Tips For Cutting Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the many countertop materials you should know about before a kitchen remodel. Not only is it more affordable than other options, but it is also incredibly versatile because it comes in a variety of designs and patterns. Before installing granite countertops in your home to enjoy these benefits, you may want to take a moment to familiarize yourself with the expected challenges. This includes learning how to properly cut the material to size. Luckily, Irakli Khizanishvili, the CEO and owner of Proslit Tile & Stone, exclusively shared with House Digest some helpful tips for cutting granite countertops to ensure the perfect fit. These include having the material cut in a fabrication shop, using high-quality equipment, double-checking your measurements, and more.

It's not easy to reverse mishaps made while cutting granite countertops. You may even end up having to purchase new material altogether, depending on the extent of the mistakes. As a result, it's in your best interest to understand the steps of the process through and through to avoid such errors. Khizanishvili explained how to cut the countertops in detail, so you should be able to complete this project successfully as long as you follow his expert advice.

Take a moment to review Irakli Khizanishvili's super-helpful tips before installing granite countertops in your home. The expert's first piece of advice is to have the material cut in a fabrication shop after you take accurate measurements. "Shops have controlled environments, specialized tools, and experienced personnel to ensure precision cuts and smooth edges," Khizanishvili explained while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "Hiring a contractor who handles the entire process from A to Z in a shop setting can significantly reduce the risk of mistakes."

The expert also provided insight on what tools you need to use to get the job done. You will need a high-quality diamond blade saw designed specifically for use on granite, and either straight edges or templates to make clean cuts. Khizanishvili's next tip has to do with measurements. "Double-check all measurements, including the overhangs and cutouts for sinks and appliances," he explained. "It's crucial to have precise measurements and to create a template before making any cuts."

The expert stressed that you must take proper safety measures throughout the granite cutting process. This includes wearing goggles, gloves, ear protections, and a dust mask. Khizanishvili's final tip is to account for expansion caused by temperature changes. You can make room for this by leaving ⅛ inch of empty space between the countertop and the surrounding walls.

If you're in need of a quick overview of how to cut granite countertops, you're in luck because Irakli Khizanishvili detailed the basic steps of the process while speaking exclusively to House Digest. "Start by placing the granite slab on a stable surface, ideally outside or in a well-ventilated area," he shared. "Mark the cut lines carefully using a template or straightedge." Next, you will need to install your diamond blade on a wet saw. "Ensure the water feed is functioning correctly to cool the blade and minimize dust," Khizanishvili said, expanding on this process. At this point, you should be ready to begin cutting. The expert recommends starting out with your straight cuts.

Make sure you move at a slow and steady pace. Next, move on to your curved cuts and cutouts for sinks. You will need to do this with a contour saw. Finally, smooth your edges with an angle grinder or a polishing pad. Common mistakes to avoid include inaccurate measurements, cutting at a fast pace, errors with the wet saw's water feed, improper support of the granite, and skipping smoothing over the material's edges. Homeowners who do not have adequate experience with cutting granite countertops should hire professionals to complete the home improvement project to avoid these mistakes.