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bill_middlebrook

raplacing granite

8 years ago

need to replace old granite with new granite... Is this hard to do with out damage to cabinets?

Comments (33)

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Yes it can be achieved,great care must be taken when removing existing granite,such as remove items from both upper and base cabinets as vibration can cause damage.

    remove lower doors and drawers,and set aside for reinstall.

    in most cases you will need to remove any preexisting back splash first.

    granite is installed using construction adhesive,so u need to prise up front edge of granite after back splash removal.once you have front edge up place blocks under back of granite then press front edge down, which should force back of granite up.

    befor you start find joints,and ends and begin from those points as they are the weakest.

    good luck.

    ed.


  • PRO
    8 years ago

    I remove granite tops regularly. After removing the backsplash, buy a package of shims, and placing them over the cabinet stiles, gradually drive them under the top. If they went crazy with the construction adhesive, buy a Japanese pull saw and cut the tops free. The chances of damaging cabinets is small.

  • 8 years ago

    Perfect.. Good to know.. Now to get bids.. Thank you

  • 8 years ago

    I have another question .. Where do you think the seam should be? I have a long stretch of counter that is with the sink area.. The seam now is on the long stretch, which is very noticeable and not a very good match or seam.. I have been reading by the sink is ok to do and definitely less noticeable,

  • 8 years ago

    Picked out granite, kitchen layout is perfect and cabinets are perfect.. Just need to get this seam in a different place... I hear different opinions on where the seam should be.. I could use the granite company I had before... but that seam!! Ugh!! Looking for referrals..

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    It's a local to you issue no matter what. And certain layouts will lend themselves best to different materials, and different patterning and movement implied in the granite. Seams are seams, matching veining is generally an issue of "from the earth" book match. or additional material. Nobody can advise any of this online. Have your stone shop recommend based on your selection.

    A seam at the sink...... the least noticeable, can be an issue. If it is possible in your kitchen...you need to find a local source who will provide : ) Good Luck.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Sometimes the seam placement is goverend by the size of the slabs your budget that maybe does not include another slab too many variables to get an answer here.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    My top fabricators create a layout for the tops which the customer can then approve or ask for a change. Get a fabricator who will do that for you. Seams are often placed on one side of a corner or another. It could very well be that with your layout, there's no other option.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Post a dimensioned drawing of your layout and the dimensions of your slabs, please.

  • 8 years ago

    ok I will... I'll show the seam as well and see what you think

  • 8 years ago


    bill_middlebrook's ideas · More Info

    bill_middlebrook's ideas · More Info
    The seam and I also have the green bloom from the glue


  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    The matching of "movement" is excellent. The seam itself looks good. ( not the green bloom) You want a different locale, I think more material shall be required. Hard to say without dimensions......and the rest of the kitchen in photos with dimensions

  • 8 years ago

    Thanks for looking this over... Nice to have another opinion..My photo does show the seam better than it is... I only plan on replacing this piece or have the seam re-done.. What is your solution for green bloom?? I did try the pumice the left me.. Used the entire container.... nothing

    The length is 155 inches

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    There''s your problem. Granite and 13' are not buddies. At all. Nothing is 13 feet. I assume you mean entire wall, past the sink, to the cook wall is 13'

    Honestly?

    I'd give this a whirl.......and leave well enough alone. Trying to replace only a section? That could result in no match to the movement in the granite.

    http://store.countertopspecialty.com/Granite-and-Marble-Green-Bloom-Glue-Stain-Remover-Kit-p250.html

  • 8 years ago

    Thanks for the info on the green bloom.. Still.... what do you think of the seam by the kitchen sink.. Is this a weak point?

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    A seam at the sink, in the middle of the sink isn't "weak" . I have a fabricator who does it all the time. But.........there are those fabricators who.resist it.At the length you have, I am not sure it will help. You must measure from the MIDDLE of the sink to the left far edge of that top. Then ask how long is the matching slab?

    Point is, don't buy trouble.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Lisa:


    Dabble a little test oven cleaner on the bottom of that bloom, please.


    There is no mechanical reason for not putting a seam at a sink, especially if the sink is strapped in place. If your fabricator won't do it, find one that will, please.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Granite slabs are around 108”. You’re always going to have a seam at 105”-108” in that design.

    There’s nothing wrong with what you have. A visit from a stone repair specialist to color match the seam better and address the green, and it’s fine.

    You’re throwing the baby out with the bath water.

  • 8 years ago

    Thank you for all your help everyone.. Glad I found this forum.. I think I will try to find a fabricator to maybe do a seam at the sink and see what I am up against.. I've waited 20 years for this kitchen and fell in LOVE with this granite.. Can't keep my eye off the green bloom and the seam.. To me it seams the seam should be at the sink and not in the piece that shows off the main beauty of the granite.. Recommendations for a fabricator in Seattle/Tacoma area would be helpful.. Thank you everyone


  • 8 years ago

    Josh, if I decide to keep this.. Can you explain how to use the oven cleaner on the granite.. I tried to you- tube it but haven't found anything... Thanks for your help

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    You have 155 inches of counter top on the sink wall. Most of it is left of sink. What are the INCHES from the middle of the sink.....to the left edge?? My guess is exactly 113 inches.You aren't gonna make it . ( 24 cook wall and 18 of the 36 inch sink base = 42 and 155 minus 42 is 113" ) Prove me wrong and start the search for the exact match granite at "long enough".

    You stand at the sink a lot longer than you stand at the canisters. If it can't go to mid sink? A pointless pursuit.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Lisa:


    Please make the fabricator aware of your seam fussiness level. Nothing wrong with that, he just wants to make sure he charges accordingly.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Lisa: Put some gloves on, then squirt some oven cleaner on a paper towel then apply it to an inconspicuous area of the green bloom. If it removes it successfully, apply it to the whole area.

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    Joseph, wouldn't that harm the finish?

  • 8 years ago

    96 inches from the middle of the sink to the left.. That is good news!! No seam.. Well, by the sink

  • PRO
    8 years ago

    "Joseph, wouldn't that harm the finish?"


    Unlikely, but that's why you test inconspicuously first.


    Toilet bowl cleaner will suck the color right out of granite, but the gloss and texture is untouched. Freaky.

  • 8 years ago

    Should I try the toilet bowl cleaner (any brand) or the oven cleaner? Talking with the granite people now and hoping we come up with a solution. I'm still worried about the seam at the sink for a undermount sink.. I've read where the dishwasher, over time will shake the seam apart also hard to make it even.. I worry but this can be expensive!

  • PRO
    8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    The dishwasher will NOT "shake" the seam apart. My heavens. I am reminded of that line in Butch Cassidy when Paul Newman tells Robert Redford after his " I can't swim! statement" " Click the link, I don't want to spoil the fun for the youngsters........

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sdlUad38xU

    Go talk to an installer/fabricator who routinely places a seam at the sink, or live with the counter and try the oven cleaner. Can anything be worse than the green bloom? The seam is fine. Love it or lose it via a sink seam. Try the toilet bowl cleaner, and then the oven cleaner. I hardly see what difference given you have the bloom lol. Start with a q tip..............

  • 8 years ago

    Thank you..


  • PRO
    8 years ago

    DO NOT TRY TOILET BOWL CLEANER, PLEASE. I never suggested toilet bowl cleaner; I mentioned that it will pull the color out of stone in an undesirable manner.

  • 8 years ago

    ok. never heard of that one anyway.. We'll see what the granite people come up with


  • 8 years ago

    Looks like things are going to work out,, Working with the granite people... Thanks for all the help

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