
Sanctuary School & Studio
Welcome to our School & Studio! Where you can Learn "how It's Done" and pick out options via our studio below within the sub service you have selected to view:
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School: Knowledge on how the sub-service is done.
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Studio: Options on all materials/colors for selected sub-service.
What Are Kitchen Countertops?
- Kitchen countertops are the workhorses of any culinary space, providing a durable and stylish surface for food preparation, dining, and socializing. These horizontal surfaces, typically installed atop cabinets, come in a vast array of materials, each with its own unique aesthetic and practical benefits. Popular choices include natural stone like granite and marble, known for their elegance and durability, as well as engineered materials like quartz, prized for their resistance to stains and scratches. For a modern kitchen in Irvine, sleek quartz countertops might be the perfect fit, while a traditional kitchen in San Juan Capistrano might call for the timeless beauty of granite. Sanctuary Design & Build can guide you through the selection process, ensuring your countertops not only meet your functional needs but also complement the overall design of your Orange County kitchen.

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School
Our official "How It's Done" section to help educate our clients to understand our industry leading installation process!​​
Course: How are kitchen countertops installed & replaced?
Process - Kitchen Countertop Installation
At Sanctuary Design & Build, a leading design-build firm in Orange County, we enhance the heart of your home with expertly installed kitchen countertops, whether for a new kitchen island, a full countertop replacement, or other kitchen remodeling projects. This guide outlines the key phases of our kitchen countertop installation process. Unless otherwise stated in your contract, all installations pertaining to kitchen countertops are performed in the exact outlined method! From precise measurements and fabrication to careful installation and finishing, we ensure a beautiful, durable, and functional countertop for your Orange County home. Our unique Sanctuary Sequence, a comprehensive site assessment and planning process, sets the stage for successful kitchen remodeling projects throughout Orange County, including cities like Orange, Fullerton, and Yorba Linda.



Phase 1: Measurement, Fabrication, and Preparation for Kitchen Countertops in Orange County
This crucial first phase focuses on precise measurements, expert fabrication, and preparing the kitchen for the new countertop installation in your Orange County home, whether it is a new island, a full replacement or part of a larger kitchen remodel. As part of our Sanctuary Sequence, material selection (granite, quartz, marble, etc.) and design have already been finalized in our Sanctuary Studio. This preparation, a key component of any kitchen remodeling project, includes:
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Precise Measurements: We take precise measurements of the countertop area, including length, width, and any angles or curves. Accurate measurements are essential for proper fabrication and fit. This is a common practice for general contractors in Orange County during kitchen renovations.
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Template Creation (If Necessary): For complex countertop shapes or layouts, we may create physical or digital templates to ensure accurate fabrication.
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Countertop Fabrication: The chosen countertop material is fabricated to the precise measurements and design specifications. This process may involve cutting, shaping, edging, and polishing the material. For prefabricated countertops, this step involves ensuring the material is properly delivered and inspected.
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Cabinet Preparation: We ensure the cabinets are level, stable, and ready to support the new countertop. This may involve reinforcing the cabinets or making minor adjustments.
Click Here to learn more about kitchen cabinets!

Phase 2: Countertop Installation in Orange County Kitchens
This phase involves the careful installation of the fabricated or prefabricated kitchen countertop in your Orange County home, whether it’s a new island, a full replacement or part of a larger kitchen remodel. This precise process includes:
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Countertop Placement and Leveling: We carefully place the countertop onto the prepared cabinets, ensuring it is level and properly aligned. We use shims if necessary to achieve a perfectly level surface.
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Securing the Countertop: We secure the countertop to the cabinets using appropriate adhesives or fasteners. This ensures the countertop is stable and secure.
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Seam Joining (If Necessary): For larger countertops that require multiple pieces, we carefully join the seams using specialized adhesives and techniques to create a seamless or near-seamless appearance.

Phase 3: Sealing, Caulking, and Cleanup for Kitchen Countertops in Orange County
This final phase completes the countertop installation, adding sealant and caulk to protect against water damage and ensure a finished look, leaving your Orange County kitchen ready to be enjoyed. This detailed finishing process includes:
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Sealing: We apply sealant to the countertop surface (especially for natural stone materials like granite or marble) to protect against staining and water damage.
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Caulking: We apply caulk along the seams where the countertop meets the backsplash or walls to prevent water intrusion.
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Cleanup: We thoroughly clean the countertop surface and the surrounding kitchen area, removing any debris, materials, or tools.

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Studio
Our Official Studio will guide you through all options we carry within the selected category to expertly guide you in your decision making process!
Studio Display: Our options of countertops for you kitchen!