SO upset. My special slab of RFG marble is missing.

13 years ago

I've posted several times about my special slab of rainforest green marble that my DH and I came across a few months ago. We completely changed the design of our kitchen to work it in and make it the showcase piece. Back in April? May? we put down our deposit and since it was the. last. slab. in the warehouse and a very unusual coloring/pattern. So we asked repeatedly "will this specific one be used?". Answer was always yes - it was going to be sent to our fabricator so it would be ready when we were. Great.

Well, the fabricator returned my call requesting a sample about 3 weeks ago. She said one would be available for pickup on such-and-such a date. It wasn't. Then she said she would deliver it to our house. Nothing. Since then (2 weeks now) she has refused all my calls and not returned messages. I've stopped by the office twice - neither time she was in, but the first time they reached her by phone and she promised the sample again. Second time she wasn't in and didn't answer her phone.

So the guy and I went to the yard/warehouse of the fabricator and looked everywhere - it's not there. Called the supplier, they said oh we think it's here. I drove over there, they couldn't find it. Finally they locate what they say is it in another warehouse. I go over to look and it doesn't look like I remember *nor* does it match the photos I took. That was yesterday.

So DH and I get a sitter today and go back over to look together. There are two slabs, neither looks right. In fact, the one we chose had a polish finish and these were both unfinished. Bottom line - it's gone. Most likely sold to someone else. I don't know - fabricator person is *still* avoiding me.

I am beyond upset. We changed our entire kitchen design to work with this stone (island cabinet color, finishes for all fixtures, switched from soapstone perimeter countertops to custom wood countertops!). Our cabinets and appliances get installed in LESS THAN A WEEK!

DH and I hit the granite/marble yard circuit today. I think we've decided to change it up and go back to soapstone on the perimeters and maybe do a Costa Esmeralda granite on the island. We are starting from scratch with backsplash, butler pantry counters, etc.

With us having moved out of our house into a tiny apartment for this renovation and our move-back date only 2 weeks away from today, I am frazzled, frustrated, and really really sad that our slab is gone. I'll take the evening and wallow and then tomorrow it's back to problem-solving and working on getting our money back from the fabricator.

Ugh! So upset. Thanks for reading if you made it this far. Who knew I would get so emotional over a piece of stone...??

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Comments (43)

pinch_me
13 years ago
If that happened to me, I'd be in jail right now.
kitchenkrazed09
13 years ago
Sounds like the same fabricator I used for the marble in my bathroom, but I see from your page you are in a different state. She did use the stone I chose but showed up with it in two pieces, when it should have been one and then installed it improperly.

I'm sorry this happened to you. Does the supplier have a record of your slab by its lot number? Each slab should have its own number. All I can say is I hope you end up loving your counters more than your original choice.
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desertsteph
13 years ago
I do hope you are not going to use that fabricator with whatever else you find.

her name would be mud to me in the future.
gillylily
13 years ago
So sorry this has happened to you! Hugs to you.. Hopefully you will find something you LOVE even more.. Try to stay positive in finding another special stone that makes your heart go pitter patter! Thinking positive thoughts for you!!
Adrienne Gray
13 years ago
The NERVE! My condolences on every level. Hopefully whatever you come up with on this go-round ends up being better and more staisfying in the end. Bottoms up tonight!
dianalo
13 years ago
I imagine you would not trust that fabricator with time of day by now! Better to find out about her now than if you found out by her screwing up your install!

I love Costa Esmeralda, so hope you enjoy it if you go that route. Make sure if you are visiting more yards to ask to see Verde Fantastico. It has some in common with RFG with many shades of green, some brown veins, some white and some black. It is really fabulous and since you like RFG, there is a good chance you will like it as well.
snoozingpug
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks for the supportive responses, i'm still in shock trying to re-envision the kitchen we've been working on for months.

Pinch_me, i've contemplated the violence route and who knows what will happen when I finally do talk with the fabricator, but figure it's in my best interest to not spend kitchen money on bail right now. ;)

Desertsteph, yeah, this fabricator is NOT getting any work from me or my contractor or kitchen designer. Today we did find another fabricator who we clicked with and so that is a good sign, Still need to do my due diligence and research reputation, but that didn't work out so well last time, so maybe gut instinct is the way to go.

dianalo, thank you for the tip on Verde Fantastico, it did catch my eye at one yard today. I plan to hit a few more yards on Monday (along with M. Texeira for the soapstone decision) and i'll keep my eye out for it. Glad to hear positive feedback on the Costa Esmeralda, too.

