4 Questions to Ask Before Installing Granite Countertops

You’ve probably had this moment: you walk into a friend’s kitchen, your eyes land on their granite countertops, and suddenly you’re thinking, “Yep. I need this in my home.”

Granite has that effect. It’s timeless, elegant, and almost instantly transforms a kitchen or bathroom into something that feels elevated. But here’s the thing—installing granite countertops isn’t as simple as picking a pretty slab and scheduling an installation.

There are details to think through, questions to ask, and decisions that can make the difference between loving your granite for decades… or wishing you’d known more before you signed the contract.

At Skytop Cabinets, we’ve been helping families across Western North Carolina and Upstate South Carolina bring dream kitchens, bathrooms, and offices to life for decades. And granite countertops are a big part of those projects.

So let’s break it down together. Here are four important questions to ask before installing granite countertops—plus the insider details we share with our neighbors every single day.

1. What Type of Granite Is Best for My Home?

Not all granite is created equal.

Some slabs are darker, denser, and naturally more stain-resistant. Then, others are lighter, more porous, and need that little extra love in terms of sealing and upkeep. So, the first question you want to ask is: What type of granite makes sense for my lifestyle?

Let’s make it real:

• If you’re a daily cook, chopping veggies, searing steaks, or hosting family taco night every week, you’ll want a granite that can also stand up to that kind of action. Darker granite with lower porosity is often your safer bet because it resists staining better.

• If you’re building a mountain retreat in Lake Lure or a second home in Brevard, and the kitchen is more about entertaining guests with charcuterie boards than nightly cooking marathons, then you might lean toward a slab with dramatic veining and eye-catching colors—even if it requires a bit more care.

Questions to ask your installer or fabricator:

• How porous is this granite?

• Will lighter colors show stains more easily?

• Does this slab handle heat and scratches well?

Pro Tip from Skytop: Bring a cabinet sample with you when you go granite shopping. Granite looks very different under natural light versus kitchen lighting, and pairing it with your cabinetry.

2. How Often Does Granite Need to Be Sealed and Maintained?

Sure, granite is one of the most durable countertop materials out there, but here’s the truth: it’s not completely maintenance-free.

We’ve had plenty of homeowners walk through our doors in Hendersonville or Tryon, assuming granite is “install it and forget it.” No. What keeps granite looking gorgeous year after year is proper sealing. Some slabs actually need sealing once a year, while others can go 3–5 years before reapplication.

Questions to ask about maintenance:

• What kind of sealer will be used?

• How often will this particular slab need to be resealed?

• What’s the best daily cleaning routine?

Our advice? Stick with a gentle cleaner, avoid harsh chemicals, and wipe spills quickly—especially things like red wine, oils, or acidic foods that can etch the surface. And don’t forget: if you’re considering granite for a luxury master bathroom vanity, the same rules apply.

Granite isn’t high-maintenance—it just needs consistent, light care. And when you commit to that little bit of upkeep, it will reward you with decades of beauty.

3. What Should I Expect During the Granite Countertop Installation Process?

Installing granite countertops is exciting, but it’s also a project that requires patience and planning.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Timeline: From templating to fabrication to installation, granite countertop installation usually takes a few weeks. And during that time, your kitchen or bathroom may be partially out of commission.

• Cabinetry comes first: Granite sits on top of your cabinets, so those have to be fully installed before your granite can be measured and fabricated. That’s why, if you’re planning upgrades like Amish cabinetry, JSI, or Avance, or adding pull-out trash bins, cutlery dividers, or charging drawers, those decisions should be finalized first.

• Precision matters: Granite is custom-cut to fit your space. Even a tiny mismeasurement can cause problems. And that’s why working with detail-obsessed installers (like our Skytop team) makes all the difference.

Questions to ask your installer:

• What’s the full installation timeline?

• How do you handle plumbing and appliance adjustments?

• Will heavy slabs require additional support or reinforcement?

Pro Tip from Skytop: Don’t forget about lighting. Granite completely comes alive when you pair it with the right accents—like under-cabinet lighting that highlights the natural veining. We always encourage homeowners to think about lighting design alongside countertops and cabinetry for the most stunning results.

4. What’s the Real Cost of Installing Granite Countertops?

Granite is an investment, and it’s worth every penny when done right. But here’s where homeowners sometimes stumble: they only budget for the slab itself.

The true granite countertops cost and installation usually include:

• The slab

• Fabrication (cutting, polishing, edge profiles)

• Cutouts for sinks, cooktops, and outlets

• Installation labor

• Reinforcements (if needed)

Questions to ask before signing a contract:

• Does this price include fabrication and installation?

• Are sink and cooktop cutouts part of the quote?

• What’s the warranty on both the stone and the installation?

We want you to feel confident about the full investment—not just the slab. That’s why we’re transparent about costs upfront. And because we’re your neighbors, not a franchise, we’re here for aftercare too. Questions after installation? We don’t disappear.

Why Installing Granite Countertops Is Worth It

After all these questions, let’s not lose sight of why granite remains one of the most sought-after countertop materials in Western NC and Upstate SC.

Here’s what homeowners love about granite:

• Durability: Resistant to heat, scratches, and everyday wear.

• Timeless beauty: No two slabs are alike. Your kitchen or bath will be one of a kind!

• Added value: Granite countertops are a strong selling point if you ever list your home.

• Versatility: Works in rustic mountain cabins, sleek lake homes, or classic Southern kitchens.

Pair granite with custom cabinetry, functional accessories (like spice racks or hidden charging drawers), and thoughtful lighting—and you’re not just getting new countertops. You’re upgrading how you live in your home.

The Skytop Difference in Granite Countertop Installation

When it comes to cabinetry and countertops, here’s why neighbors across Western NC and Upstate SC trust Skytop:

✔️ Amish all-wood cabinetry for unmatched durability.

✔️ JSI Cabinetry for budget-friendly style without compromise.

✔️ Avance Cabinetry blends modern technology with traditional craftsmanship.

✔️ Drawer and cabinet accessories that make daily life easier—pull-out trash bins, cutlery organizers, spice racks, and charging drawers.

✔️ Lighting expertise that brings out the best in your granite and cabinetry.

✔️ Local care and precision installation—we’re not a franchise; we’re your neighbors, and we take pride in every project.

So whether you’re designing a cozy kitchen in Brevard, upgrading your master bathroom in Hendersonville, or outfitting a lake house in Tryon, we’ll walk with you through every choice, every detail, every step.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your dream kitchen—or bath, or office—isn’t just a Pinterest board. It’s something we can build together.

Contact Skytop Cabinets today, and let’s start with a conversation. We’ll bring the expertise, craftsmanship, and neighborly care—so you can enjoy a space that feels beautiful, functional, and completely yours!