Last Updated on October 25, 2026 by Royal Stone Care
Choosing a granite slab and placing it in your kitchen isn’t always as simple a process as it may seem at first. The fitting process involves meticulous planning, precise measurements plus the correct skills and techniques.
What’s more, the consequences of getting it wrong can be dire. You could be left with cracks, uneven surfaces or a porous surface which easily shows up marks. But no one wants to have shell out for expensive repair jobs further down the line.
Here are the common issues to steer clear of:
Inaccurate measurements
Particularly if you’re fitting a sink at the same time as your worktop, the measurements need to be 100% accurate pre-installation. So sizing needs to be spot-on. If you have to make any adjustments later, you may trap in moisture, potentially leading to issues with mould and mildew, for example.
Fitting the countertop with mismatched slabs
Not only do different granite shades affect the look of your kitchen, different colours have different properties. Black granite, for example, is dense, stain-resistant and needs little upkeep. Meanwhile, the white version of this stone is more porous, and so requires regular sealing. Grey granite, for its part, is elegant and falls somewhere between the white and black varieties in terms of maintenance needed.
Skipping the sealing
Granite’s pores absorb liquid, resulting in staining that’s a challenge to shift. And it may harbour bacteria or start to smell. Make a habit of doing granite sealing every year if not twice annually, using a professional service if necessary.
DIY fitting if you have limited experience
To fit a granite worktop properly, you’ll need professional-grade tools and expertise. So you’re almost certainly better off hiring a professional installer. Making mistakes could, in the worst-case scenario, result in injury, not to mention damage to your precious stone.
Don’t neglect edge profiles
Don’t forget about this element, either. Sharp edges make chipping of your countertop more likely, and are potentially dangerous. The thin point, for example, can be badly damaged if a heavy object falls on it. Round edges are certain to be much safer than other edging types.
Having a new worktop installed? Here are the things you need to bear in mind
Once you’ve decided on the material for your new kitchen countertop, you’ll need to keep a few things in mind ahead of installation. Remember that, while your natural stone is incredibly hardwearing, as well as gorgeous-looking, it’s not indestructible.
Before the installation
Firstly, be aware that natural stone slabs are, of course, very heavy, so require careful handling. Clear a pathway from front door to kitchen, removing, for example, rugs and furniture, along with any other obstructions and trip hazards. You may also want to put something down to protect your floor during installation.
Next, make sure all cabinetry is level, flat and secure and that the old worktop has been removed. If you place heavy stone on uneven cabinetry, it will crack under its own weight.
Equally, ensure you have enough support to bear the weight of the worktop. Otherwise, you could be storing up future problems for the stone, as well as the jointed areas of your counter.
Worktops made from this lovely natural stone are incredibly heavy, so the base on which they sit needs to be strong enough to offer proper support. Ignore this aspect and the weight could make the cabinets beneath buckle, crack and, at worst, even collapse.
At the same time, read the relevant manufacturer’s guidelines to prepare fully for the installation, and contact them if you’re not sure about anything.
Installers will apply silicone adhesives to the cabinets, drop the stone pieces into place and make the seams and backsplashes secure. Expect to be at home all day when worktops are being fitted.
Equally, check the warranty for the stone you’re buying carefully. That way, you’ll know what and what isn’t covered should anything go wrong.
Finally, don’t install any permanent tiles or splashbacks until your countertop is firmly in place.
During and after installation
Having more than one job done on-site at the same time? That can mean there are quite a few tradespeople at your property. Make sure everyone knows to be very careful around your stone countertop. The Worktop Fabricators Federation reports multiple cases of damage occurring while other works are taking place.
Lastly, of course, never sit on or apply excessive weight to your worktops. And check guidelines for care and maintenance of the stone you’re using, so that you know how to look after it post-installation. (You’ll find lots of helpful tips and information elsewhere on this blog.)
Choosing the right granite worktop fitter
Here are some considerations before you book yours:
Experience and expertise
Fitters with the right experience understand how to work best with this stone, from exact cutting to finishing and templating. If any unexpected challenges crop up, they can deal with them, so your granite worktops will be the perfect fit.
The best tools and techniques
Expert fitters equip themselves with the best tools for the task in hand. Plus they use specialised kit for polishing, cutting and so on to reduce the chances of damage, leaving you with a slick, professional finish.
Preventing expensive errors
Granite may be relatively affordable, but it’s not the cheapest material in the world. Any errors made during fitting can be pricy to put right. But with meticulous measuring, cutting and so on, your fitters will get installation right first time.
Peace of mind with a warranty
If fitting work comes with a guarantee, you’ll enjoy peace of mind in the event of any unforeseen issues.
The ideal installation experience
The best fitters will communicate clearly and keep you properly informed from start to finish. They’ll also minimise any disruption to your regular routine – and clear up after themselves.
Getting your choice of installer right
As with anything else, ask for word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family and read some online reviews. Equally, check that the company has the right public liability insurance in place. Get detailed quotes from a number of different providers and go for the option offering best value, not just the cheapest price.
Finally, ask lots of questions. Enquire about the firm’s experience, insurance, the guarantee they offer and the timescales of the job. After all, it’s a significant investment, and your home and family deserve nothing less than the very best experience.
Talk to Royal Stone Care
At Royal Stone Care, we’re experts in all aspects of granite care, including granite restoration and granite chip repair in London. Once you have fitted your glorious natural stone worktop, get in touch and we’ll help you keep it looking its brilliant best.
We cover businesses and private residences, so get in touch!