Kitchenkrazed09, so sorry you had a bad experience also! Your slab came in two pieces? Ugh... The supplier does have the lot number, but aren't telling me tracking info for either the two slabs they have (neither of which is ours). What is strange is that when we purchased our slab, it was the only one in their system and in their warehouse. But now there are two (both at a different warehouse, but in their inventory just the same). They said maybe one had since been returned but it's just odd b/c neither are ours and we have the photos to prove it. I'm trying not to dwell on the "how's" and instead just research new options since we are out of time.
smbh
13 years ago
Snoozingpug are you by any chance in CA? We are using RFG and the place we got it from still had several slabs left after we chose ours. It is so unique, I hate to see anyone give up on it. Let me know and I will get you the info.
aedevm
13 years ago
Snoozin, It can only get better from here! I would be calling the BBB and whoever else would listen. They should give you your deposit back w/out any trouble. I see you're in Jersey. I'm outside Philly. Our fabricator had a beautiful RFG remnant on the lot the other day. You could call them and see if they have slabs left or if they are getting any more. Ask for Fran at AAAHellenic Marble & Granite in West Chester, PA
cardamon
13 years ago
Someone else got my slabs too. I went back with my husband and pictures and sure enough gone, gone and we had it paid for too. The fabricator was flustered and kept dancing around the whole thing, vacation, someone else liked it and I said so you gave my slab to someone else who LIKED it after I PAID for it. She just lied about everything and whatever I said she had an answer that didn't make sense. My husband was upset because I was disappointed because I had spent time looking for those perfect slabs that were numbered together. The ones she was trying to pass off not the same and looked different and didn't match our pictures. I had even marked them and that was gone on the imposter slabs. I forgot what that excuse was. The fabricator's father asked my husband to leave the shop because my husband was asking them what kind of business did they run giving away slabs that were paid for. We couldn't believe he was upset with us. I had to wait at the bank for them to cover their check because when I first went in he told me he couldn't cash it. They did cover it but I was there for 45 minutes. I did end up with beautiful granite and another fabricator who did nice work. Hope your's ends up well. If asked about granite I sure do say who not to use!
hilarymontville
13 years ago
So sorry to hear this happened to you. I'm in NJ as well, and I'm pretty sure I saw some RFG at both Everest and Dente in the last few weeks. Good luck finding something you love just as much or better.
leela4
13 years ago
So, so sorry this happened to you. We went across the state to get our "perfect" soapstone and we were so paranoid about it that we visited it about once a week to both bond with it and to make sure it was still there. I can only imagine how I would feel if this had happened to us.

Here's to you finding a stone that makes your heart sing even more loudly than the ones that got away.
chana_goanna
13 years ago
Oh NO!!! I'm so sorry, Jen--I would be absolutely sick to my stomach in this position. I'm also in NJ (btw, did you ever get my email?) and planning a remodel; if you're not comfortable posting here who the fabricator was, could you email me? I want to avoid them at all costs!

I did see a beautiful slab of Rainforest Brown at Stone Surfaces in East Rutherfod. I decided not to use it in my kitchen remodel, so you should go take a look.
snoozingpug
Original Author
13 years ago
Oh maggie08, I'm so sorry this happened to you, too. It was a fear of mine from the moment we fell in love, but I had all these assurances that once we buy it, it's ours, blah blah blah. It makes me feel even more mad knowing that there are others out there who have had this happen as well.

leela4, honestly, I think you were smart to go visit and make sure your slab was still there!

hilarymontville, I saw the ones at Everest this weekend - they have a large lot in stock. Unfortunately it is the more typical RFG - which is beautiful, but not what we were planning on. Our slab was totally unlike other RFG - it was mostly mixes of pale green and yellow with just one strong vein of reddish brown running through it. Very little movement, quite calm. Since it was the only one and we had never seen anything like it, that's why I was so paranoid that it would get lost - and how I hate to have been right to worry. Thank you, though, for letting me know you saw some stock. I'm going to call Dente tomorrow morning and ask them about their lot and also whether they carry the Costa Esmeralda granite.

chana, I thought of you *immediately* when we realized what happened! My kitchen soul-sister. ;) No, I didn't get your email and I tried to email YOU through the site and it wouldn't work. Can you forward your email to me directly? MY address is snoozingpug *at* yahoo dot com. Thanks also for the note about Stone Surfaces in East Rutherford. I'll add it to my list of places to visit tomorrow.

