Fitting granite worktop

[bumpymum]

I am installing a new kitchen at the moment.
I am having laminate worktops for the most part, but want a granite pastry worktop above my washing machine and dishwasher.
How easy is it for a fairly competent DIYer to fit the granite worktop in and how di you go about it ???
Many thanks

[buildersmate]

One of the main issues is supporting it - granite is a very dense material.
Also, how is it going to look in the middle of a 'run' of complementary coloures work surfaces - only you can work that out. Are you having post-formed edges on the worktops that you want replicated on the granite?

All of the above leads me to believe that you may be better off with a granite inset, set into a routed out section of worktop - then you haven't got to worry about the front or back lines of the whole worktop.
If so, get the routing done before you fit the worktop.

[heathfield]

Sometime a large piece of granite will stay put under its own weight, but often an adhesive suitable for granite floor tiles is used to fix it in place. You also need to make sure that the granite is evenly supported at all points where it rests on top of the units. You might have a problem providing a sturdy front support - there may not be room for it over the appliances, and you may end up having to raise the whole worktop (or even all of the units) to fit a support in place! Having the edge of the granite shaped to match your laminate worktop could be quite expensive, making BM's inset suggestion an option. You'd still have the problem of clearance for supports. Use a good sealant between granite and laminate worktop. Water getting into the join is asking for trouble. Good luck!!

[sebbro]

I am a granite fabricator/installer, both answers are spot on, bare in mind that for making pastries, the rolling surface needs to be colder than the ambient temp hence marble or granite is used that stays apprx 2 degrees cooler.A bit confusing but the nature of said stones means that they absorb heat well too, so make sure you havn't put your appliences on before rolling as the stone will become warm. best o luck. p.s. you could always get a nice chap like me to sort it out for a surprisingly small fee depending on yr location!!!....lol