Stolen from a previous post I think it dropped off this past week or so...the last post to it was 10/31. I have it saved. Here's a summary of it: When deciding on a fabricator: - See the installer's work, especially the seams; - Talk about what they do to make the seam really tight and smooth. Before Fabrication - Mock up the location of the faucets, soap dispenser, air switch, air gap, etc. before they come to fabricate. Be sure to account for clearances behind the sink as well as b/w each item. -- Make sure you have your sink/faucet templates (all sinks & faucets!) -- Make a list of all your appliances and the required clearances (sides, back, front, top). This applies to both appliances w/cutouts (e.g., cooktop, etc.) and stand alone (e.g., refrigerator, range, etc.). - Make sure you have enough of your lighting installed and functional - Make sure you have everything that requires a cutout before they fabricate. You want to have all of these on hand when they come for templating. - Post pictures for the TKOed of your slabs! Fabrication/Pre-Install - Be present for the template process. - Be there when they place the templates on your slabs, but if you can't be there then have a lengthy conversation about seam placement, ways to match the movement, and ways to color-match the counters that will be joined at the seam - Double check the template. - Make sure that the measurements are reasonable. - Measure the opening for the range. - Be sure you test your faucet for clearances not just between each fixture, but also between the faucet and the wall behind the faucet (if there is one). You need to be sure the handle will function properly. - Make sure the cabinets are totally level (not out by more than 1/8") before the counter installers come in. Saves big headaches. - Make sure they have the sink/faucet templates to work from. - Check how close they should come to a stove - Make sure you have your garbage disposal air switch on hand or know the diameter Installation - If you have wood floors--especially if you're in the process of staining or finishing them--make sure they don't spill or drip granite sealer on the wood floors. Apparently the sealer interferes with the stain or finish process. Possibly consider brown kraft paper to protect your floors. - Make sure your appliances are protected during the installation process. - Make sure you have a pretty good idea of your faucet layout--where you want the holes drilled for all the fixtures and do a test mock up to make sure you have accounted for sufficient clearances between each fixture. - Somewhere you will have a seam by your sink because they cannot carry the small pieces after cutting out for you sink without breaking. Ask them to show you where it will be and if you are ok with it. Should be covered in the appropriately colored caulk. - Check the seams for evenness and smoothness. - Make sure the seams are neat and clean. - Make sure the seams are not obvious. - Make sure there are no scratches, pits or cracks - Make sure the granite has been sealed - Ask which sealer has been used on the granite. - Make sure the sink reveal is consistent all the away around - Check the gap of the granite at the wall junctions. - Keep an eye out for inconsistent overhangs on the counter edges - Make sure all your edges are identical - Make sure the laminate edge (if you have it) is smooth. - Check for chips. These can be filled. - Make sure the seams are butted tight. - If a cut-out or a seam is worked on OVER a drawer, be sure to remove the drawer and tape the glide. There have been instances where the granite dust destroyed the drawer glide. - Make sure that the top drawers open and close - Make sure the stove sits up higher than the counter - Make sure you can open your dishwasher - Make sure you have proper clearances for all of your appliances. - Make sure you have the appropriate clearances for your appliances. - Make sure all your cabinets are still in the right place. - Watch when they apply the sealer, so that you know how to do it later. Post Installation - Post pictures for the TKOÂed - Enjoy your kitchen!

That's just beautiful stone! I'm so envious.... I was looking for a white granite just like that! one of the suppliers I went to (three states away, even, I was on a HUNT!) had a tiny sample, but no slabs and no idea when they'd get any. I looked everywhere! I ended up with Carrara Marble, which I love, but your granite is exactly what I'd originally envisioned. Can't wait to see the finished product! Are your backsplashes slabs as well? Interesting templating. That is what my husband does in boatbuilding (and has done here when cutting cabinetry parts to fit wonky old-house walls, like the cover panel for teh refrigerator!) But our counter installers used a computer program: they took digital photos with special labels affixed to the counter area, and used a program to lay it out.

I don't have an exact answer to this, but my initial thought would be to measure some of the platters, etc you want to use for entertaining. See if 12 or 14" is enough. Do you have a sketch so we can see what you are referring to?

"so if anyone has suggestions or tips on how it would look best it would be appreciated!" ask the granite people to lay it out the best way they see it to be fabricated,because they work with granite everyday and understand where pieces of granite would best be placed and used in the layout of your kitchen.After they show you the way they would lay it out and cut it, then you should comment on at this point if you would want it any differant then what they suggested.It looks to me you will only have one seam and that should be at the sink.Those slabs are beautiful I think I would use slab Number one as my island piece and the rest of the slabs for the other areas.Slab number 3 on the bottom looks like it has viening not similar to the other pieces and I wold see if they can avoid using it with the other pieces. With that granite just make sure the viening is consistent with the rest of the kitchen.Good Luck