On Nov of 2009 I posted a blog called “To DYI or Not To DYI”. The discussion in the post was mainly around ceramic and stone tile installations for those that may have wanted to try stepping into the realm of “Do It Yourself”. I have always thought that attempting to install your own ceramic or stone tile was a good idea. Especially if you started small and then worked your way up to a larger project. I think the same should be said for stone or quartz counters. If you are a deeply entrenched DYier or if you want to try dipping your toes into the waters of the DYI ocean counters are not an unachievable option. I would start with the same premise of my blog on DYI ceramic and stone tile, start small, but I would also add that you need to a line yourself with a good fabricator that is is wiling to help you out with some information and tips.

Tip Number 1: Start small. A smaller bathroom vanity is a good place to start. Something in the 36″-42″ range with a single sink is easier to handle than a 72″ double bowl vanity.

Tip Number 2: Pick a stable stone or an engineered quartz product. This is important. You don’t want to make your first foray into hard-surface counters with a product like “Delicatus”. Yes, the name does imply a level of delicateness to the product and not just because of it’s colour.

Tip Number 3: Make a “hard” template of the vanity. In this way you can make sure your finished product will fit and you can “test” how you plan to put the real vanity in place.

Tip Number 4: Plan for a back-splash of some type, stone or ceramic. In this way you can allow for some leeway at the walls when you are measuring and installing the stone. A tight fit may look nice but for your first try take up the slack with a back-splash.

Tip Number 5: Before you start your project invest some time finding a right fabricator. One who will help you in the process and not just hand off a finished product with no back-up.

“Do It Yourself” counters are not a big deal. If you think you’d like to take a shot just do your homework first and have some fun with the whole process.