What should I do to prepare for the measuring templating visit?
Granite can weigh more than 90 kilograms per square meter. Ensure that cabinets are secured firmly to the wall, are level and have sufficient braces and that the floor can support the weight of granite worktops. Make sure you know the final locations of sinks, hobs, taps or any other fittings.
Then, after templating, ensure cabinets and supports are not moved after we have been to template. Measurements taken at that time are crucial to ensure a good fitting environment. Changes to the environment after we have taken our measurements and templates are likely to cause significant difficulties and will be very costly to deal with.
Will there be visible joints in my granite kitchen or bathroom worktops?
Granite is a very dense and heavy material so it is not practical to provide pieces of granite worktops larger than 3 x 2 meters. Also, we might need to add other joints if access is restricted and it is not practical to fit the granite worktop in one piece. This will be made clear when templating, we will do our best to get any joints in positions that are acceptable for you. In general, our joints are less than 1mm wide, and will be filled with either silicone or a masonry resin compound.
How long will it take to provide my granite worktops?
We guarantee a short turnaround time, providing we have the granite you require in stock.
Will I need to make specific allowances for sinks?
You will need to ensure that suitable space and support is provided for sinks. In most cases, a sink will come with fitting instructions that will explain how to adapt the base unit to provide adequate room and support for the sink.
Our templater will explain what needs to be done by you before the work is carried out. If our fitters need to do extra work when they arrive to accommodate sinks, they may need to make an additional charge.
Heavy undercounted sinks
In most cases with heavy undercounted sinks, such as enamel, we recommend that a wooden frame is constructed all around the sink and the gap between the granite worktop and sink sealed with silicone. In our experience, building a wooden support frame should be done after the granite worktop has been fitted. If this is the case, our granite worktop fitters can help by gluing the sink to the bottom of the granite worktop so that the wooden frame can be constructed afterwards by your builder or kitchen fitter.
Will you connect water and gas fittings?
We fix sinks and hobs to the granite worktops, but you should ask a suitably qualified plumber and gas fitter to connect the water and gas. We are not able to provide this service.
Is there likely to be any damage to walls during the fitting of granite kitchen or bathroom worktops?
Walls are rarely straight or square, to minimise the gaps between the wall and the granite worktops our fitters may need to chase out plaster. All walls will be made good after the fitting.
Will I need to fit splash backs?
Walls are rarely straight or square, so small gaps between the granite worktop and the wall should be expected. Our fitting team may also need to slightly modify walls next to the granite worktop to minimise gaps. We therefore advise fitting a splash back or tiling after your granite worktop is fitted.
Are there likely to be defects or imperfections in my granite worktop?
Granite is a natural material and on rare occasions can have defects or imperfections due to the natural working characteristics of materials supplied. There may be small chips which arise in the course of manufacture, delivery and/or installation. We can repair these defects on site and reserve the right to do so if needed.
Can I arrange for my own fitting?
If you prefer – we can just supply the granite product, and you can arrange your own installation team or DIY. (Be aware that granite is very, very heavy and needs to be handled with due care and consideration - it is not a one-man job!). Blue Pearl will take no responsibility for any damage caused either to property or to the granite surface if fitting is undertaken by a third party.
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