variances in quartz slabs

last year

In 2021 I got my kitchen countertop installed. I went with Silestone Eternal Statuario. A few months ago I decided to install more cabinets and would need an additional small countertop. I contacted the same vender and they advised me that the amount I needed wasn’t enough for them to order a new slab, so I would have to wait until a remnant piece was left from another job that was big enough to make my counter.

After a 2 month wait, they let me know they had a piece available and I got it installed 3 days ago. I noticed vein patterns were a lot more noticeable and darker in color in the new piece. The installer said there would be some slight differences from slab to slab. I accepted that at the time.. but now I can’t stop staring at the differences and it seems I am noticing it more now. The veins in the original counter are a very light grey and can be unnoticeable at certain angles and lighting. The new counter’s veins are noticeable right away and the grey is a shade darker.the one good thing is the white main color seems to match on both counters

Attached are pictures of the original counter (left) and new counter (right). Does this seem normal to be this different? I was under the impression that since quartz is man-made, that it would have better consistency.

I’m just looking to hear other peoples opinion at this point. I’m not too sure what I could even do because they won’t even get a replacement slab for this small of a counter. So basically I am just asking if this difference is normal and should be accepted?

I was also wondering if there is any type of quartz polish that could possibly lighten the surface colors to make the 2 counters more consistent with each other?

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Comments (7)

PRO
Granite City Services
last year
I am a fabricator. the difference you describe is typical of different lots of the same quartz color. I do not think you should attempt to change the look of the material; if you do it is highly likely you will be less satisfied than you are now.
Damian Costello
Original Author
last year
Thanks for the info. So basically I should just settle for what I have since the original countertop came from a lot from 2020 or 2021 and since then are currently using the color from a different lot, my original pattern is probably long gone?
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KW PNW Z8
last year
Damian - yes, different dye lots - same thing with carpets, flooring etc. It’s great that the shade of white matches old to new - a mismatch with that would be a huge issue. My bet is that if you don’t point out the darker veining no one will notice. You don’t say if the pieces are right next to each other or have some separation. If the latter, it seems like one would only note a difference when standing at counter looking down at both of them. Maybe you have a piece of kitchen equipment or decor that can sit on new piece so that’s what draws the eye?
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
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Yes, you should just settle. Your match may never come. Don't even think about changing the color.
Damian Costello
Original Author
last year
KW, the 2 countertops are on opposite walls so you will never look at both of them at once
sprtphntc7a
last year
i think it looks ok, and yes, settle and don't try and change the color!!

once you put kitchen things on there, no one will notice.
KW PNW Z8
last year
Damian - That’s great the new counter isn’t next to older counter. I’m not at all unsympathetic to your disappointment that the new piece isn’t an exact match so please don’t think that. These home improvement projects are a big investment of time, energy & mostly $$ & we do want everything to turn out as we expect. But, though your additional counter top isn’t an exact veining color match, the bigger possible issue of the main white color matching - well, it’s really great that the whites match. As I said, that would be a huge issue. Just refrain from pointing out your perceived issue to any who are admiring your nice kitchen! Seriously! A friend points out every small flaw in her beautiful home updates while her husband stands there rolling his eyes as we are struggling to see the issue she’s describing.

variances in quartz slabs

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Damian Costello
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variances in quartz slabs

Comments (7)

Granite City Services

Damian CostelloOriginal Author

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KW PNW Z8

Joseph Corlett, LLC

Damian CostelloOriginal Author

sprtphntc7a

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Damian Costello
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Damian Costello
Original Author