Before demo: what needs to happen first
If your replacement includes a new sink, confirm the new sink is on-site and its cutout dimensions are ready before template day. If you are changing the faucet, confirm the hole configuration matches. Plumbing must be disconnected before the old counters are removed—coordinate with your plumber or ask us about our referral partners. Clear the countertops and remove items from lower cabinets near the work area. Upper cabinets stay in place; protection for cabinet interiors is part of our installation process.
Demo and removal
Removing existing countertops varies significantly by material. Tile counters and backsplashes can be time-intensive and may require backsplash repair or replacement after. Laminate is typically straightforward. Existing stone counters are heavy—coordinate with your installation team on whether the slab needs to come out in sections. If your existing countertops are glued to the cabinets, some surface damage to the top edge of cabinet faces is possible; minor refinishing is sometimes needed.
Template comes after removal—not before
This is the step homeowners most commonly misunderstand. Templating must happen after the old counters are removed and the cabinets are fully exposed and level. Templating off drawings or before demo leads to errors that require re-fabrication. The template visit is typically quick—an hour or less for most kitchens. After template approval, fabrication begins.
Living without countertops during fabrication
For most natural stone and engineered quartz projects, fabrication takes several days to a week after template. During this time, your kitchen is fully usable—you just lack counters. Set up a temporary prep station with a folding table and keep a microwave and kettle accessible. Most South Florida families find this period manageable with a bit of planning. Plan for dish washing in the bathroom or using paper plates for the period between demo and install.
Installation day
Installation teams arrive with fabricated pieces and set counters, complete seams where needed, and secure surfaces. A standard kitchen takes 2–4 hours for experienced crews. Plumbing reconnection happens after counter installation—if you have a plumber scheduled, coordinate their arrival for a few hours after our team starts. Do not put weight on or use the counters for 24 hours after installation to allow adhesives to cure fully.
After installation: sealing and punch list
Natural stone surfaces (granite, quartzite, marble) should be sealed before first use if not already done by the installer. We seal stone surfaces as part of our installation process—confirm this is included in your scope. Do a final walkthrough before the team leaves: check seams, edges, cutout fit, and any chip or scratch concerns while everyone is still on site. It is far easier to address a punch list item immediately than after the crew has packed up.
