Can you just discuss this question about liability up-front? Show him what you're worried are cracks and let him decide if they're a concern? That way if something happens, it genuinely is on him, and otherwise it's not really sleazy if something does happen and you had a suspicion but he didn't.

Not exactly sure how or if this is relevant, but I had a slab recently that I was concerned had a crack in it (there's a bit more to the story but that's the short version). My fabricator weighed in with an 'it's alright'. And then while cutting I do think the slab did break; he put in a kind of cinch on the backside perpendicular to the crack. There's a slight ridge to be felt but I think that was there before; that's what I was worried about. I'm OK with it all as I think we were fairly open about everything, risks, etc, before cutting. If the fix hadn't been good I think he would have made good on it. But I feel very free in that the risk was very open and on him. If I had taken that risk on myself only I would have felt horrible about the subsequent issues always.

A professional may have a different take on it (as in maybe I should be owed a new slab). But I'd think through what it would mean to you if you didn't discuss the problem and subsequently there was an issue - what then?

Yes - Your Fabricator CAN Brush Lab - or pretty much ANY stone - Brushing CAN "amplify" existing fissures in any stone, which means you'll see 'em a little more, but structurally - it's fine.....

Have him do a sample (if you have the stone for it) to see how it'll look - that's what I do whenever there;s a lingering question..

hth

kevin

Thanks, kevin and aliris! kevin, I was hoping you'd see this thread. A followup: if I have it brushed and then seal it, would the fissures still show up as much? Although if it's not structurally compromised, I might not mind, if I can have that delicious texture in general. While I *love* the lab. polished, I think I'd probably set up a cot and hot plate in the powder room if it got brushed : )

I've been very practical about all the counters so far--corian (great decision considering my family) in the kitchen, silestone in other bathrooms and laundry rooms...I was planning to do a recycled sparkly glass in the powder room but when I saw this (same color family as in the kitchen, to which it's closest, going on same color cabinets, so it's not such a shock), I knew it was Destiny.

aliris, yes, I'll definitely talk about liability with him beforehand, but it always pays to hear what the industry standard (or at least other people's practice) is before going in, since he'll have that info. He's a perfectly nice person, and very expert at what he does, but more information can never hurt.

Thanks again!

I was wondering the same thing re the granite I selected. It's called Austral Dream and is "fragile" in the fabricator's words. Kevin - if you happen to see this thread again - have you heard of this granite? I also see the same name on the internet applied to marble so am a little confused. The problem - I absolutely fell in love with this granite and, of course, the slab yard didn't have enough. They got more in, but it' not exactly the same. If you have any source for this stone, please let me know.

Aliris - knowing what I know about this granite, I'm afraid it's on me if anything goes wrong with the fabricating. I would love to have it honed/brushed, but now am not sure.

That's a beautiful granite, drdannie. A question: how far are you willing to travel (or have the granite travel)? For instance, if here in Portland OR there was not the perfect stone for a kitchen, but I found The One True Countertop in Seattle, the question would be whether I would then pay for it to be moved down. What's the biggest city near you?

Brushing any stone that does have fissure in it will amplify the fissure and make it - along with any other surface characteristics such as pits and mineral concentrations, such as quartz pockets and other natural features..

I am familiar with Austral Dream, and it along with most other stone - looks really cool when it's brushed.

I know it's not Austral Dream, but I've attached a video of some Verde Veneziano Granite that I brushed for a demo..... nit tryong to be self promoting here, but the video shows what you can do with diamond brushes and a Samich Legend 3-Head Polisher

HTH

kevin

Here is a link that might be useful: Brushing Granite

Thanks flyleft and Kevin. I am in San Diego and the stone yard where I found my granite is in Anaheim - about an hour away. They did actually get some more larger slabs of Austral Dream in, but it doesn't look quite the same as the 4 smaller slabs I already purchased. I could return the 4 smaller slabs and get 5 of the newer slabs - but even they aren't large enough to do the biggest counter without seams. So, after much deliberation with the fabricator and the cabinet maker, we came up with a pretty good layout with the slabs I love for the main counter areas. Then we'll go ahead and take one of the new slabs for less conspicuous areas such as the laundry room (not really a room, more of a niche, so I need a counter over my front loading w/d to fold clothes on) and the little kitchen desk, etc. Still talking with the fabricator about brushing/honing - but am leaning toward just leaving it as is - polished.

Thanks again so much for your responses.