Thanks everyone for the notes, suggestions, and support. I'll post as soon as we've decided what direction to go. I'm actually really looking forward to the stoneyard tour tomorrow (especially Texeira for soapstone) - hoping it might even turn out better than we were expecting.
jeff_from_oakville
13 years ago
OMG I will kill if this happens to us! I'm so sorry for your loss. We searched around for the right size granite in the type we wanted that will fit our large island so that we won't have any seams. They better have it! ;)
hilarymontville
13 years ago
Now I'm getting a bit paranoid and might have to go visit my slabs tomorrow at Stone Surfaces to make sure they have a great big sold sign on them! It's been a few weeks since I saw and touched them. Good luck with your tour tomorrow - might see you there snoozingpug!
hilarymontville
13 years ago
Looking for an update on if you found a better slab of something - went to see mine (phew, they were all there and covered up) but was thinking about you while I was at the yard. Hopefully you'll respond with GOOD news!
snoozingpug
Original Author
13 years ago
Hey everyone!

Well, I have great news. Dente came through with a most incredibly beautiful lot of the Costa Esmeralda granite that we had seen a small sample of on a wall. It is a pale, celery green with swirls of cream and bits of blue/gray mixed in. It almost looks crystal-like with the depth and changes of color below the surface. I put a hold on a slab and it is being transferred to our NEW fabricator this week who will come out next week to template.

I also went to M. Texeira as planned and am *thrilled* with one of the lots of Barroca soapstone that they have in stock. We need two slabs of this and the guys in the warehouse were just great about moving slabs so we could find two with similar qualities. This lot is *very* calm with distinct, thin veining in cream. The last time we visited Texeira and I saw the Barroca it was much busier and had quite a bit wider veins running through it, with an almost tan color to the veins. I like the slabs we reserved because the cream veins really do match the cream in the CE granite, so it will be a beautiful background countertop to show off the CE on the island.

Here are some pictures -

Full slab of our CE. We will be using the top portion (non-dark area) for our island, which measures 99" by 39" (12" overhang). I'm debating using the bottom portion for a buffet that is directly across the walkway from the island - will maybe do a separate thread with layout for opinions.

Here is a close-up of the color variations:

Annnd, ok, one more (because I'm happy to have found it) - this one shows the movement in the stone:

Here is a (not great) picture of one of our slabs of the Barroca soapstone. We will oil it so it will darken to a black with the thin white veins. The circles you see in the bottom are from the suction, these will be buffed out by M. Texeira prior to being installed.

Thank you all for the support and suggestions on suppliers and fabricators. I feel that we are in good hands now with Dente and Classic Marble in Little Ferry, NJ as our new fabricator. Cabinets arrive this week, templating will be the end of next week. Fingers crossed!!

Jen
segbrown
13 years ago
Whew!
kitchenkrazed09
13 years ago
Very, very pretty choices! I'm so glad you found something you love.
cardamon
13 years ago
So glad you found some that makes you happy again. I knew you would. I kind of looked at it like well, I get to redo the granite experience again. Fun but that little feeling of will I find one as good and of course you always do eventually but I'm sure you know what I mean.
Gena Hooper
13 years ago
Oh no!! I'm so glad you had a happy ending, but what horrible stress to get there! Your new Costa is unbelievably pretty. The play of colors and the movement. Gorgeous!
dianalo
13 years ago
You may be happier that it turned out this way when all is said and done. I think CE is one of my faves (in my top 5). The RFG is nice, but it depends on which lot I see of it (as I am sure you agree, lol).

Your counters sounds like they will work very well together because the colors and movements do not fight at all. There is a good synergy between them.
I sure can't wait to see them installed!
snoozingpug
Original Author
13 years ago
Happy (and beautiful) update:

The new fabricator, Classic Marble in Little Ferry, NJ was simply amazing. They came out to template on a Friday, had me come by on Monday to layout pieces on the stone itself, and then called the next day to set up the install for that same Wednesday! Literally 48 hours from the time I met with the fabricator for stone placement to when they were installed in my kitchen! Nothing short of courteous, professional service that i cannot reccommend highly enough.

