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Granite seams - fixable?

13 years ago

Hi,

I've read a few threads here on seams in granite counter tops, so I know that this is an issue that comes up regularly.

Our Emerald Pearl granite counter tops went in yesterday and the first thing I noticed was the seams. One is obviously worse than the other, but both appear really rough to me. I'm already getting the "this happens with granite that has a larger aggregate" story from my kitchen contractor. What's the general consensus here? Is this fixable with some different colored glue and some buffing or am I going to have to tell them to try again? I'm trying to be reasonable, but c'mon...

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

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Comments (9)

sabjimata
13 years ago
Whoa. I have no experience with granite so I am just really here to offer moral support. That seam is AWFUL! Appears that the epoxy used was WAY too light.

I would imagine they could dig out the epoxy and try again.

Interesting to see what experienced commenters will say.

Good luck!
koolforkatz
13 years ago
Oh, boy... I only have experience with my own installation but I would not be happy with that at all. Epoxy stands out way too much which exaggerates the diagonal bit there.

Just out of curiosity why isn't the join straight rather than the angle at the bottom?
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"Part of it I think, is that is where you see a difference between the shiny polished top (with resin coating from the quarry) and the granite where the edge was cut. " When correctly polished there should be no difference between the surfaces. The resin is not ON the stone, it is IN the stone. The stone is polished the same way after cutting to size as the resining house polished.
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I would have them seam it, take the money and buy something pretty - vase, rooster, fancy espresso machine - to sit on top of the seam. If the grain/pattern is truly directionless you won't even see the seam in a week. You can either inspect the slabs before they seal the seam, or you can actually take scraps and hold them next to each other, if you can turn the scraps any which way, and they still seem to match at a distance, it should look fine. Maybe someone here will comment on seam placement. My kitchen counters are seamed at the faucet, which is supposed to be an inconspicuous place, because the faucet base splits up the seam - at first it drove me crazy because I saw it every time I looked at the faucet, now I have to look to notice it.
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Rodding is old-school and is only necessary on very fragile stones or unusual situations. The problem is that many fabricators don't do it right. They use polyester instead of epoxy for bedding which isn't nearly as water resistant and cold steel instead of stainless or fiberglas rods which won't rust. I'm going to fix an exploded (oxidized) rod tomorrow. I hate it when they're in the back of the sink instead of the front. $800-$1,600.00 with no guarantee on appearance or durability and it's still a very cost effective alternative to replacement.
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Yes, that’s exactly it. Steel rods that give strength to that skinny front rail where the sink is. Probably the rear too. Granite is porous, water passes through, and the steel reinforcing rusts and expands, cracking the granite. One cure is to eliminate the front rail entirely by retrofitting a short apron farm sink install. Not every stone repair person has the skills to do this type of repair. It’s NOT cheap, if you can even find someone that has those skills. You’ll get a lot more fabricators suggesting counter replacement. Given the color, that might be a better option. But it also depends on the cabinets below, the kitchen layout, the backsplash, and a host of other factors. Your best course might be to accelerate any other kitchen changes that are in the picture. Post more pictures of the whole space. Are there changes that you want to make? Walls removed? Fridge not in a corner? Etc?
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morgne
13 years ago
Bumpity Bump.
chris45ny
13 years ago
I agree that a darker epoxy would look much better. The seam seems to be ok where it begins at the wall but gets worse as it progresses down to the counter edge. Hope it can be fixed for you.
peytonroad
13 years ago
I think it was cut by hand versus a machine? Request a redo, it is no big deal to redo-just a pITA to the fabricator...
lilydixie
13 years ago
They should be able to change the color to a darker epoxy fairly easily. It looks like especially on the small angled portion, their blade was dull or something and it chipped the stone pretty badly.

The change in color should make a big difference. Don't take no for an answer. The way they left it is unacceptable.
boxerpups
13 years ago
I am very sorry for you. This is terrible. You must be
really upset. I am hoping Kevin chimes in. He is a genius
about granite and I know he will have good advice for you.

You may need to find another granite installer to come
see your granite and write up what is wrong with it. This
way you will have proper recourse to get your money back.
If it were me, I would have them remove their stone and
give me all my money back. The good news is the granite
you like can be found again. NOt the exact slab but
similar slabs.

Meanwhile I wanted to tell you a little about seams. Seams
are held together by an epoxy or silicone glue. Dark
granites should practically hide the seam. Seams should be
no larger than 1/16 to 1/8 inch wide and smooth to the
touch. Meaning if you took a ruler or a level and layed it
across the seam from one side to the other it would be
perfectly level. One side should not be higher than the other.

The counter should feel smooth to the touch. All stones
and or certain types of granite might be a little more
rough to the touch. Natural fissures or blemishes in the
stone are normal but overall the counter should feel
smooth to the touch at the seams.

How seams are made.. the good the bad the ugly....

An example of a seam from Google

This is how granite is gently pulled together to create a
perfect seam.

Can you see the seam in my granite?
It is there. Very tiny.

I spent months searching for the right installer and
it was worth every penny. A good installer (fabricator)
is an artist who know how to create a counter out
of the earth.

Good luck and I wish you the best on getting this repaired
if possible or at least replaced.
~boxerpups
doraville
13 years ago
bump
lvnzui
8 years ago
Which GOOD Installer/fabricator did you use?

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