Countertop Installation: Everything You Need to Know Before Updating Your Kitchen

Thinking about new kitchen countertops? You’re not the only one. Counters are the first thing people see—and the first thing they use. Coffee spills. Knife scratches. Kids’ homework spread across them. They go through a lot.

That’s why countertop installation isn’t just replacing old stuff with shiny new stone. It’s about durability. It’s about style. And it’s about making sure it actually fits your life, not just your Pinterest board.

Here’s the tricky part though—choosing the right material, finding an installer who knows what they’re doing, and making sure it’s built to last. Not so easy. Mistakes can cost you. Big. That’s where Anderson Tile and Granite comes in. We’ve been doing this for years. We know the process. We know what lasts. And we actually care about how your kitchen looks and works when it’s all done.

In this guide, we’ll break down the countertop installation process, explore materials, costs, and share a few pro tips to help you dodge common headaches.

Key Takeaways

• Countertop installation = more than looks. It’s daily function + value.
  

• Skilled installers make or break the project.
  

• Granite, quartz, marble, tile—each has pros, cons, and a price tag.
  

• Anderson Tile and Granite? Trusted. Local. Experienced.
  

• Plan smart. Save money. Avoid stress.

Why Countertop Installation Matters

Countertops aren’t “just surfaces.” They’re the heartbeat of your kitchen.

The Everyday Impact

Every cut, every pan, every cup of coffee—it all happens here. A good countertop holds up. A bad one? Constant problems.

Boosting Home Value

Want to sell later? A fresh countertop does wonders. Buyers notice. Data even says you can get back 70–80% of what you spend on a kitchen update.

Function Meets Design

Looks matter, sure. But the right material also resists stains, takes heat, and makes cleanup simple. The wrong one? Stains, scratches, regrets. That’s why working with pros matters.

Why Anderson Tile and Granite Is the Best

Let’s be real. You’ve got options. Lots of countertop companies out there. But here’s what makes Anderson Tile and Granite different:

• We’ve seen it all. Granite, quartz, marble, tile—you name it. We know the quirks. We know the mistakes to avoid.
  

• Local knowledge. Codes, suppliers, climate—we get it. Saves you stress.
  

• Straightforward process. No hidden fees. No “surprise” charges. We talk with you every step.
  

• Craftsmanship that shows. Every seam polished. Every cut precise.
  

That’s why people recommend us. Not just because we install countertops—but because we deliver peace of mind.

Popular Countertop Materials

This is the fun (and sometimes overwhelming) part. Picking your material.

Granite

Strong. Heat-resistant. Each slab is one-of-a-kind. Needs sealing once in a while, but worth it.

Quartz

Engineered stone. Low maintenance. Doesn’t need sealing. Tons of colors. Perfect for modern designs or families who don’t want the upkeep.

Marble

Classic. Luxurious. Bakers love it. But it scratches. It stains. Best for people who don’t mind giving it a little TLC.

Tile

Affordable. Customizable. Mix and match colors and patterns. Downside? Grout lines. But modern sealants make it way easier to maintain now.

Pro tip: Cook a lot? Go quartz. Want unique? Granite all the way.

The Countertop Installation Process

Curious what really happens? Here’s the breakdown.

Step 1: Consultation & Measurement

We ask what you want. What you need. Then measure everything down to the inch. Accuracy = everything.

Step 2: Pick Your Material

You’ll choose slabs, finishes, edges. We help you weigh pros and cons so you don’t regret it later.

Step 3: Fabrication

We cut. We polish. We shape edges. Basically, turning stone into your dream counter.

Step 4: Removal & Prep

Old counters out. Cabinets checked. Reinforced if needed. Weak bases don’t hold stone.

Step 5: Installation

The new top goes in. Seams sealed. Edges polished. Everything tightened down and secured.

Step 6: Final Walkthrough

We walk the space with you. If something’s off—even a tiny seam—we fix it. Done right, or not done at all.

Cost of Countertop Installation

Let’s talk numbers.

• Granite: $50–$200 per sq. ft.
  

• Quartz: $60–$180 per sq. ft.
  

• Marble: $70–$250 per sq. ft.
  

• Tile: $30–$100 per sq. ft.
  
  

What Changes the Price?

• Size of your kitchen
  

• Type of material
  

• Edge details (fancy cuts cost more)
  

• Cabinet strength (sometimes they need upgrades)
  

• Removing old countertops
  

Budget tip: Add 10–15% wiggle room. Once old counters come out, surprises pop up.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Hiring cheap labor: Bad seams. Bad cuts. Ugly finish.
  

• Skipping support: Heavy stone = strong base. No shortcuts.
  

• Forgetting sinks/appliances: Counters need exact cutouts. Measure twice.
  

• Choosing looks over lifestyle: White marble is stunning. But red wine + kids? Not so much.

FAQs

1. How long does countertop installation usually take?
Most countertops go in within 1–3 days. Depends on the material, the kitchen size, and how tricky the layout is. Some spots take longer, sure—but usually? Way faster than you think.

2. Do I have to seal my countertop?
If it’s granite or marble, yeah—you’ll want to seal it every year or two. Quartz and tile? Not much to stress about. They’re low-maintenance and hold up really well.

3. Can I keep my old sink?
Sometimes. But honestly, most folks swap in a new sink and faucet while they’re at it. Makes the kitchen feel fresh. Clean. Polished.

4. What’s the toughest countertop material?
Hands down—quartz. Non-porous. Scratch-resistant. Stain-proof. Handles daily kitchen life like a champ.

5. How do I pick the right material for my kitchen?
Think about how you actually use your kitchen. Granite = strong and beautiful. Quartz = easy, low-maintenance. Marble = elegant but delicate. Tile = flexible and budget-friendly. Still unsure? Chat with a pro. Makes the decision way easier.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, countertop installation is more than just a pretty upgrade. It’s about creating a space that works, lasts, and makes your kitchen feel brand new.

With choices like granite, quartz, marble, and tile—it can get overwhelming. But with Anderson Tile and Granite, you don’t just get countertops. You get experience. Care. And results that make your kitchen a space you actually love using.

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Ready for countertops that look amazing and actually last? Contact Anderson Tile and Granite today. Free consultation. Honest advice. Quality work that speaks for itself.