Installing commercial countertops in your multifamily project is an exciting step in the building process. It brings you one step closer to finishing your build and renting it out to future tenants. But if you’ve never installed commercial countertops before, you might wonder what the process is like.
There are multiple steps in the commercial countertop installation process that we’ll be going over today to prepare you for your installation. By the time you’re done reading this blog, you’ll know exactly what to expect. Keep reading to learn all about the process.
Preparing for the Installation
Before the installation actually begins, there are some steps you’ll need to take to prepare. Those steps include taking measurements, removing old countertops, if there are any, and clearing the countertops. Let’s take a closer look at these steps.
Taking Measurements
Before ordering countertops for your multifamily build, you’ll want to take measurements to see the quantity and sizes you’ll need for your countertops.
Remember to add an extra inch to your measurements and decide whether you want square, curved, or rounded edges. These all slightly differ in appearance and will affect the overall appearance of the kitchen or bathroom, so take your time deciding what kind you want.
Previously Installed Countertops
To prepare for your installation, you’ll need to find out if the installers will remove old countertops and disconnect plumbing and other electrical fixtures. If not, these are steps you’ll need to take care of before the installers arrive so that everything is ready to go when they arrive.
Otherwise, they might need to come back at another time when the space is prepared for installation, delaying your timeline for when your multifamily build will be completed.
Clear the Countertops
If the installers will take care of everything, you’ll just need to clear the countertops for them. If you’re renovating the multifamily build, you’ll likely only have power and construction tools lying around, which shouldn’t be too difficult to clean up.
If your multifamily build is being built, there won’t be any countertops to clean up. Disconnecting plumbing and electrical fixtures, if those have been installed, will be the only steps you need to take.
Timeframe
Of course, you’ll want to know how long it will take to install the countertops since the installation process will affect your timeline for your multifamily build. However, some things are common sense. For example, it will take longer to install tile than it will to install marble since tile is a lot more difficult to install.
Other factors to consider may include the layout of the area where the countertops are being installed. An open layout is easier to work in than a smaller space. The prep work also affects the time frame, since uninstalling previous countertops before installing the new ones takes more time than just installing the new ones.
With all those factors considered, expect the installation process to take four to eight hours per countertop. If your multifamily build has 12 apartments, that’s 48 to 120 hours of labor. Of course, your installer could have multiple workers in different apartments. That 120 hours could take a few weeks or a few days, depending on your installer.
For a precise timeframe for your countertop installation, your best option is to discuss it with your installer.
Installing Different Types of Countertops
Commercial countertop installation isn’t a one-size-fits-all scenario. There are slight differences between quartz, marble, and granite countertops.
These differences don’t affect the installation timeframe very much, but it’s still a good idea to understand the differences. This will help in the future if you need to perform maintenance on your tenants’ countertops.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is engineered into slabs of equal sizes, so you won’t need to worry about a lot of aligning or seam sealing. Granted, this might be a step in the process, but not as big as some other countertops. Quartz is also nonporous, so it doesn’t need sealing or waxing to protect it from stains and mildew.
Marble and Granite Countertops
Marble and granite are made of natural materials and are extremely heavy. Unlike quartz, they do not come in slabs of equal sizes, so multiple pieces of marble and granite will need to be seamed together to form your countertop.
Sealing the natural stone right after installing it is important since marble and granite are both porous. Sealing will ensure the liquids and oils will bead up instead of seeping into the stone. It also prevents cleaners and acidic foods from damaging the countertop.
Backsplash
It’s a good idea to install the backsplash right after you install the countertops. It will probably take minor adjustments to get everything looking seamless, so be patient while the installers do their work.
After Installation
After your commercial countertops have been placed, sealed, leveled, dried, and checked for quality control, they will be ready for use. It’s time to reconnect fixtures and wiring. Then, you can move on to the next step of preparing your multifamily build for renting.
Superior Commercial Solutions Can Help.
Are you looking for the right installer for your commercial countertops? Look no further. Superior Commercial Solutions has been installing countertops for decades. We do everything in-house, so there’s no need to worry about coordinating with multiple subcontractors to get the job done.
Our process involves designing, producing, importing, and installing your commercial countertops. We’re actively involved in every step of the process, ensuring a high-quality product that’s installed correctly the first time.
As soon as your container arrives stateside, we’ll contact you to schedule the installation. Our team will come to do all the work, so all you need to do is prepare the space.
Have questions? Ready to get started? Contact Superior Commercial Solutions today. We’re headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, and work on projects all over the country. Contact us today to start the process of installing commercial countertops in your multifamily building.