are completely satisfied.
The best installations happen when both the homeowner and the installation team are well-prepared. Here's what you can do to ensure a smooth process:
Before our team arrives, please:
I've seen installations delayed by several hours because homeowners didn't realize they needed to empty their cabinets first. This preparation step makes a huge difference in how quickly we can complete your installation.
Decide on these elements before installation day:
Having these decisions finalized prevents last-minute changes that can affect the installation timeline.
Your kitchen will be unusable during installation. Typically, you should plan for:
I recommend setting up a temporary kitchen area elsewhere in your home and planning meals that don't require your full kitchen.
You have two options for plumbing reconnection:
At Cobble Creek, we offer basic plumbing reconnection, but for complex plumbing needs, we recommend using a licensed plumber. If you choose a separate plumber, schedule them to come the day after installation to ensure the sink adhesive has properly set.
As someone who's provided thousands of quotes over the years, I can tell you that countertop installation costs vary widely based on several factors. Here's a breakdown of what influences pricing:
Material costs typically account for 40-60% of your total project cost. Average material prices per square foot installed:
Remember that even within a single material category, there can be significant price variations based on color, pattern, origin, and rarity.
Your choice of edge profile affects both the look of your countertop and its cost:
A waterfall edge on a kitchen island can add significant cost but creates a dramatic design statement that many homeowners find worth the investment.
The overall size of your project and its complexity significantly impact cost:
I recently worked on a kitchen with an unusually shaped island that required five separate pieces perfectly joined. This complexity added about 30% to the installation cost compared to a similar-sized standard layout.
Each cutout or special feature adds to your final cost:
If you need old countertops removed:
Your home's layout can affect installation costs:
Rush jobs typically cost more:
To give you a concrete example, here's what a typical kitchen countertop installation might cost:
For a 40 square foot kitchen with quartz countertops:
For this same kitchen with premium features:
If you're in Utah and searching for "countertop installation near me," here are some tips to find a reliable installer:
The lowest bid rarely provides the best value. Consider:
Quality installers will be able to answer specific questions about:
Make sure your installer:
Your estimate should include:
After overseeing hundreds of installations, I've seen the mistakes that can turn a dream kitchen into a disappointment. Here are the most common issues to avoid:
I've seen too many homeowners select high-maintenance materials like marble for busy kitchens, only to be disappointed by etching and staining. Consider your actual usage patterns when selecting your material.
Countertops can only be as level as the cabinets beneath them. If your cabinets are old or uneven, address these issues before installation. A quality installer will check for level during templating and alert you to any issues.
Your backsplash and countertop need to work together visually and physically. Decide on your backsplash before installation to ensure proper coordination.
Standard overhangs (typically 1.5 inches) don't require support, but larger overhangs for breakfast bars or islands require proper bracketing. This needs to be planned during the design phase.
Countertop installation isn't a same-day process. From selection to completion typically takes 2-3 weeks. Planning a kitchen reveal party the day after templating is setting yourself up for disappointment.
To keep your newly installed countertops looking beautiful for years:
I've seen many DIY countertop projects, and while some turn out well, most have issues that could have been avoided with professional installation:
Professional installation ensures:
If you're in Utah and looking for expert countertop installation, Cobble Creek Countertops is here to help. With 17 years of experience and over 1,000 satisfied customers, we have the expertise to make your countertop vision a reality.
We handle all aspects of the installation process, from material selection to final polishing. Our team takes pride in clean, precise installations that transform your space while minimizing disruption to your daily life.
Contact us at (801) 618-7699 for a free consultation and quote, or visit our website to see examples of our previous work. We serve homeowners throughout Utah and would be happy to help with your countertop installation project.
The complete process typically takes 1-3 weeks from initial measurement to completed installation. The actual installation day usually takes 3-5 hours for a standard kitchen, with complex installations requiring additional time.
It's possible but not typically recommended. Removing and reinstalling an existing sink often leads to damage, and the sink might not fit the new cutout perfectly. Most professionals recommend installing a new sink with new countertops.
For a standard 40 square foot kitchen, expect to pay between $2,000-$5,000 for laminate or basic granite, $3,000-$6,000 for quartz or premium granite, and $4,000-$8,000 for high-end materials like marble or quartzite, including installation.
Searching for a high quality customer countertop builder in Utah can be tricky but look no further because here at Cobble Creek Countertops we don't stop until we have installed your dream countertop.
"Couldn’t be more impressed with these guys. Darrin and Dustin took on an imperfect job and made it perfect. Appreciate all you do."
