I have seen people do butcher block on part of an island to avoid a seam in granite/quartz and it looked really good...something to consider.

I was lucky - we knew we wanted quartz and knew about the size limitations, so we planned the island size around the slab size rather than the other way around. If I were you, I'd consider either a second materials for the length of the island, maybe 12" wide? Or much shorter overhang (if you were to make the overhang flush with the cabinet edges, would it work? It's not ideal, but IMHO it's better than a lengthwise seam).

yeah i wish i had researched more before the cabinets were purchased. lets just say that doing a major renovation (not just kitchen) while having your 4th baby is not the best idea! who knew :) ive unfortunately rushed some things like ordering the cabinets when i thought they were needed on time to get the project done when in reality they just sat in boxes for weeks before installing so i would have had more time. i did tell our KD that we wanted quartz though so i wish he would have realized the size limitations or mentioned it at the time so i'm slightly annoyed there too.

I don't think another material like a butcher block will work b/c the length side will either face the kitchen sink or have stools on the other side...

and i don't think the shorter overhang would work either as i think having it flush w/ the cabs is too short also.

Have you looked at all the quartz choices from the different companies? You might find one that makes larger slabs. Check out the sintered porcelain such as Neolith or Dekton - they may be longer. In addition, some of the corian type material can be joined seamlessly so there is no limit on it's length for your island.

If money is no object you could combine two quartz in such a way that it looks like it was a deliberate choice - I'm thinking of joining the darker choice for the perimeter counters around the lighter island choice to make it look like it's framed. With the "frame" around the inner quartz you then wouldn't be limited as to the size and it wouldn't look like an "oops".

Maybe another brand of quartz has a bigger size? or a surface like Neolith has a jumbo slab that would fit that and give you the marble look without the maintenance. Otherwise maybe a quartzite? So sorry!

I'd look at samples of seams before panicking. Some quartzes are capable of having nearly invisible seams. Takes a decent fabricator and the right pattern of course, but it's possible.

My Pental Quartz island is 84" wide with no seam. They have very similar color selections to CS. In fact, the Coastal Grey Pental quartz is an exact replica of Raven. I swtiched and saved a decent amount of money, in additional to being able to have 1 slab for the island.

Sixkeys- online it says Pental Quartz slabs only come in 66''? Jumbo slabs. Are you sure that your width is 84 and not length? Did you get it custom done. My guy contacted caesarstone or whomever he deals w and they said they can't custom make them larger

Are you are saying that your island a rectangle shape 5 1/2' on the short sides and the longer sides have the bar stools? 5+ feet is pretty wide for an island! What is the length of the island? Or is it more a square shape?

If you are only a few inches too wide on the width, can't you just make the overhang for the stools shorter? Sorry if I am confused and not understanding correctly.

Oh shoot, sorry to get your hopes up. I shouldn't multi-task. It is length - I can't remember the width off the top of my head but you are right that it isn't that big. :(

Rebunky. Yeah I guess it's more square but not really as the lenth is larger. I have stools on two sides of it so I guess that's why it's a little chunkier

Since your island is already installed, can you take a picture and post it? That way we can understand the size and shape.

My first thought was maybe consider making the sides with the seating have a raised bar instead of all one level?

here is a pic of the island...

Thank for the pic. That helps to visualize. Can you label the dimensions of all the sides? Maybe some of the Pro fabricators will be able to help.

Hey I just saw on another thread regarding accepting a seam in their Quartz. Mayflowers posted a picture of her ceaserstone countertop and the seam is practically invisible! I can't even find it!

Check out the pictures in this thread. Just thought it might make you feel better if you do end up having to get a seam. Get a really good installer and they can make it look great.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/3227115/would-you-accept-this-countertop-seam?n=3

thanks - I saw that! and it did make me feel better. I forget the exact dimensions but I think it was about 69 inches width (which is from the corner closest to where the cooktop will go to the corner in front of the fridge) and the length I forget at the moment (not home)

Hi sixkeys. what color white did you use for your island cabinets? It looks great with the quartz countertop. Thanks!