Gap between granite counter and wall (with pictures)

16 years ago

We had our granite installed recently, and there's a gap wherever the granite meets the wall. In some places it's less than 1/8", but in others it's 3/8". Most of the wall will eventually have a backsplash coming down to meet the counter, so I'm not so concerned there. But we have some edges around the bar area that won't have any backsplash along the wall, and some of this surface has the largest gaps.

Before we make the final payment to the installer, should they come back and fill in the gaps (all? just the ones that would be seen?) with a color-matched filler?

Is this typical? Why couldn't they cut it to meet flush against the wall?

#1 - I expected this to meet up against the wall. The gap is 1/4". A bit large for caulk.

#2 - I expected this to meet up against the wall. The gap is 3/8". A bit large for caulk.

#3 - This is close enough. Gap is ranges from 1/16-1/8". I'm going to caulk this.

#4 - I expected this to meet up against the wall. The gap is 3/8". A bit large for caulk.

#5 - A backsplash will cover this gap up. No problem.

How should I/the installer fix those gaps?

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Comments (5)

jb1176
16 years ago
I'm just a consumer and not a stone professional but it looks to me that the fabricator didn't do a very skillful job of templating the job. I'm not sure what the solution is other than having the job redone on the fabricator's dime. Try posting your pictures on Stoneadvice.com. How straight are your walls? I would think that the fabricator could have scribed the template to the walls so that you wouldn't have had such large gaps - or at least advised you ahead of time that your walls were very out of plumb and there would be gaps. I have faith in the opinions of the fabricators who post on stoneadvice.com and they might have some good advice for you. Beautiful stone, however.

JB1176
azstoneconsulting
16 years ago
deannagv:

Nice looking project, but yes, a few of the gaps are a
concern. Here's my suggestions-

1. Gaps 5, 4 and part of 3 should be covered by backsplash-
I know you said that you are only running splash on the wall
where gap 5 is, but I would wrap splash around the corner so
it will cover gap 4. This (IMHO) will look more finished-
regardless of whether there was a gap 4 & 3 or not.
I would also do a splash on the left side to balance
the "look".

2.Can the upper be shifted at all to split the difference
in the size of the gaps between the stone and the walls,
or is it set? the 3/8" gap is (again IMHO) a bit wide,
however, it can be filled with polyester and colored to
match the stone (IF you have a competant Fabricator and
Install crew that HAS the skill sets to do that).

3.Re-making anything is the last resort, especially if
there's no more stone left - IF there is enough material,
this is a possible option, but I would give your Fabricator
an honest chance to remedy the situation first - without
having to resort to re-fabbing anything (unless of course
HE brings it up first). In that case then, I'd let him
remake the upper - it's easier to make something bigger
and trim it down on the jobsite, as opposed to making it
shorter and having to rely on the "stone stretcher" to
solve the problem... ;-)

4. It's not unusual for gaps to exist between walls and stone -
remember that homes "breathe" throughout the year, and your
walls & cabinets will expand and contract at a different rate
as opposed to the stone, so caulk joints are a fact of life
in any application, however, 3/8" is a bit wide for my taste

My .02 cents worth

kevin

Kevin M. Padden MIA SFA
Fabricator, Trainer & Consultant to the Natural Stone Industry
www.azschoolofrock.com
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silvia_2007
16 years ago
When I had my granite counter and full backsplash up, I noticed gap between the end of the granite and the wall. My walls aren't perfect. As long as the backsplash covers the gap, it would be fine.
bayareafrancy
16 years ago
Well, I am a perfectionist....

I say "yikes!" In our last kitchen, we had Silestone. The first install had gaps like that, and we raised heck. The boss came over, took one look at it, and said to his guys, "get that stone outa here." They redid the entire piece.

If you didn't plan a backsplash there, then, unless you don't mind it, you shouldn't have to change your design because they made a mistake. I would ask them to please come back to view some problems. I would then tell them, "I'm sorry, but these gaps are not acceptable. How can you remove them?" If they suggested filling them, I would express my very great concern that it be done by an expert, and I would ask about possible future steps if the filling is not up to par.

Keep the rest of your money until you are satisfied!!!

Good luck!!!

Francy
socalthreems
16 years ago
I think I would raise some caine too. I don't think you can wrap the backsplash around because suddenly you're in a funky position as to where to stop it...You're coming up to the bar area and I think it would look odd to have backsplash on those walls. At least it is hard for me to imagine backsplash there.

As for gaps #3 & 4, due to where it is located (I think I've figured it out in your picture) it might not bug you that much if they fix it somehow. You just might not be a place you look that often.

But gaps #1 & 2, they might bug you more because you'll see them while sitting at the bar (since 1 &2 are basically related and the gap on #1 is not "level"). At the very least I would see if they can replace that top bar piece.

The stone is beautiful, by the way!!!!

Good luck!

Gap between granite counter and wall (with pictures)

Comments (5)

jb1176

azstoneconsulting

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