i don't believe we have silicon on top of the granite -- wouldn't that look tacky????

He is not planning to put it on top of the granite, but as a 'bead' around the bottom on the outside of the cabinet. It would not be seen but could be felt.

I don't know what the *standard* practice is, but I can tell you that my granite was in place before the installer used the silicon.

I can't imagine doing it any other way, it sounds VERY messy to put the silicon on the cabinets and then try to put granite on top of it. ??? Think of cake frosting, putting the second layer on top often causes the frosting to squish out the sides and it needs to be taken care of. You wouldn't want the silicon to smear all over your cabinets when the granite goes on top of it.

Tile is usually grouted after it's laid too (although the adhesive goes underneath, so possibly not a great analogy!), so I think granite would be similar.

On the other hand, I'm definitely no expert and certainly there may be ways to do it with the silicon first. But if you chose a reputable granite installer, hopefully, he knows what he's doing. (NOT always the case, I do realize!)

Thanks for your responses. My vanity had a thin bead of silcon run on the cabinet then the countertop was placed.

This guy has a decent reputation but is not doing a very good job for me so far (long story). I am trying to keep my cool.