Granite or Quartz Countertop Overlays: Everything You Need to Know

Most homeowners would love to have all-new kitchen countertops, but the high cost of replacing countertops can be a barrier. Repairing your existing countertops by painting or re-surfacing them, on the other hand, is inexpensive but not the most durable option.

Instead, you can cover up countertops with granite or quartz countertop overlays that cover existing counters. These are variously called countertop overlays, granite counter units (GCUs), modular granite, or modular quartz, and they're great choices for primary homes, rental units, and investment properties alike. Read on for everything you should know about countertop overlays to find out if they are the right choice for you.

What Are Countertop Overlays?

Countertop overlays cover your existing countertop in the form of large, pre-cast slabs of granite or quartz countertop material.

Overlays are different from countertop fixes such as resurfacing, which involves a multi-stage liquid covering, or thin, plastic adhesive sheets imprinted with an image of granite. Countertop overlays are true countertop material, just thinner.

As long as you have a strong, stable counter, you can lay the overlay slabs directly on top. You can also remove your existing counter and lay down a new base of plywood.

Nearly any type of counter can be overlaid, as long as it is strong enough to support the overlay: tile, laminate, stainless steel, granite, quartz, concrete, and wood.

Countertop Overlay Features

• The countertop overlay thickness is about 13 mm.
• The countertop material is mold- and mildew-resistant.
• Most countertop overlays will have a front overhang or apron.
• Eased, beveled, rounded, and mitered (or straight) edges are commonly available.
• The backsplash can be built of the same countertop material.
• Overlays are specially designed to fit the countertop.
• Besides being strong, the underlying base must be perfectly level.
• Overlays usually will work with undermount sinks and farmhouse sinks.

Minimizing Seams

Most countertop overlays need to create a seam, or several, within the general installation. This is especially true where countertop turns are involved. Many types of L-shaped kitchens, for example, will have an L-shaped section of countertop.

Some experts advise against choosing what are often called wild colors if you want the seams to disappear. This is because the distinctive patterning on one side will not be matched on the other side of the seam. Generally, though, most technicians know how to expertly blend two adjacent slabs.

Pros and Cons of Countertop Overlays

Countertop Overlay Installation Process

The entire installation process for countertop overlays, from first measurements to project completion, can take up to two weeks.

1. First, take basic measurements of your countertop area with a tape measure.
2. After contacting an authorized dealer, a representative visits your home to take precise measurements and to initiate the order.
3. Another company representative may need to visit your home again to firm up the measurements and to generate an estimate of the project's cost.
4. Off-site, fabricators cut and build the overlays to the specifications.
5. Right before installation, all plumbing should be safely disconnected.
6. The materials are delivered to your home. Technicians install the countertop overlays. This process usually takes one day.

Countertop Overlay Manufacturers

The countertop overlay industry is a volatile one. High-profile brands such as BuildDirect's Panda, Lazy Granite, Kitchen-in-a-Box, and EZ Granite have come and gone.

Caesarstone Transform is the most prominent company presently producing countertop overlays. Caesarstone Transform products are not available on the open retail market. Homeowners need to go through an authorized dealer. Caesarstone also requires that authorized technicians install its product.