Winter vs. Summer Countertop Installation: Best Time To Install Countertops in Orlando
As an experienced countertop installer in Orlando, we’ve done many kitchen and bathroom remodels. Our customers often ask us: When should I install new countertops in Orlando’s weather? Every season impacts the installation process differently. So, in this post, I’ll break it down step-by-step and offer tips on materials, pricing, finding pros, and more. I aim to help you make the most informed decision for your remodel. Let’s dive in!
How Weather Affects Countertop Installation in Orlando
Before picking a date, you must understand what goes into installing countertops. Here are the key phases:
Countertop Installation Step-by-Step
- Measurements: First, an installer comes to your home to carefully measure your existing countertops and cabinets. They template the exact dimensions to send to the fabrication workshop.
- Fabrication: Skilled workers use the template to cut slabs and shape your custom countertop design. They craft complex edges, seams, sinks, etc.
- Transportation: Once complete, your countertop slabs are securely transported from the workshop to your home for installation. Materials are covered and protected during travel.
- Installation: Finally, a pro team removes your old countertop and flawlessly installs the new custom fabrication. The countertop is securely adhered to the cabinets with adhesive and accessories.
- Curing: Some materials, like quartz and concrete, need 72+ hours to harden before use. After curing, the crew does the final finishing touches.
As you can see, it’s a lengthy, multi-stage process from start to finish, primarily dealing with cabinets and countertops. Now, let’s examine how Orlando’s climate impacts each phase in terms of materials, timing, costs, etc.
How Orlando’s Climate Affects Each Countertop Installation Phase
Orlando’s climate is generally warm year-round, with average winter lows around 50°F and summer highs around 90°F. This moderate temperature range rarely impacts countertop installation significantly. However, there are still some considerations for each phase of the process:
- Measurement and Templating – Temperature fluctuations are minimal in Orlando, so there’s little risk of template measurements being affected by extreme expansion or contraction.
- Fabrication – Professional fabrication shops in Orlando maintain comfortable, consistent temperatures year-round, ensuring optimal working conditions and material stability regardless of the season.
- Transportation—Professional installers use climate-controlled vehicles to transport countertop materials, which protect them from Orlando’s hot temperatures and occasional rain.
- Installation—Orlando’s consistently warm climate means that installation can typically proceed without concerns about drastic temperature changes affecting materials. However, installers must still be mindful of the high humidity levels when using adhesives.
- Curing and Finishing—Orlando’s warm temperatures generally facilitate the proper curing of materials like concrete, grout, and caulk. However, the high humidity levels may slightly extend drying times for some finishing compounds.
How Weather Affects Granite and Quartz Countertops Installation in Orlando, FL
Now that we’ve covered the overall installation process let’s examine how temperature and humidity affect natural stone and engineered quartz countertops once installed in your Orlando home.
Temperature Fluctuations and Material Expansion
All solid surface materials, like natural granite, quartz, marble, etc., expand and contract to some degree with temperature changes. However, Orlando’s climate is generally warm year-round, with average winter lows around 50°F and summer highs around 90°F. This moderate temperature range rarely significantly impacts countertop materials.
Smart fabricators and installers still carefully regulate storage and installation environments to ensure gradual ambient acclimation for slabs. This prevents any unexpected expansion or contraction in the delicate finished materials once permanently installed and secured tightly to your cabinets.
Humidity Levels and Adhesive Performance
Orlando maintains relatively high humidity year-round, typically 60-80%. This consistent humidity level should be considered during installation but doesn’t significantly impact the timing of projects. For countertop installation, the concern with humidity is not the materials but the adhesives used to bond and permanently secure slabs to cabinets. Most fabricators use durable polyurethane-based construction adhesives to firmly anchor stone and quartz countertops in your home.
However, these adhesives can impact their curing and setting process at higher humidity levels. Excess ambient moisture can slow the adhesive’s ability to harden to full strength after application, potentially making the countertop installation vulnerable to future movement or failure under stress or weight.
Reputable install crews combat Orlando’s humidity by using industrial dehumidifiers and moisture control equipment on-site during installation. This ensures adhesives are cured adequately and are rock-solid in permanent strength.
Protecting Materials During Transport
Transporting delicate countertop slabs from the fabrication warehouse to client homes in the Orlando area creates another weather-related challenge for installers.
Professional installers use climate-controlled vehicles to transport countertop materials, protecting them from Orlando’s warm temperatures and occasional rain. Strapped-in, foam-wrapped slabs are shielded from road vibrations and weather conditions, keeping materials safe as they make the trip to become your stunning new kitchen or bathroom countertops in Orlando, FL.
Countertop Material for Installation in Orlando
When choosing a countertop material for your Orlando home, consider options that withstand the consistently warm and humid climate. Here are some excellent choices:
- Quartz– Engineered stone remains ultra-stable in Orlando’s climate. Neutral solid colors stay cooler.
- Granite – A dense, rugged natural stone, granite resists heat and direct sun exposure. Lighter granite colors reflect more warmth.
- Concrete – Cured and sealed concrete can durably withstand Orlando’s climate.
- Soapstone – A high talc mineral content makes soapstone extremely heat-resistant.
- Stainless Steel – Steel doesn’t have freeze-thaw and contraction risks. However, noisy cabinets and lower heat resistance can be problematic when choosing materials for your new countertop.
Durable artificial quartz and natural granite are smart, weather-resilient picks for Orlando’s countertop installations. Both materials resist heat, scratches, stains, chips, and cracks and can last a lifetime with primary care. This makes quartz and granite excellent, low-maintenance choices for busy kitchens and bathrooms in Central Florida homes.
Final Thoughts
By understanding how Orlando’s climate impacts quartz, granite, marble, and other countertops, you can make the most informed decision on timing and hiring the right pros for flawless results. Stones Spirit Inc. takes tremendous pride in expertly navigating Orlando’s weather variability year-round to deliver stunning, durable countertops to enhance your home.
Contact Stones Spirit Inc. today to start designing your dream kitchen or bath with custom countertops built to last in Florida’s warm temperatures and humidity. Our countertop specialists can answer all your questions and guide you through a smooth installation process.
