Countertops are the hardest-working surface in a kitchen and often the most visible one. Renovation WA handles countertop installation in Bellevue and Kirkland for quartz, granite, quartzite and other surfaces, whether you’re replacing counters on existing cabinets or choosing them as part of a larger remodel.
Call (425) 624-4242 to schedule a free consultation. We’ll look at the cabinets, sink and backsplash, then send a written scope with pricing itemized by material, fabrication and installation.
What’s Included in a Countertop Project
- Material guidance and help choosing slabs and colors
- Removal of the existing countertops and a check that the cabinets are level and secure
- Templating after the cabinets are set, so the counter matches the room as built
- Cutouts for undermount or drop-in sinks, cooktops and faucets
- Edge profile, seam placement and overhang planning
- Setting, sealing where the material calls for it, and reconnecting the sink and faucet
- Backsplash coordination, from a short splash to a full-height slab
New counters often lead to a new backsplash. If you’re pairing white quartz with tile, our backsplash ideas for white quartz show combinations that work.
Comparing Countertop Materials
Quartz
Engineered quartz is non-porous, consistent in pattern and doesn’t need sealing. Direct high heat can damage it, so trivets are a must next to the range.
Granite
Natural granite tolerates heat well, and no two slabs are identical. Most granites benefit from periodic sealing. Browse granite countertop colors to see the range of patterns available.
Quartzite
A natural stone that can resemble marble but is generally harder and more heat-resistant. It tends to be more demanding to fabricate, and some stones sold as quartzite are softer than the name suggests, so checking the actual slab is worthwhile.
Other Surfaces
Butcher block suits islands and coffee stations where a warm look matters more than cut resistance, and solid surface is an option for bathrooms where an integrated sink appeals. For a side-by-side look at the three most popular stones, read quartz vs. granite vs. quartzite.
Templating, Seams and Cutouts
Most countertop problems trace back to the template. A precise template is taken after the cabinets are installed and the sink and cooktop are on hand, because cutouts depend on exact fixture dimensions. Long runs and L-shaped layouts usually need seams; we plan seam locations with you so they land in less noticeable spots, away from the sink where possible.
Overhangs for seating need support. Depending on the depth and the material, that can mean concealed steel brackets or visible corbels, and either one has to be planned before fabrication.
Countertops in Bellevue and Kirkland Kitchens
In many older Eastside kitchens, base cabinets have settled or were never perfectly level, so we check them before templating; stone will not flex to fit an uneven base. If the cabinets themselves are worn out, replacing them first usually makes sense, and our cabinet installation service can be coordinated so the new counters are templated right after.
Swapping counters without moving plumbing generally does not require a permit. If the project grows into relocating the sink or adding circuits, it becomes part of a kitchen remodeling project in Bellevue, with the permits that go along with it. Vanity tops are typically handled within our bathroom remodeling work.
How a Countertop Installation Unfolds
- Site visit. We check cabinet condition and level, measure, and discuss materials, edges and backsplash.
- Slab and fixture selection. You choose the material and color, and the sink, faucet and cooktop models are confirmed.
- Template. Exact measurements are taken on the installed cabinets.
- Fabrication and install. Slabs are cut, edged and set; the sink is mounted and the plumbing reconnected. Lead time varies with the material and scope, and your written estimate lists the confirmed dates.
- Final review. We inspect seams, overhangs and caulk lines with you and go over care for your specific material.
Countertop Installation FAQs
How long will I be without a working sink?
The sink is disconnected from the day the old counters come out until the new ones are set and the plumbing is reconnected. Your written schedule shows both dates so you can plan around them.
Can new countertops go on my old cabinets?
Yes, if the cabinets are sturdy, level and in good shape. Stone is heavy, so weak or water-damaged boxes should be repaired or replaced first.
Do quartz countertops need sealing?
No, quartz is non-porous. Granite and quartzite usually do, and how often depends on the specific stone.
Can you match an existing countertop?
Natural stone varies from slab to slab, so an exact match for a partial replacement is rarely possible. Replacing all connected counters gives the most consistent result.
Should the backsplash be chosen at the same time?
Ideally, yes. A full-height slab backsplash affects templating, and tile should be compared against the actual slab before anything is ordered.
Request a Countertop Estimate
Whether you’ve already picked a slab or are just beginning to compare materials, call (425) 624-4242 or send your details online to book a free consultation.