skip to main content

Granite installed - Is this a problem? Need advice.

16 years ago

I just got my new granite. It is the most beautiful thing I've ever laid eyes on. But I've noticed that when I run my finger tips around the edges, I feel what feel like small chips. I expected the edges to feel perfectly smooth like they were in the showroom. Is this a problem with fabrication, a problem with the stone, or no problem at all? The granite is called Purple Dunes and the edge type is 3/8 inch cove with a 1/2 inch step and a 3/4 inch bullnose. The granite COULD NOT look any better, in fact, far exceeds my expectations. But wanted to get opinion(s) about the chipped edges. Do I have anything to worry about? Should i have it looked at? Much appreciation for ANY advice.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

organic_donna
16 years ago
Are the chips all over? It doesn't sound right but it could be the stone. Can you post pictures. Definately call your fabricator.
Donna
pcjs
16 years ago
We have it too, but it's the nature of our stone. We've read you can either fill it in with crazy glue or epoxy (haven't figured out which one yet - probablly need to ask the granite guys what to buy), and then scrape off when hard with a razor blade. But, double check - sometimes it due to the cutting, sometimes its just the stone. And, post some pictures for us to see to show off :)
Related Discussions
Water softening problem (salt problem, need advice)
Q
Comments (25)
Sodium is not salt. Salt is sodium chloride. During softener regeneration sodium ions are exchanged with calcium ions but the chloride part of the sodium chloride that makes it a SALT goes to drain. There is no salt in softened water. By rust do you mean a white crusty deposit or brown RUST like when a tool is left in the rain? Posting a picture of the rust would help us see what you're seeing. If you scrape off some of the rust(?) and put it in a dish and add a little white vinegar or LimeAway does it fizz?
...See More
Urgent advice needed - need to pick granite installer
Q
Comments (5)
my sister works in the installed sales department at Lowe's. She deals with complaints and customer satisfaction, etc., every day. We got a lower bid (not much lower) for our granite top but went with a Lowe's installer because of what I know about their satisfation policy. You will be happy or they will replace it. You're buying an insurance policy which you won't get anywhere else. I know because I bought an ugly orange, resin pooled defective $1500 cambria island top and I HATE it. It's getting replaced with granite. We are stuck eating the expense of this $1500 top because we didn't buy it from Lowe's or Home Depot.
...See More
Problem with granite install - major space b/w it and the wall!!!
Q
Comments (21)
YIKES! Dkass, in light of your problem , I'm a little hesitant to even ask for an opinion about mine. I empathize with your issue...my kitchen remodel has suffered delays. This is my first kitchen remodel. The marble top was installed with the faucet holes drilled incorrectly. The fabricator will deconstruct the current top and install a new top next week. We are currently in discussion about the placement and distance of the faucet holes. As a result, I'm questioning everything to the nth degree...now, the gap bewteen the wall and slab. Here it goes...We have a .25" thick subway tile for our backsplash. This is in reference to the top that is currently in our kitchen. To minimize a wide gap between the wall and slab, the installers had to "cheat" a long run of two connected slabs closer to the wall. The results...starting from the left of the slab and ending at the right of the slab, the gap between the slab and wall gradually increases from approximately .125" to slightly more than than the thickness of the tile. There is approximately three feet where the gap is the thickness of the tile and approximately two feet where the gap is slightly thicker than the tile. The adjustment in the slab did not make a noticable change in the overhang. The fabricator used a laser system to template, so I'm surprised to see this variation. I am tiling and this is my first experience with a wall installation. I think the difference in the gap will be coverd with the tile + mortar and caulk. BUT...Is this variance in the gap between the wall and slab within the tolerances of stone top fabrication? Should I even worry about this gap? Should I consider having the fabricator come out and remeasure? Any suggestions on what to expect during tiling and/or how to make the tile cover the gap? Dkass, I hope your issue is resolved to your satisfaction. I can't wait to see images of the correction. Thanks for accommodating me on this thread.
...See More
Granite is being installed being installed right now...Problems..help!
Q
Comments (14)
Cracks can occur at fissures. And fissures can exist on their own, without cracking. That’s a normal part of stone. Repair of any of that, crack or fissure, is never an issue, unless they lack blending skills. But looking at your pictures a second time, the cooktop cutout has a sharp 90 inside corner. That is prohibited in all stone manufacturing. All inside corners should be radiused, to avoid stressing the stone. That sharp 90 is what caused that to crack. Reinforcement of epoxy will just shift the stress elsewhere. That will crack again, just in a slightly different adjacent spot. They should redo that. https://www.naturalstoneinstitute.org/default/assets/File/consumers/homeownersconsumer_countertop.pdf
...See More
plinker
Original Author
16 years ago
Hi Guys. I was going to mention that I would post pictures after my kitchen is complete. For months and years (even), I've seen people finish their beautiful kitchens on this site and thought mine could never turn out as good as theirs. But I may have been wrong about that. Still have flooring and backsplash to go so I don't want to post pics yet. If I have as good luck with them as I had with cabinets and granite, you will see a kitchen that will knock your socks off (please don't hold it against me for bragging (I hate bragging) -cause I've had a non-stop smile every since my granite was put in a few days ago. Thanks for the granite edge advice. My fabricator just left and he said the same thing as pcjs. He will come Wednesday and either/or/and round out the edge a little and fill the chips with glue or expoxy. I'll be there when he does it so I can tell you what he used. Donna, the chips are not continous, but I'd say around every 5-10 inches or so, there is one. They are not on the surface of the stone, but just around the edges. Thanks everyone for your advice. Will post back Thursday or so.
pcjs
16 years ago
With a lot of the pictures, you can't see the tiny ones. We do have a bigger chip I do need to fill but it's under our tv and a lot of them are only one's we'd notice. If you walked in you wouldn't know. We also have a tiny crack by our sink, but it wasn't worth worrying about as it is rodded and you can barely see it and I'm not risking the cabinets or anything else by having it redone (plus with our stone it could happen again). Some stones are very prone to it, like ours (Gold and Silver) and others aren't. Most fabricator's aren't going to fill in every tiny hole, you you might want to watch/learn to do it yourself or hopefully the granite guys will see your post and teach us how. (I've been meaning to start a topic to ask and haven't). So, at minimum, watch for me and try to figure out what they use. :) Ours said they'd give me some epoxy but I'm too lazy to go to their shop.

