Granite Issues

10 years ago

I posted earlier in the week regarding granite issues regarding gap between wall and granite over 1/2 inch. We have a seam that looks pretty bad. Photos attached. The installer has told us he will do over if we purchase another half slab of granite . On my last post many of you asked if they did a template. He came out with a notepad and drew diagram and measured. This is our first experience with granite and was wondering if that was a proper template. He said it may weaken the sink to do new counter? We are so frustrated and not sure what to do not to mention the backsplash gaps that will undoubtedly cost us more money. He did the bathroom too? And the top is uneven and the sides look weird. Photos attached.
He will be here tomorrow to discuss . We have only paid for a portion of this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

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Krystle G

10 years ago

did the install come with the purchase? that is horribly done, and you shouldn't have to pay for his mistake. also had quartz installed and the fabricator came out and made a big template using poster board for our perimeter and island with the measurements and showed us exactly where the seam would be, and didn't leave until we signed off on it. install day came and installer couldn't leave until we signed off on it stating our satisfaction with the job, seam, sink, and faucet hole. do not accept his work and his poor attempt at bargaining with you, I'm sure you spent thousands already

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Comments (10)

Yari S
10 years ago
You shouldn't have to purchase another slab to fix a poorly done job. I didn't have granite but quartz install and when they came in they made a big template for my island and it was one big piece once installed.
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Marcie Singleton
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you for the advice. I guess he thinks we didn't know the difference between measurement on paper and a template. We are too trusting. Yes we have already paid a lot. We will see what he says tomorrow. Very upsetting and not sure what to do.
acm
10 years ago
I think the bathroom looks ok, but there are so many problems with the kitchen granite. Sorry about that! However, somebody should have explained to you that with such a large pattern, it would be very difficult to get a subtle join at the seam -- then you'd have the option of getting another slab to get a particular match, or maybe of putting the seam someplace less obvious (often through a sink), or at least knowing what to expect. From the portion you've photographed, it's hard to picture anywhere that you could join without a big disruption.

Sounds like the templating was crazy -- if you work it right, they will need to fix that, and they can do it by substituting another piece such that you get a better match at the same time. (No idea what he might mean about weakening the sink, but that depends on the material you have there and how it will respond to being separated from the stone.)
smit2380
10 years ago
Did they attach the sink with clips or did they glue the sink? If they glued it in (not ideal), that may be the problem the guy is noting with weakening the sink. He sounds like a terrible installer. Templating is crucial.
lefty47
10 years ago
HI -- The way it is done is poor and dated (in the bathroom) . I really do not like the granite --- way too busy . See if you can get him to re-move it all and or cut your losses and go to another supplier. Check how they do the measuring and installs and their reputation and experience . Try other choices of counter tops like nicer looking granite that is not so busy or look at Quartz . It is always better to have more plain counters and then put the interest in the backsplash .
Marvin Jayne
10 years ago
I've had issues with granite installers myself.
Get the store manager involved, insist on them doing the job right. It is NOT what you paid for.
Coming out, taking measurements & drawing a diagram on paper is not the way to go about it. They should have come out, take cardboard a (or whatever it is they trace with), laid it on top of your existing countertop & traced it.
They would have advised you as to where the cuts are going to be so you can both agree.
Having a 1/2in have between the wall & your countertop is not right & the seams you have there are too big.
Insist on them redoing the job at truer expense since they didn't do it right in the first place. They should have taken proper steps to make sure the job was right!
Good luck.
acm
10 years ago
The difference between a template and a diagram is physical contact. It can be cardboard, thin wood strips, or even done with lasers, but it has to account for the fact that no wall is completely flush, and ideally it works around the edges of wall trim, appliances, and all the rest.
ish666
10 years ago
Don't pay him another dime. That is very poor work and you should not have to pay for him to correct what he did wrong. I had similar problem with local granite company and refused to make full payment until the problem was corrected. Took them 3 tries but it was finally done.
flopsycat1
10 years ago
We have two houses with a total of two kitchens and four bathrooms. Our countertops were templated with a high tech laser device and all came out perfectly. I think the technology now exists so that problems such as yours should not occur. We used Quartz with minimal pattern so that the seams are barely detectable. I guess that a busy granite pattern would be more challenging to seam inconspicuously. Good luck.