Do you see the actual slab that they installed or did they show you a different one?

The counter top was not cut from the same slab I viewed. The fabricator said they had switched to a "different run" and needed to substitute. at the time I thought it was odd that I needed to drive several hours to view a slab only to have them do a last minute ( and I mean last minute) substitution.He sent a picture but it was difficult to judge. Another viewing would have meant another long trip to his shop and a delay that would mean we would have to move twice since we close on this house next week. I wasn't even sure why I made the first trip if he was just going to use the "current run" on hand anyway.

I know I made a huge mistake allowing a substitution via e-mail but the fabricator came highly recommended by my KD and in all my years of looking at granite counter tops I have NEVER seen such a level of color deviation from a typical Venetian Gold slab. In my experience up to this point, i felt I could be happy with any Venetian Gold that fell within the normal range of color variation. I guess what I'm trying to determine is if they may have substituted a defective slab since the dark caramel color does not appear to be clear thru the stone. It looks as if someone smeared a brown glaze across the entire surface. It looks terrible against my white cabinets. It is heartbreaking since virtually every other part of the house has exceeded my expectations.

If the slabs have not been installed, I would offer to pay the fabricator for the slabs to cover his loss as you did agree to the change. I would then start looking for a new slab. Granite countertops are so expensive I think you really need to be happy with the slab. I hope everything works out for you.

At the urging of my GC, the KD came out and viewed the new granite and she admitted it is a different color than any Venetian Gold she had ever seen. She also said the edge is indeed a different color than the surface of the counter.She questioned the granite contractor and their explanation was that the polishing compound used sometimes darkens the surface of the granite. In my counter the darkening appears to be extreme. They also said they had to use the slab I had viewed on another job because there was an error made in one of the counter tops from that job and the slab I viewed was a matching run.

This comes at the end of an expensive build and my budget has been stretched beyond the limit,so I'm not even sure eating the cost and replacing it is even an option. I guess what makes me angry is that I'm feeling like I've been conned. The fabricator had to know he was slipping an inferior piece by me, otherwise, he would have suggested I come back and view the new slab as well.

I realize my e-mail approval leaves me with little recourse but I had expected that the contractor would have felt obliged to substitute a slab of granite that came close to matching the one I approved. I just hope that others on this forum can learn and benefit from my bad experience. It doesn't make up for the deep disappointment I am feeling right now but it is at least some consolation.

Could they have added a color enhancer? I have seen granites side by side - one enhanced, one not and there is a dramatically darker and also a "wet look" to the enhanced side.

Also, my sister has a light colored granite that turned darker over time in the areas that are not covered by appliances, etc. It is really a bad situation and maybe it's from light exposure or it was very porous? I hope they make it right for you. Insist.

Your new piece was coated with a resin to improve its structure. Resin adds a yellow tint similar to, but a lot more pronounced than oil finishes on wood. Some people think its good to have on a granite that has pitting. If you can see underneath, there may be what looks like fine netting "glued" onto the bottom - the netting is indicative of a fragile stone.

Considering that is a rock, I've never been exactly sure why the resin and netting thing works. But I ain't no rock-et scientist. he, he - bad puns are the best puns

You are thinking that your email showing agreement is a contract in writing, but emotionally, you feel duped. I think you were given an inferior product at the company's convenience of pleasing another customer.
A switch at the last possible minute, because they had to please another customer, and the product strongly varies from what both you (as an experienced shopper and as one who viewed the original product) and your KD would expect..... sounds to me like THEY are the ones that did not hold up their side of the bargain. I would insist on another slab. The one they have given you was inferior and not acceptable.
If they had simply given you a slab from a different grouping that varied somewhat from what you originally viewed, you would be satisfied. So, your email agreement was with the understanding that the slab would be different, but not to this degree. It makes me wonder if the other customer's slab was damaged and they used yours, then gave you one that was not even sales worthy, in order to compensate for the issue with the other customer.
I don't think you should even have to consider paying for this problem. If they had an issue with another customer's order and they fixed the problem by shorting you of a quality slab, then you have the right to politely demand that it be made right. Your leverage is their reputation.

I agree with fleur222 - you should push back strongly to get another slab - they pulled a bait and switch on you - have you paid in full - if not withhold final payment - if you paid by credit card you can dispute the charge but first try to resolve the issue with the fabricator - you should not have to pay for replacing it!

I am so appreciative of all your comments and expertise. I just hate feeling like I've been taken advantage and you've convinced me I should not be so quick to throw in the towel.

Bmorepanic, I'm going today to check underneath the counter for netting. Your pun was OK too. I needed a laugh.

I'll keep you posted.

Update: Our GC and KD both agree that we were sent an irregular piece of granite but the fabricator is only offering to try to alter the color on the edges of the counter to match the top. Since the surface color is what we are objecting to it doesn't seem like much of a fix. The counter top was part of our contract with our KD/ cabinet company. Our GC is refusing to pay the KD until it is resolved but beyond that we don't know very much.

Meanwhile , we are a week from having to move out of our current residence and everything else in the build is on schedule to be completed when we have to hand over the keys. The granite counter top is the only thing standing between us and the move into our new home.