Im sorry, but HE measured wrong. HIS problem. Do not accept anything less than that. That's crazy!!!! I think a new countertop should be made with the correct measurements.

No this is not something you should accept. Make him redo the countertop - this is his mistake not yours. He can probably reuse at least one piece providing he can get another matching piece. If he refuses, cancel the order. I hope you haven't paid in full and/or that you paid with a credit card.

Slight typo--I meant to write--shave off 1/2 inch on one side of the countertop (next to stove) and glue it to the other of the countertop.

Sounds so dumb.

I'm so sorry to hear of your angst and frustration. If it were me I'm sure I'd be pretty upset also. What would I do? I'd let them trim the section that is too big and accept that section. But I'd probably insist that they cut a new L for the section that they cut too short. I don't like wasting God's resources, but I'm pretty sure that they will be able to sell their mistake to someone else (maybe someone will even get a "sale" price). Is there another slab that will match if you go this route?

1) I have paid nothing yet, no contract etc. This is a rural area and people act in good faith.
2) Remember, it's laminate countertop. The section that is 1/2 in. short probably is $400 retail cost to me, so? half that to seller?

3) I wouldn't mind except I worry it will either break/melt/come apart or show.
4) Also--if I take the L as is, too short, won't I get liquid or crumbs down beside the stove--which was the whole thrill of having a countertop that fit--which our old one did not.

thanks you guys. Weigh in.

Whether it's laminate or soapstone which is what I originally thought from your post doesn't matter - the fabricator needs to fix the problem - don't accept the glued piece and don't accept it 1/2" short - the fact that it's laminate means that it will cost him a lot less to get you a new piece - don't pay him anything until it's completely installed to your satisfaction!

Don't accept it. That lip (I'm assuming you have a slide-in range?) will put pressure on that seam, and it will collect crud, and what if you switch to a free-standing range some day with no lip? The fact that it's laminate is all the more reason for him to replace it -- he won't lose thousands of dollars on making it right, and he will buy himself some good will. Be polite, and friendly, and firm.

The person who does the measuring and ordering is responsible. It's possible he could have corrected the problem by calling the company immediately. Acting in good faith works in both directions.

Would you really not see the patch? What about the front edge? Any cut and patch in laminate is a problem. A 1/2" gap is definitely a problem especially since you were planning on getting it right this time and not having to deal with a gap. You should stand your ground and have it done right. If you really don't want to get into an issue over this, is there a filler piece he could provide to go all around the stove so it looks planned?

If glued on, that 1/2" piece will most likely come off over time b/c of its location on the end and where there will be a lot of "action". Additionally, seams on most laminates are visible...that means this will be visible as well. And yet another point is that, IIRC, water can be an issue around a seam in laminate...and you'll have one right where there's likely to be quite a bit of moisture.

This is the counter person's responsibility to get it right. Be firm (but try not to get angry or confrontational) and tell him you expect the job to be done right w/out any patches b/c of errors. Do not pay him until it is done to your satisfaction. (I'm surprised you didn't have to pay at least half up-front, even where there's "good faith"...primarily to pay for some of the materials.)

i think your guy is going to be eating that counter for lunch. phone him now and tell him! good luck...

He should make good on his error. Ask him if his wife would accept that in his kitchen? 'Nuf said.

My husband accept the countertop, after seeing it, and we now have it at home to install. We got a 10% discount. I'll let you all know how it looks once installed.

I know, I know...

I think Bed Bath & Beyond has a little metal "lip" cover that can go between the stove and the counter (I think it is about 2 inches wide and it is made to keep crumbs and such from slipping between the counter and stove) if it looks bad. Should help with the wear and water issue thing too.

My countertop guy was wrong by 9" and telling me it is my fault when he measured....

HELP