Template for Granite Counters

Currant Designs is currently in the middle of total kitchen remodel in Georgetown, TX in conjunction with Ken Kahanek Custom Builder, Inc.  Ken was named remodeler of the year in 2004 and has years of experience in the Austin area. I am having a lot of fun working with him but also learning while watching him solve challenges on site.

Two weeks ago, Ken took my dimensions for lighting  in the new study area which were given in 'ish'es on purpose and he and I, along with his lighting contractor figured out the best plan of attack while our client was blissfully unaware and on vacation. The 'ish' I'm talking about was not a bold "62'ish measurement you figure out the rest". But meant to let Ken know that I was aware that we'd run into ceiling joists and other infrastructure and that I would be okay within a few inches either way as long as we had symmetry with the four recessed lights. We got it ironed out with all three of us on site working through the obstacles.

Last week was exciting as the homeowner and I met with the folks from YoungStone Inc. and Tileworks to template the amazing granite call CD Beauty we've selected for the kitchen. In my 20 plus years in interior design, I have to say there has not been a granite that has made me tell a client, "Let's blow the budget is, this is the granite." Never. But I did it this time. This granite kept me awake the night we found it. I searched the internet the week we found it looking for it cheaper for her. I called my contacts in Oregon looking to see if we could ship it. I know the client felt the same way because here we are, 6 weeks later, templating this gorgeous hunk rock.

We started with this piece because it is the focal point of the kitchen.
It will be the peninsula and getting all the colors in the granite in this piece was important.

Templating starts on site where the fabricator makes a pattern of the counters once the cabinet bases have been installed.  The fabricator makes notations on the templates for where the cooktop, sink, finished edges, finished window sills, back splashes if appropriate, etc. will be.  Once these are done, the templates can be taped to the granite and the granite can be cut out and fabricated.  With some granites such as Uba Tuba or Black Galaxy, where the granite doesn't vary much, the client can allow the fabricator to move forward with the fabrication at this point.

However, with this particular gem the client, the fabricator, the retailor and I all agreed that we all needed to Pow Wow on the layout so that we could be assured of the best possible outcome.  Once the granite is cut there is no uncutting it.  It is so important that this stage is done right. Everybody agreed that a little extra time and TLC was going to prove to make this kitchen one for the books. 

Debi from Tileworks helps layout a portion of the cooktop and sink
This granite is called CD Beauty. The pictures here can't begin to show how beautiful it is.

Nature never goes out of style. ~Author Unknown