How Long Does Countertop Installation Take? Our 2026 Timeline
At Granite Vision, most kitchen countertop projects in Northern Virginia, Washington, DC and Central Virginia are installed 5–7 business days after digital templating, and the installation itself takes one day. Here is what happens at each step and what can change the schedule.
The countertop timeline at a glance
| Step | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Free estimate | Send measurements or a drawing, or visit a showroom. We price your stone, edge and sink cutouts. | Free |
| 2. Slab selection | Pick your exact slab at our Stafford slab yard or a showroom (Woodbridge, Fredericksburg, Charlottesville). | One visit |
| 3. Digital templating | Our templater measures your cabinets on site with the LT2D3D laser system. | One site visit |
| 4. Fabrication | Cutting on our BACA waterjet, edge profiles, sink and cooktop cutouts, polishing — all in our own Stafford shop. | 5–7 business days after templating |
| 5. Installation | Our own crew sets, seams and levels the tops and mounts undermount sinks. | 1 day |
What has to be ready before templating
- Base cabinets installed, level and secured. We template to the cabinets as they will stand; moving them later changes the measurements.
- Sink, faucet and cooktop on site (or their model numbers), so cutouts are made to the exact product.
- Old countertops removed if you are replacing existing tops — or tell us at the estimate so we can plan removal.
- Appliance decisions final. A slide-in range, a farmhouse sink or a downdraft vent each changes the cut.
What can make it take longer
- Special-order material. Stock slabs are ready to cut; a color that must be ordered from a distributor adds its delivery time.
- Complex pieces. Waterfall ends, mitered edges and full-height backsplashes need extra shop time.
- Site access. Condo buildings in Washington, DC and Arlington often require an elevator reservation and a certificate of insurance; we schedule around the building’s rules.
- Changes after templating. Moving a cabinet or switching a sink means re-measuring.
What installation day looks like
The crew protects floors, carries in the pieces, sets and levels them, joins any seams with color-matched epoxy and mounts undermount sinks. Plan on the kitchen being off-limits for that day, and ask us when your plumber can reconnect the faucet.
Bathroom vanities and small projects
Vanity tops, laundry counters and bar tops follow the same steps. Many can be cut from remnant stone, which keeps the price down.
Frequently asked questions
How long after templating are countertops installed?
For Granite Vision, 5–7 business days for stock material. Special-order slabs add their delivery time.
Can I use my kitchen during the wait?
Yes. Between templating and installation your cabinets stay as they are; many customers use a temporary plywood top.
Do you use subcontractors?
No. Templating, fabrication and installation are done by our own team.
Ready to start? Request a free estimate or visit one of our four showrooms in Woodbridge, Stafford, Fredericksburg and Charlottesville.