Step 9: Lay the Countertop on the Cabinets

lay the countertop on the cabinets
Photo: Wendell T. Webber
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Grab a couple of helpers and flip the stone on edge. Leave the clamped 2x4s across the narrow edges around the sink cutout for support.

Carry the stone to the cabinets carefully, on edge, making sure not to hold it at the sink cutout.

Lay the slab into position on top of the cabinets, removing any clamps as necessary. Add the second slab, if necessary, and butt the two together. Check that the two pieces are flush with each other and that both rest fully on the cabinet frame. If necessary, shim the cabinets in the front or the slab itself in the back to make sure the two pieces are flush and well supported.
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    • bar clamps
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    • hammer
      Hammer

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      Drill/driver fitted with 2-inch diamond hole saw

    • straightedge guide
      Straighedge

    • circular saw
      Circular saw fitted with diamond blade

    • jigsaw
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    • random orbit sander
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    Shopping List

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    1. Soapstone. For the best price, buy directly from an importer (most soapstone comes from Brazil or India). You can find them online, and many will send you samples to help you select the right color. Plan ahead, giving yourself as much as six weeks for delivery time.

    2. Shims to level cabinets.

    3. 2x4s to support the slab when cutting it and act as a brace.

    4. 2½-Inch Deck Screws to hold cabinets level and flush to each other.

    5. Masking Tape for protecting the stone as you cut out for sinks and other fixtures.

    6. Painter's Tape for protecting the stone as you create the joints.

    7. 1/4-by-1½-Inch Carriage Bolts to brace an undermount sink.

    8. Undermount Clips to hold an undermount sink in place. Most new sinks come with the clips, or are available at plumbing-supply stores.

    9. Polyester/Acrylic Stone Seam Adhesive (available through stone suppliers) to form an invisible bond between two slabs. This is a two-part product that has to be mixed before use.

    10. Kitchen and Bath Sealant to secure the sink to the stone. Look for a 100 percent silicone product.

    11. Denatured Alcohol to clean the stone.

    12. Mineral Oil to finish and seal the stone.