Related Stories

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS Walk Through a Granite Countertop Installation — Showroom to Finish

By Innovative Design Build

Learn exactly what to expect during a granite installation and how to maximize your investment

KITCHEN BACKSPLASHES How to Install a Tile Backsplash

If you've got a steady hand, a few easy-to-find supplies and patience, you can install a tile backsplash in a kitchen or bathroom

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: How to Install Tile

By Buckminster Green LLC

Before you pick up a single tile, pull from these tips for expert results

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Install Energy-Efficient Windows

By Christine Tusher

Learn what Energy Star ratings mean, what special license your contractor should have, whether permits are required and more

BATHROOM DESIGN Dreaming of a Spa Tub at Home? Read This Pro Advice First

By By Any Design Ltd.

Before you float away on visions of jets and bubbles and the steamiest water around, consider these very real spa tub issues

DECORATING GUIDES 10 Design Tips Learned From the Worst Advice Ever

By Mitchell Parker

If these Houzzers’ tales don’t bolster the courage of your design convictions, nothing will

KITCHEN DESIGN Smart Investments in Kitchen Cabinetry — a Realtor's Advice

By Tiffany Carboni

Get expert info on what cabinet features are worth the money, for both you and potential buyers of your home

DECORATING GUIDES Decorating Advice to Steal From Your Suit

By Sophie Seeger

Create a look of confidence that’s tailor made to fit your style by following these 7 key tips

KITCHEN STORAGE Knife Shopping and Storage: Advice From a Kitchen Pro

By Tiffany Carboni

Get your kitchen holiday ready by choosing the right knives and storing them safely and efficiently

REMODELING GUIDES Contractor Tips: Advice for Laundry Room Design

By Buckminster Green LLC

Thinking ahead when installing or moving a washer and dryer can prevent frustration and damage down the road

Sponsored

More Discussions

kitchen design feedback

6

hello , what are your thoughts on two tone countertops?

5

Kith cabinets? They look great and well made?

4

Need help with kitchen remodel

1

Matt tiles - quality issues out of the box

12