Are you curious whether you install countertops before or after appliances? When remodeling a kitchen, it’s important to have precise measurements and all your appliances purchased before any countertops are installed. It’s also best practice to have everything you’ll be installing in your kitchen at your home before any progress has begun. We’ll detail which appliances need to be installed before your countertops (like ones that need to sit flush with cabinetry), a few tips and tricks for the process (make sure to have all your appliances at your home before beginning), and a couple of East Coast’s featured appliance packages.
At a Glance
Do You Install Countertops Before Appliances?
Tips on Installing Countertops
Do You Install Countertops Before Appliances?
A common question among homeowners and those planning to remodel is, “Do you install countertops before appliances?” In some cases, your contractor will decide for you but know that countertops typically should be installed before your appliances.
If you are customizing your countertops around your appliances, make sure to double-check all measurements. Now, let’s dive into this common kitchen remodel question and see what needs to be done before your kitchen renovation is complete.
Do Appliances or Countertops Go First?
In most cases than not, your countertops will need to be set and placed before your appliances are installed. Let’s review best practices for each of these commonplace appliances.
Refrigerators: Before any countertops are officially installed, your new refrigerator needs to be delivered and in your home. It’s imperative that the measurements for this appliance are correct since countertops should be installed first.
Stoves: As above, a new stove needs to be delivered and within the home before the countertops are laid. This is imperative, especially if you have a custom-fit stove.
Cooktops: A new cooktop needs to be in the home before measurements for the countertops are taken.
Dishwashers: Your dishwasher typically doesn’t need to be measured, but it may be helpful to install this appliance before the countertops. This is to eliminate any issues that may arise with your dishwasher detaching from the cabinetry behind it. Most installers know that a standard dishwasher is typically 24 inches wide, but it is best practice to still inform them.
Sinks: A sink needs to be in the home during the process of laying the countertops. A professional will likely take a mold of your sink or the sink itself to measure the countertops correctly.
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Which Appliances Need to be Install Before Countertops?
There are a few appliances that should be installed before countertops are set in place. If not, then the person installing the countertops needs to make sure to double-check all measurements.
- Over-Sized Fridges: If you’ve purchased a larger-than-life refrigerator for all your family’s needs, it should be installed before countertops. The measurements of a large-capacity refrigerator will vary from the dimensions of a normal refrigerator.
- A Small or Large Range: The standard size of a range is 30 inches, but if you’ve purchased one that’s larger or smaller than this, your installer will need to know so that they can customize the measurements.
- A Drop-In Cooktop: Since a drop-in cooktop is customized to cabinetry, it will need to be installed before the countertops or meticulously measured.
Tips on Installing New Countertops
Installing countertops can be a messy and long job, but you can prep your home to ensure the least amount of noise and dust with these tips.
- Cover vents and open doorways with plastic sheets to make sure the mess doesn’t travel to other areas of your home. If your countertops are being cut onsite, make sure to cover furniture and carpet as well.
- To help the process go quicker, remove art and pictures from the walls and create an easy path for installers to safely move in and out of the kitchen.
- Your countertops should be installed after the cabinetry is placed since countertops sit on top of cabinets.
- Before final measurements, make sure all appliances are either at the home or you have their exact dimensions.
A Quick Guide to Countertop Types
There are multiple types of countertops you can choose when remodeling a kitchen.
Granite: Granite is a timeless classic, but this material is pricey. But if you’re looking to transform your new kitchen into a luxury space, you can’t beat granite. Consider that it’s very heavy and can be difficult to install, so installation prices may be increased due to its weight and size.
Marble: Another elegant choice for a high-end kitchen is installing marble countertops. Typically, only used for islands, this material has a high price point as well. In most cases, marble is heatproof and waterproof, which will inevitably increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell.
Quartz: Installing quartz countertops is a growing kitchen remodeling trend. Quartz is easy to maintain and doesn’t require yearly maintenance. If you’re considering installing quartz countertops, ask where and how the material was made. In some cases, it can be made cheaply, and you may experience warping and yellowing over time.
