The old Formica countertop was starting to delaminate, so we replaced it with granite.  Started to use generic “Corian^®”, but were told we had to buy a half-sheet.  That’s 16 square feet, when we only had 6.6 square feet to replace.  So, it’s cheaper to use granite.  Countertop is so small, the extra weight is negligible.

Cost breakdown:

$412.17	granite material and fabrication, sink mount, hole drill, etc
25.00	hardwood lumber, estimate (was on hand)
9.00	26 gauge sheet steel, Ace Hardware
4.50	Silicone II, formulated for concrete & granite Home Depot
5.00	Silicone II, Light gray Home Depot
$455.67	Total so far, because we’re having a cutting board made to fill sink

Step 1 Remove stove, 4 screws visible under lift up top.  Center 2 of 6 are dummies.  Remove cover on gray water vent.  Unscrew countertop and remove.
Step 2 Add hardwood bracing as shown, used 1 x 4 to right of oven, doubled 1 x 4’s at rear of oven.
Step 3 Fabricate heat shield to protect doubled braces at rear, attach with screws.
Step 4 Trim existing heat shields
Step 5 Attach heat shield
Step 6 Take old countertop to granite fabricator for duplication in granite.  He will drill holes for fixtures, and under mount sink.	NO PIC
Step 7 Glue new granite countertop to wood cabinet.
Step 8 As granite is thicker than old countertop, trim vent cover to fit, attach & caulk.	NO PIC
Step 9 Install oven and cut 1 x 4 to fill gap under oven.  (granite is thicker, which raises oven).  Leak test gas connections with soapy water.
Step 8 Reinstall fixtures and hook up all gas and water lines.  Note - this picture also shows the addition of a new GE water filter system.
Step 9 Enjoy.

Roy Adams
’02 HD Rialta
Atlanta, GA and Land ‘O Lakes, FL