A lot of the anxiety around remodeling comes from not knowing what’s supposed to happen next. So I want to walk you through exactly how a kitchen countertop remodel unfolds with us, step by step, so there are no surprises once you commit to the project.
Step 1: The Initial Consultation
Everything starts with a visit to our Thousand Oaks showroom, or a conversation where you tell us about your kitchen, your budget range, and the look you’re going for. This is where we start narrowing down materials based on what actually fits your lifestyle, not just what looks good in a photo.
Step 2: Slab Selection
Once we’ve narrowed things down to a few materials, you’ll come in and look at actual full-size slabs, not small sample chips. This matters more than people expect. Veining, color, and movement can look completely different on a full slab compared to a tiny sample, and I’d rather you fall in love with the actual piece going into your kitchen.
Step 3: Templating
After you’ve chosen your slab, we come to your home to take precise measurements of your existing cabinets and layout. This step is what allows us to cut your slab to fit your kitchen exactly, including cutouts for sinks, cooktops, and any outlets.
Step 4: Fabrication
Your slab is cut, shaped, and finished at our facility based on the template we took. This includes cutting your chosen edge profile, polishing the surface, and creating any cutouts needed. Fabrication typically takes about a week, depending on the complexity of your design.
Step 5: Installation
Once fabrication is complete, our team installs the countertop in your kitchen. This is usually a one-day process for most standard kitchens, though larger or more complex layouts can take a bit longer. We handle the heavy lifting, literally, since slabs are extremely heavy and require specialized equipment to move and set safely.
Step 6: Final Walkthrough
Once everything is installed, we walk through the finished countertop with you to make sure seams, edges, and cutouts all meet expectations before we consider the job complete.
Where Our Work Fits Into a Larger Remodel
If your kitchen project also includes new cabinets, flooring, or a layout change, those are handled outside of our scope. We specialize specifically in the countertop and stone surface portion of your remodel. If you’re also updating floors or walls, we do carry a tile selection, though tile installation itself isn’t something we provide directly. You can review the full breakdown of our services on our kitchen countertop remodel page.
We regularly walk homeowners through this exact process across Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Westlake Village, and most tell us the timeline feels more manageable once they know what each step actually involves.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire process take from start to finish?
Timelines vary, but most projects move from initial consultation to finished installation within a few weeks, depending on slab availability and design complexity.
Do I need to be home for the templating visit?
Yes, someone needs to be present to provide access to the kitchen so we can take accurate measurements of your existing layout.
Can I still use my kitchen while the old countertop is removed?
There’s typically a short window during installation when the kitchen isn’t usable. We work efficiently to minimize this disruption as much as possible.
What happens if my slab gets damaged during fabrication?
Our fabrication team is experienced in handling natural and engineered stone carefully. In the rare event of an issue, we address it before installation so your final result is exactly as expected.
Ready to Start Your Kitchen Countertop Remodel?
If you’re planning a remodel and want to understand exactly what the process looks like for your kitchen, stop by our showroom at 2300 Corporate Center Drive in Thousand Oaks. You can also find us on Google Maps for directions and hours.
Arena Marble & Granite
2300 Corporate Center Dr, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, United States
805-375-2771