Ceramic Tile: Ceramic tile is perfect for budget-friendly kitchen remodels. If you are looking to install your countertops on your own, this material is relatively easy to do so, and they are easy to keep clean.
Butcher-Block: This material is hard to beat especially for farmhouse kitchen designs. Easy to clean and maintain, you can cut chicken or veggies directly on this material.
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Appliance Packages for a Kitchen Remodel
At East Coast Appliance, we provide our customers with numerous different appliance packages that are sure to enhance any kitchen renovation.
GE Appliance Package: GE 5 Piece Kitchen Package
This five-piece GE appliance package features a French door fridge, gas cooktop, single wall oven, built-in dishwasher, and a range hood. Achieve a seamless kitchen aesthetic by investing in these GE stainless steel appliances. Between 22 cubic feet of refrigerator space, an extra-large cooktop griddle, five oven cooking options, and more, your kitchen will be equipped with all you need.
Appliances This Package Includes:
- GE 30 Inch Wall Hood
- GE 30 Inch Gas Cooktop
- GE 30 Inch Single Oven
- GE 24 Inch Dishwasher
- GE 22.1 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth Fridge
LG Appliance Package: LG 4 Piece Kitchen Package-Stainless Steel
In this LG four-piece appliance package, your kitchen will be stocked with a stainless steel refrigerator, electric range, built in dishwasher, and an over-the-range microwave. This package features a large capacity French door refrigerator with 26 cubic feet of storage and maximum shelf space. Also, this package gives you a 10-year warranty dishwasher, an electric range with Air Fry capabilities, and an easy-clean microwave.
What This Package Includes:
- LG 22.6 Cu. Ft French Door Fridge
- LG 30 Inch Electric Convection Range
- LG 20 Cu. Ft. Microwave
- LG 24 Inch Dishwasher
Frigidaire Appliance Package: Frigidaire 4 Piece Kitchen Package-Stainless Steel
Lastly, this Frigidaire four-piece appliance package is our most affordable option. A top-freezer fridge, freestanding gas range, over-the-range microwave, and built-in dishwasher gives your kitchen and family all that it needs without breaking the bank. Waste less food and save more money with a Frigidaire fresh produce fridge. And boil water faster with this gas range while heating up last night’s leftovers in Frigidaire’s extra-large microwave.
What This Package Includes:
- Frigidaire 30 Inch Gas Range
- Frigidaire 24 Inch Dishwasher
- Frigidaire 18.3 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel Refrigerator
- Frigidaire 1.8 Cu. Ft. Over-the-Range Microwave
Recommended Read: Shop These Top 4 Piece Kitchen Appliance Packages from East Coast Appliance
If you’re still wondering, “Do you install countertops before appliances?” we suggest placing countertops first. More than likely, your contractor will make the decision. Still, if you do want to use your kitchen while waiting for countertops to be placed, you can install appliances first. Above all else, ensure to check all measurements of your appliances.
Why Trust East Coast Appliance?
Locally owned and operated since 1988, East Coast Appliance is the largest independent appliance dealer in Virginia. We sell it ALL — from new name-brand appliances to scratch-and-dent appliances to our very own refurbished appliances. Aside from our huge selection of every major brand and everyday low prices, what sets us apart from our competitors is that we service what we sell and that we are locally owned and operated with factory-trained associates. And if you’re a local, great news: East Coast Appliance is committed to providing the absolute lowest prices on the same available brand and model — simply bring in the ad of the local retail competitor while the lower price is in effect and you'll receive your price match.
Shop Appliance Packages at East Coast
There is a reason we are dubbed “The Discount King” — for unbeatable deals, shop appliance packages online at East Coast Appliance. Our friendly associates are always happy to help you install appliance packages and countertops through our Builder Direct Services, whether you call us or use our online chat feature. Better yet, stop by one of our showrooms to see why we are the best appliance store in Virginia. Visit us today!
Learn More: 6 Reasons Kitchen Appliance Packages Rule