Silestone Helix Sample Mismatch

2 years ago

Just had roughly 80 sqft of Silestone Helix installed in my kitchen and they DO NOT match the sample. I have been through smaller projects in the past using natural stone and was required to slab select in the slab yard. It did not strike me as odd that a slab select step wasn’t part of this process since this is an engineered product.
Specifically wondering if others have been through this and what recourse was sought and/or achieved. I’m getting a clear sense that Cosentino will be leaning directly on the “slight variances” disclaimer on the back of their samples. This just seems well beyond a slight variation.

Comments (7)

Tana Thomton
Original Author
2 years ago
4x4 sample is labeled on the back as Helix and was the material I had chosen.

Smaller sample was picked up after this fiasco at a Lowe’s and is labeled as Lyra.

Both samples are sitting directly on top of the installed counters which Cosentino and Fabricator claim is Helix.
suedonim75
2 years ago
I like the installed color better than the sample. The sample is very yellowed.
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Hi there! Your design dilemma is between two of our most popular colors so we know it's a hard decision! Both can look really nice against off white cabinetry though. In fact, it is really common to have non-matching whites, bringing in softer hues with brighter hues to level out the space. Since you only have 4x4 samples and it may be a little hard to picture each in full within your space, below are some links where you can click through photos, noting the white cabinetry against each color. We think one of the key decisions between these two options is your preference in pattern, as you mentioned Helix is more pronounced in certain areas. Helix: http://www.houzz.com/photos/query/silestone-helix Lyra: http://www.houzz.com/photos/query/silestone-lyra We look forward to seeing your completed space!
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Tana Thomton
Original Author
2 years ago
Agree, they’re beautiful. They look blueish purple with my antique off white cabinetry which is specifically why I chose the warmer tones in the sample.
chispa
2 years ago
If you search on this forum (and building), you will find similar issues have been reported in the past. Quartz is not 100% consistent from lot to lot, just like fabric and many other man made things. One issue can be that your original sample was several years old and the formulation and available raw materials have changed slightly over the years, giving different results for the current lots.

In interior design, they will usually order a sample or CFA (cutting for approval) of the current lot that is available for purchase before placing a full order. This is the only way to end up with the look you want.

You might want to go to some other local suppliers and try to borrow a few more samples or try to see if anyone has any slabs that you can take your samples to. The more comparisons you have the better chance you have of showing there was a problem with your slabs.
Tana Thomton
Original Author
2 years ago
Thanks so much. I noticed in the forums that this is not an unheard of issue with quartz (wish I had known beforehand) and I have started working on sourcing other samples for my own sanity’s sake. Great to know about fabricators requesting a CFA. That’s new info for me. I also noticed Cosentino has has a canned response to almost every complaint filed with the BBB which shirks them of responsibility and so I came here to see if anyone else sought out a claim, if it was honored or denied, did they work it out with Cosentino or the fabricator. It’s such a strange situation.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
2 years ago
Pull some drawers and look at the bottom of the slabs for any run numbers. It seems obvious you've been given the wrong material, as the Lyra is nearly a perfect match.
Tana Thomton
Original Author
2 years ago
Great tip, thanks! Just finished checking and unfortunately there’s nothing there besides “Silestone”, “Cosentino”, and “Made in Spain”.

Silestone Helix Sample Mismatch

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Tana Thomton
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Silestone Helix Sample Mismatch

Comments (7)

Tana ThomtonOriginal Author

suedonim75

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Tana ThomtonOriginal Author

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Tana Thomton
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Tana Thomton
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