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Templating |
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A template is an exact, full size pattern of the granite pieces that you want cut for your kitchen or bath counters |
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We use plastic polystyrene. The plastic template is cut to fit the kitchen in pieces that represent the granite counter top pieces. All cut outs are located and shown full size as they are to be cut. The template is then labelled, clearly showing seams, cut outs (sink, faucet holes, etc.), edges, backsplashes, etc. The template must be exact, since the granite will be cut using your template as a pattern. |
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A kitchen ready for templating should not have counter tops in place. The sinks and faucets are needed on site along with the templates and cook top. |
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MATERIALS |
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Templates are best made of plastic polystyrene, which you can obtain from a plastic supply house in 4' x 8' sheets. These sheets cost about $8 to $12 each. Note that you can only cut an 8' piece from one sheet if your countertops are 25" (cutting 25" from 48" leaves only 23" for the remainder) Be sure to buy enough sheets to have sufficient material on hand. It comes in two thickness': 0.020 costs less and is easier to work with; 0.030 is stiffer. If you are unable to buy it locally, we sell it here for $8.00 a sheet. |
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TOOLS |
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You will need the following tools: |
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A metal 4' straight edge |
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A metal 24" carpenters square |
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A utility knife with sharp blades |
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A utility scissors (those kind that can cut pennies are good) |
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A permanent marker |
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A measuring tape |
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Duct Tape |
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Some �" plywood or paneling |
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PREPARATION |
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All the cabinets need to be installed. Screwed in and not just set into place. You will need to have on hand at the site any items that will be cut into the counter � sinks faucets, sprayers, cook tops, etc. |
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If this is a renovation, you would be better off taking out the sink and faucet. Alternatively, you can work around the sink by cutting a hole in the plastic to fit over these obstacles and replace the cut out after fitting. It is very important to remember to replace the cut out! |
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Bridge holes and gaps with plywood or paneling, such as over the dishwasher opening and sink opening so that you can lay your plastic templates over the top without drooping or sagging. If you plastic sags your granite counter top pieces may be too long. |
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PROCEDURE |
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1. Cut the plastic into counter depth pieces.
For most standard 24" counter with a 1" overhang, this will mean cutting 25" strips. (Too bad they don't make the plastic in 50" widths instead of 48", because the 25" width leaves a lot of waste with the 23" leftover strip). Some pieces may be thicker or thinner. |
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2. Assemble pieces on the cabinets.
Use thin (1/4" plywood or paneling to bridge gaps over dishwasher and sink openings. |
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3. Cut each piece to length.
You can leave some gaps in the rear (1/8") to fit the pieces, especially if you are using backsplashes to cover the gaps |
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4. Locate cut outs:
Sinks & Faucets Locate the centerline of each sink by noting the cabinet centerline below the template. Mark the center line. Place the sink template on the plastic template and trace around. Note whether the sink is an under mount or top mount and mark the model number. If you have an under mount sink you must send us the sink template that came with your sink. Check the inside dimensions of the sink hole by placing the sink template on top of your sink. Some sink templates need to be reduced so that the cut out is flush with the sink walls. Try to maintain at least 3 �" of granite on the front, sides, rear and between dual sinks to prevent cracking the granite during shipping and installation. Locate set back with dotted line. Label completely.
Cook tops � cook tops generally don't leave enough material for a cut out. You need a minimum of 3 �" top and bottom. If it is less, then you need to do this with pieces (baguettes). |
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5. Label:
Number each template sequentially and circle number. Label each seam with letters on both sides of seam and put cross hatches (label joined). "Seam A / Seam A" |
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6. Mail to: |
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We R Granite, Inc. We R Granite, Inc. |
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97 Railroad 5 Short Bluff Rd
Stanstead, Québec Newport, VT.
J0B 3E2 05855 |
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If you have any questions, please feel free to call us some one will be available to answer any questions you may have. |
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Tel.;819 876-7385 |
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Additional information about |
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Sinks: come in top mount or under mount designs. In either case,
Cut outs need to have 3 �" minimum thickness of granite to be structurally sound. Check this thickness when selecting an under mount sink. If your countertop is 25" wide, then you can have a maximum sink cut out size of 18" front to back. |
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Faucets: allow sufficient room for faucets and check the size of the bases. If you order backsplashes, these are usually supplied in 1 �" material. If you have an 18" sink which leaves 3 �" granite, subtract the backsplash width of 1 �" and you have only 2 �" left for your faucet. Most faucets, sprayers, soap dispensers, hot water dispensers use a 1 3/8" hole - but check the instructions and physically measure the fixture for width and check that the base will cover the hole. |
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Backsplashes are highly recommended since they can cover irregularities and the granite doesn't need to fit tight to the wall. They are provided in matching granite if you request them. They are normally 4" high, but can be cut to any height. If you do not specify, they will be provided at 4". |
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Seams: are necessary with natural granite. The visibility of your seams will depend on the granite color, pattern and location of the seam. A darker color with a uniform grain will not be very visible, while a lighter color with dramatic grain pattern (waves or splashes of color) will be more apparent. |
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Size: Most colors are available in slabs of 4' x 8' (some are larger, up to 5' x 10', but call to make sure). You cannot have a piece larger than these. Also, a larger becomes quite heavy to move and install. |
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Price: Granite is sold by the rectangular dimension. If you want a bevelled seam at a corner you will be buying 4 extra square feet for a bevel, since each bevel results in some waste. |
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