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Is This Acceptable Work? cracks in jadore quartzite island slab

4 months ago

We're wrapping up our first home renovation and I'm unsure if this is normal or not. I noticed some cracks (or fissures?) in our island (jadore quartzite), which stood out because they catch your fingernail and catch differently in the light. One section seemed like it was a crack and was maybe epoxy'd over? It’s smooth to the touch at least.

Is this normal and acceptable work?

Can I expect these to get worse over time and is this worth addressing?
Does this compromise the seal? Especially if it's running from the cooktop install to the end of the slab?
Would adding structural support to the overhang help relieve this issue (12")? There currently is none besides mesh underlay

Is it too late to address if we’ve already completed payment?

We love this slab so much, hoping you guys can ease this anxiety that's crept in.

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Comments (5)

PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 months ago
Note how much more "fuzzy" the overhead light reflection is toward the edge compared to those more inland. This appears to indicate that someone tried to abrade the fissure to flush, but failed to spend enough time on the lower grits.

What is supporting your cantilever please?
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
4 months ago
Cracks and fissures in natural stone are to be expected. Some stones are much more prone to it. It looks like you have a mitered edge too? Overall it all looks pretty good but I bet Joe C could clean it up in an hour ;)
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That is not natural, it’s a break. Is there a gap between the stone and cabinet? Meaning there is no support for the stone. The front area of stone counters when there is a sink is a weak area so if there is a gap it needs to be supported. The fabricator might be able to fix it enough so you can not feel the crack but that’s about it. What type of Quartzite is it? White Princess?
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THanks, Joe -- your comprehensive and helpful comment from earlier just appeared. We will follow all of your diagnostic suggestions tonight when we get home from work and let you know. The fabricator is planning on coming to see it himself on Thursday. I am happy we will be so prepared. I think they may need to replace the stone. Sophie, I am curious why you think it should be repaired. If we had cabinets, appliances or tile installed with a large crack, I would think they would replace it entirely. Why for a counter would they just repair it when we purchased an intact and not cracked stone?
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@Rachel - per the stone yard, it is called "Caitite". @Ciara Stone - I agree with making this the focal point. We've got good afternoon light in the kitchen with windows and sliding doors, and a skylight. The living room is adjoined to the kitchen; it's white with black, grey, and gold accents. I'm not against something lighter, and your advice is certainly true. I've got a darker dining room and have had it for about 6 years, but so far I still enjoy looking at it. But paint and accessories are certainly easier to change than cabinet colors! @megs1030 and @chiflipper - good food for thought on the backsplash. We had originally thought about a herringbone glass tile, and was thinking the same. Too busy? I'm going to wait until everything else is done before deciding on the backsplash. We have the sink side of the counter that has the box window in front of the sink; we're planning to do two floating shelves on either side of the sink and I was thinking to do tile up that wall. I do love a beautiful tile, but you're both right about letting the stone shine.
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I am a fabricator. I agree it is a difficult stone to work with for the fabricator. That said this is in no way your fault so whatever resolution is reached must be something you find entirely satisfactory. A complete remake is a very expensive proposition for the fabricator so if it can be repaired to your satisfaction along with a lifetime warranty a big discount is at least an option. If no amount of discount is acceptable to you then getting a remake is the only option.
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vinmarks
4 months ago
The Natural Stone Institute allows 3cm natural stone to be cantilevered up to 10 inches with no additional support. If you you have a 12 inch overhang it needs support. Support of an overhang has nothing to do with fissures.

As others have indicated those looks like natural fissures.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
4 months ago
"Support of an overhang has nothing to do with fissures."

Unless the fissure runs parallel to the cantilever as is apparently the case here.
M Miller
4 months ago
Just reiterating that those are natural fissures in your stone. Your stone is beautiful, and natural fissures are part of the beauty of how Mother Nature made it. But those fissures may be stressed by not having enough support. Just like if you had a faint hairline crack in a dinner plate, and then put a big steak on it, then perched the dish on the edge of the counter.

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