How about a piece of butcher block counter? Perhaps your Dad could even install it for you. Also, I've seen some butcher block counters where sliced knife openings are placed in the butcher block for knives (instead of usng a knife block). If you were able to include this in the back 8" of the counter, that might be handy. Alternatively, have him make you a narrow pull-out broom closet, full height. Apparently they are quite on trend :) or alternatively, a super nice spice rack.

Personally, I would not use backsplash tile. I am one of the few who like tile counters, but I think in this case it might in fact look like trying to cover up a mistake. When I have these types of dilemmas, I like to make it look like whatever I do to solve the problem was intentional, rather than a correction.

Hope these ideas help!

First of all I do not understand what company is unable to mesure the gap between the stove and the fridge? For sure your Dad will mesure it for building, so the top would be the same. But if it is as it is, I would use stainless steel, maybe on bouth sides of the stove, to look like an extension of the stove AND on purpose. Hope it helps.

Thanks you guys! Unfortunately I was basically begging them to order a piece to go in and said that they wouldn’t have to install it or anything and if it didn’t fit it would be my fault not theirs, but I was shut down :( Thanks for the ideas though! I’ll look around and see what I kind find, hoping to make it look like it was on purpose!

Sooooo......they cannot come back and measure after your dad puts the piece in....Really!.

Two thoughts-should the fridge be next to the stove? I thought that was a no-no due to the heat of the stove potentially putting a strain on the fridge. Secondly, what is the size of that space? Can you find a 36” stove to put there instead? Then you don’t need a tiny sliver of a countertop.

They seem very difficult to work with. Like Barnes Custom Builders said, we order small pieces like that all the time based off of measurements we provide. Do you have a cabinet above the fridge? Another solution would be have your Dad make wide fridge panels to cover the gap. Its hard to say exactly how wide the space is in the photo but you can buy inserts and use that space as storage for spices since it is right next to the fridge. See photo below.

If the matching top is out of the question, which seems to be the situation, I would have your dad make a wood top for that cabinet, and just keep it the same color as the cabinets.

I know this doesn't answer your question but first I would be calling to speak to someone higher up if you haven't already done so. If they can't help you I would be looking for a new company if at all possible. If they are being difficult about this small area how would they handle any issues that may occur down the road? You are paying good money to have new countertops so make sure you get what you want.

I’m pretty upset that the company won’t budge on that little piece for me, but it’s the only counter that me and my husband both love and it’s the most affordable quartz top we found, so we decided that as crappy as it is I’d rather have to figure out that little piece than not get it at all - also because I already put out money to get the guy there! Really disappointing as the guy that measured it said he does measuring for a very popular home reno TV show! He was really nice about it but it shouldn’t have been a problem!
The stove is a gas stove and gives off quite a bit of heat so I’m going to get a protective sheet to go on the side of the fridge, unfortunately the kitchen is quite small and we didn’t want to move the stove elsewhere for a few reasons, but I’m worried to have anything above counter height due to the heat? This project is giving me some grief!! Haha!
So far I’m thinking either stainless steel top or butcher block top that the knives can slide into - what would you guys do between the two? The cupboard below will be a narrow cupboard for baking sheets! I’m leaning towards a butcher block top but again I’m worried that the knives will get too hot beside the stove so if you want to grab one after lighting the burner it might be a problem! Haha. But I’m thinking a dark butcher block top and I could make a matching cutting piece to put a little coffee bar display on or something to kind of tie it together ...

Thanks so much for the help and awesome ideas you guys! This is keeping me up at night lol
When all is said and done I’ll post before & after photos!

I vote for the butcher block with cut outs for knives. That will be very cool and unique and will seem planned and not an afterthought. The knives will be fine and not get too hot. It is going to look very good!

I'd go with the stainless, because you have stainless steel appliances, it would be a better fit than butcher block. It would blend in better.

Stainless steel. It will look like an extension of stove top & easier to clean splatter when cooking. I think that may end up being better than ct in this application because you fortunatley have all that stainless steel there.

Try to get the same thickness of ct, so it looks intentional

Try giving them a call and talk to a manager. Don't assume the answer is no until you at least try. Other then that, I like minimommy's ideas. It will be different, intentional looking and useful.

But, while the company is being a jerk about it, next time don't be shy about rescheduling till you are completely ready. Things like that happen and construction type companies are used to that. Don't worry it will be great.

Don’t settle. Get the countertop to match. Get it! Muscle up and call the company. Cry if you have to but get what you want. This is crazy.

Here is a link to some examples with in-counter knife block: https://www.thekitchn.com/smart-knife-storage-design-inc-153810

Also, some are one long knife slot. Check out the integrated trivets too :)

https://www.glumber.com/butcher-block-countertops/options/

I understand the small kitchen thing, so rather than a separate area with butcher block, you could just get a nice butcher block cutting board if you wanted to tie the look together. I think this one from Ikea is a cool design as it can sit over the edge of the counter: http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/00309829/

I hope you're able to get the matching piece of quartz countertop, but if not, I hope these links give you some good ideas!

Had a friend need a piece about that size after he decided he wanted a small 6" cabinet after ct templated. He got it cut by same company & installed himself later. At least get the piece,so you'll have it to match.

If u can't get that piece, the stainless may be a cool solution. Please share a photo when done.

Any reasonable stone yard sells remnants. The size of the piece you want is a tiny little remnant by any standards. You should be able to get the same quartz or something that goes decently with it for trivial money, although you might still want somebody to install...