Preparing Cabinets for Granite Countertops.

Although it's not an absolute requirement, it is recommended that you apply 1/4-inch plywood or luan sub-counter to the top of your cabinets to support the granite. This will add strength to the cabinets in areas above appliances such as dishwashers, large drawers and compactors. Additional support might also be added for granite countertop features like small cantilevered ends and breakfast bars... plus extra support around sink holes and cooktops as well. The granite slabs can be glued to the plywood surface using thinset, subfloor adhesive or a two-part epoxy type adhesive. The other advantage to plywood or luan is that you can level the slabs by adding shims much more easily than moving them around once they are in place. In any event, if you are using European-style or frameless cabinets... or framed cabinets that have upper retractable cutting boards, you will probably need to raise the granite 1/4-inch to clear the double bullnose which hangs down approximately 1/4-inch. Bottomline, plywood is relatively inexpensive and offers an easy way to address all the issues that pertain to preparing your kitchen cabinets for a granite countertop.