So we decided to do both the island and our buffet wall in the Costa Esmeralda. They are stunning. We put an ogee edge on the buffet and a simple eased edge on the island. The perimeter countertops and pantry will be in an eased edge Barroca soapstone.

Some initial pictures!

Detail of CE with ogee edge on the buffet:

This one shows the island with the Kohler Executive Chef sink (no faucets or running water yet) along with a couple young boys and a captured stinkbug:

And one last one of the buffet showing the cream cabinets and the green variation in the atone.

We are really happy with how this turned out!

Here is a link that might be useful: Classic Marble &Tile
dianalo
13 years ago
I am so happy for you! Your CE is so amazing I bet you are glad they lost "your" stone so you could get this one after all.
CE is soothing yet interesting. I love the color green in it and how it just looks like nature captured in a stone.
I love the little I can see of the rest of your kitchen (and the boys ;) ).
Keep it up, it is looking wonderful!
kitchenkrazed09
13 years ago
Absolutely gorgeous! I think it worked out better than the RFG. Love your cream cabinets and windows. When do we get to see the soapstone?
sparklekitty
13 years ago
CE - Soothing, elegant and exciting all at the same time. I love a happy ending and look forward to seeing it all put together. Thanks for the update!
plllog
13 years ago
It looks absolutely lovely!!! And for all that you designed for that one, wonderful slab, I have to say the CE may be a lot easier to live with in the long run. I have RFG in my master and love it, but the gentleness of the CE looks so nice with your cabinets! Sometimes a little less drama is a good thing. ;)
lala girl
13 years ago
Gorgeous! I am sorry you had to go through that stressful experience but the end result is a show stopper - warm and elegant. Enjoy!!
noellabelle
13 years ago
Wow, that's amazing!!! I tend to go for more subtle stones, but I really love that! And LOL at the stinkbug...we get them here in Connecticut, and I currently have a praying mantis w/ crickets crawling around in our bug house in my kitchen!
katsmah
13 years ago
Beautiful! CE is one of my favorites. Very elegant with your cabinets.
pugrolls
13 years ago
Wow! That looks AMAZING!

I really love it and, more importantly, love that YOU love it, fellow pug lover! :)
countrygal_905
13 years ago
I second what everyone else said--absolutely beautiful!! Enjoy!!!
ebean
13 years ago
i am a soapstone girl but i have to admit that that green granite is STUNNING!!! and they looked liked they did an amazing job.
flwrs_n_co
13 years ago
Such classic elegance--both CE and cabs. I think your cabs may have pushed me over the edge to get the creamy cabs I dream about. May I ask company & color? TIA! And, I can't wait to see your beautiful kitchen finished!

PS Love the boys & bugs--I really miss those days with my 3 sons--always had bugs, snakes, frogs, lizards, and other critters around. Actually still have a leopard gecko who is now about 9 years old!
kaysd
13 years ago
I love your CE counters (and the rest of your kitchen). CE is one of my favorite stones. A 48-hour turn around is simply amazing.

Your boys are cuties.
francoise47
13 years ago
Gorgeous! I'm not even a granite lover. But after seeing your kitchen, I'm starting to think Costa Esmerelda.... It is such a soft and vintage looking granite. It works beautifully with your white painted cabinets. I look forward to seeing your whole kitchen. All is well that ends well!
remodelfla
13 years ago
LOVE the CE... and it looks so soothing and gentle in your kitchen. PERFECT!
cardamon
13 years ago
What beautiful cabinets you have. Love them. CE is so quietly gorgeous. Will look for finished pictures I hope you post. Thanks for showing.
mountaineergirl
13 years ago
Your kitchen is beautiful! Its amazing to me how these granite slabs can look so blah or just so-so and then when its installed - WOW! I guess I just have no vision.

Isn't it great how things always seem to work out for the best?
cat_mom
13 years ago
Looks beautiful! So glad it turned out ok.

Our tile guy has mentioned Dente. I know he's said he's gotten some nice stone there.
formerlyflorantha
13 years ago
Your children will remember that stone as one of the most important parts of their home kitchen memories. They will look at sections of it and memorize the little parts and find pictures in it. It's not as in-your-face, though, as Rain Forest Green. It's probably a better choice in the long run, if you like restrained good taste.

A very distinctive look. Nice kitchen!
Gena Hooper
13 years ago
Oh that is beautiful!!! So soothing and serene and lovely. I'm so glad it turned out okay.