The style of our new (used) home was in need of updating after about a year or so, as my wife felt that there was too much wood. It was important to her, however, not to paint the honey oak cabinets when updating the kitchen. The floors were the only thing left (except for the wood)!
The previous owners had left us a small wooden table for the nook. Due to its convenient location in the middle of the kitchen, we had been using it for most meals. There was just something about the size and height that made me want to hang on to it.
My options were either to get busy designing and fabricating an island or to install a granite or quartz countertop. Thus, this little DIY works for the small kitchen table, but also can be made into a granite coffee table!
Because we used it so often to eat on, we decided to replace the top with granite. Our quest to find the best deal on quartz counter tops led us to find one after shopping around for a while. It just needs to be attached now. So, here is the procedure I followed to install a granite counter top (quartz in my case) on a wooden table.
Table of Contents
Adding stone tops to wooden tables
Glue, silicone, or construction adhesive should be applied to the wooden table before attaching granite to it. Once the granite top is centered, attach it to the wooden table. Ensure a tight bond by clamping the top or adding weight.
When it comes to granite and wood, what is the best adhesive?
To attach Granite to Wood, you’d use construction adhesive like liquid nails or Gorilla Glue. Besides being permanent, it’d provide the strongest bond. Think about choosing something strong, but non-permanent, like silicone, if you want to change the top in the future.
What made me choose silicone?
The table will be primarily affected by gravity, or straight down. To secure a stone/granite/quartz countertop to a solid wood table, a solid bead of Silicone should be fine.
A wide bead provides substantial glue surface area, and silicone can bond to most surfaces.
Does a granite top need to be secured to a wooden table?
In answer to your question, what is the best way to fix granite to an existing table? It’s just a matter of using silicone, construction adhesive, or glue.
Table inspection
My first step was to inspect the current table to ensure that I would be able to attach a slab weighing 200 pounds (90 kilograms) to the top. As someone who weighs just over 200 pounds, I climbed and rocked on it a few times. The bolts holding the legs were also torqued. A glued and bolted table top caught my attention. As a result, for my family and me, I am confident that it would hold a granite or quartz slab weighing 200 pounds.
You should talk to the people who sell granite if you are unsure if yours will hold up. It would be great if you could bring pictures of the table or even an opinion. You could even consult a certified contractor.
As soon as I had this resolved, I decided it was time to get to work. Is there a way to attach a quartz top to a wooden table? My little island table follows a rough guideline below.
Attaching a granite counter top to a wooden table.
Specimens
- Quartz or granite tops for tables and counters
- Palm sanders or sandpaper
- Combination square/ruler/tape measure
- Caulking and silicone guns
- Rags or paper towels
The Step-by-Step Guide to Gluing Granite to Wood
Step 1: Measure and inspect the current table
Prior to attaching the granite, you will need to examine the table.
Make sure it is free of loose pieces of wood and inspect it for any damages. Measuring the table will give you an idea of the size of your cut of granite.
Step 2: Sand or scuff the top perimeter
Sand, or scuff up the perimeter of your wood countertop once you have decided where you want the granite placed. This will help the adhesive adhere better.
Step 3: Select the Correct Adhesive
It is important to use the right adhesive when gluing granite to wood. To ensure that the granite is held in place, you should choose an adhesive that will not damage the wood.
Step 4: Shape the granite
The granite you use will need to be cut to fit your countertop or another surface if it has already been cut. You can achieve this by using a special diamond blade designed for cutting granite on a wet saw. Power saws with carbide-tipped blades can also be used, but they’re harder to control.
Step 4: Place the adhesive
The wood needs to be adhered with adhesive now. The wood surface will need to be liberally coated with adhesive. Place granite on an area that is completely covered. The granite can be carefully placed on top of the adhesive once the adhesive has been applied. Granite and wood should be level and there should be no air bubbles between them.
Step 5: Firmly press
Once both wood and granite have been glued evenly, it’s time to firmly press them together. The two materials should be joined evenly by applying pressure to the area where they meet. The bone can also be held in place while drying with clamps, if you have any. Ensure that the clamps aren’t too tight to prevent glue from leaking from the granite and wood.
Step 6: Wait for the adhesive to dry
You should wait at least four hours for the adhesive to dry before continuing. The process can be sped up by using a hairdryer if you’re in a hurry. The next step is to move on to the next step after the adhesive has dried.
Step 7: Mount the granite counter-top
On a clean work surface, lay the granite countertop upside down with the assistance of an assistant. Make sure the granite is properly attached to the wood substrate by applying a generous amount of construction adhesive.
Press firmly into place the countertop on the cabinets. Any excess adhesive along the seams should be wiped away.
Step 8: Secure the counter
Pilot holes should be drilled around the perimeter of the granite countertop and through the wood substrate. Make sure to tighten concrete screws that have a diameter of 3/8 inch and a length of 3 inches in the holes. The granite could crack if the screws are overtightened.
Step 9: Seal seams with caulk
Caulk the countertop seams (the seam between the countertop and the backsplash, and the seam between the countertop and the cabinets) with silicone caulk using a caulking gun. Using a damp rag, smooth off the caulk after it has been applied. The countertop should be used 24 hours after the caulk is cured.
Step 10: Check the final fit
Ensure that your granite fits snugly against your wood. Adjust the stone if it is not level by loosening the clamps. As soon as you’re satisfied with how it looks, place the clamps until the glue has completely dried.
Depending on the adhesive type, you might need a full day to complete the project. As soon as the adhesive dries, your new countertop can be used.
Now that you know how to glue granite to wood, you can do it yourself. You must follow the instructions carefully and give the adhesive plenty of time to dry. Your new countertop will be ready in no time!