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Need Help Fast - Counter Install

kitchenkrazed09

12 years ago

My fabricator will be back this morning to finish the install of my granite counters. (They forgot to polish the edge of one of the smaller pieces.) There is about a 3/16" gap at the back of the counters where they meet the wall. I'm not worried about the sections where the backsplash will cover. However, I have a row of windows over the sink. The apron will cover the gap under the windows, but on either side of them, there will be nothing to hide the gap. I made sure the fabricator knew there would be no backsplash in those sections.

I don't think the counters can be moved at this point to be pushed back. They are already caulked around the front edges of the cabinets and the seam is epoxied at the sink. We thought about using paintable caulk to hide the gaps and then painting it the color of the walls. Also, we considered feathering out the wall on either side of the windows with spackle. Any thoughts?

There is also a gap along the side of the rangetop that is narrow at the front and then gets wider toward the back. I can't tell yet about the other side, because that is the piece that had to be polished.

Also, what exactly is involved in templating? Another post (by Odiegirl) made me realize that maybe ours wasn't done properly. Our fabricator measured in various spots and then added for the overhang. Is there a more precise way to make sure the counters are scribed to the wall?

Another question, how are the counters supposed to be installed? I thought they were going to put silicone down on the cabinet tops and then set the granite (3cm). They didn't use silicone, only caulked where it met the cabinets. I guess the weight of the granite and the caulk is enough to hold them in place?

I appreciate any help!

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Comments (6)

boymomx2
12 years ago
This doesn't sound right. I wouldn't think there should be gaps like that. I would not pay in full until you get it straight with the owner/fabricator and template maker. It's a costly error on their part.
kitchenkrazed09
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for responding, Boymomx2. They are planning to fill it with a bead of paintable caulk and then (hopefully?) my painter can paint it the same color as the wall.

Does anyone have any experience with paintable caulk and whether this sounds like a good solution?
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azstoneconsulting
12 years ago
posting pics in situations like this always helps to diagnose the signs & symptoms - if it's normal or otherwise.....

Most 3CM tops are set the way your Fabricator did the "stick", but your question about unpolished ends would be easier to provide an opinion on if you had s pic or two to illustrate what you think is a problem... It may or may not be..

Remember that there's ton's of people that get granite counters every day - that have absolutely no clue how the whole process gets done from start to finish, and when they see something in the middle of the process that "doesn't sound or look right" to them - they get all bent out of shape - because they don't know any better....

It's human nature to question what we don't understand, and that's ok, but sometimes, we need to wait until the job is complete - before we start calling a guy out for making a "costly error on their part" - unless one IS a Fabricator too.

Remember that You are paying for (either) quality, service or lowest price - depending on which of the three was most important to you at the time you contracted your Fabricator, you are getting the level of workmanship commensurate with your final sale price. This may not be what you want to hear, but it's the reality of the times....

My best advice to you is to post some pics that shows what you have a concern over, and let's see if it's just part of the process, or a bonafide "issue"..... I'm not taking anyone's side here - just hoping that you understand where I'm coming from (without trying to be self promoting) and all I'm doing here is that I'm trying to help you understand if what your concerned over really is a concern or not........

HTH

kevin
kitchenkrazed09
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks AZStone. Maybe I didn't clarify the situation. My question isn't about polished ends. There is a 3/16" gap between the counter and the back wall and nothing will be covering it (no backsplash, window apron, or appliance garage). Since we can't just have a noticeable gap there, it seems that something needs to be done. I'm wondering about possible solutions and whether paintable caulk sounds reasonable? We are not in the middle of the process, in their minds they have completed the install.

Thanks for any help!
azstoneconsulting
12 years ago
Sorry - My Bad!!!

3/16" is pushin it, but a paintable laytex caulk could solve the issue, and in many cases, even though the gap is a little wide in my book, it may be your best solution for the issue....

hth

kevin
kitchenkrazed09
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks Azstone. They caulked the gap, so hopefully when the kitchen is painted, it won't be noticeable.

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