Granite countertops continue in popularity because of their natural beauty and style, durability, and ease of installation. Because granite is quarried rather than mass-produced, each piece has its unique design, allowing homeowners to enjoy its distinctive aesthetic.
As a natural product, granite does not conform to a particular size. As a result, granite sellers must cut the rock into slabs of relatively uniform size. Most granite countertop installations require more than one slab.
Connecting the granite slabs results in countertop seams, and there are tricks to the trade conceal them.
The quality and color of the granite selected, and the installer’s skill make the difference between seams that escape notice and unsightly seams. To enjoy seamless seams, you must know the basics of granite slabs and be knowledgeable enough to DIY the installation or hire an expert contractor.
Granite Slabs 101
Quarrymen cut granite into relatively standard slab sizes of roughly 45-feet square, generally in 10X6 foot chunks. Though this practice provides some standardization, granite is a naturally occurring material that does not form universally convenient sizes. As a result, it is impossible to size all granite slabs precisely, resulting in some variations.
Depending on your project, one slab may do the job. For example, if you need a countertop for a kitchen island or small kitchen, one right-sized piece may be all you need and seams a moot point.
On the other hand, many projects require several slabs, so deciding where to place the seams is of salient importance. Extended perimeter countertops, for instance, almost always have one seam and sometimes two or more.
Disguising the Seams
Seams look best when unseen, so we want to place them where they are naturally unnoticeable, such as along the natural breaks created by appliances. For example, locating seams around stoves and refrigerators are excellent choices.
While appliances provide natural breaks for seams, it’s best to avoid trying to camouflage seams at the edges of sinks. Though a sink edge may seem a good spot it is an unsupported area. As a result, it is a weak spot and subject to separating, a danger to the entire structure. Also, the sink area takes a lot of heavy use, so the last thing you want is to weaken that part of the counter. For these reasons, place seams at least six inches away from sink edges.
Another mistake is placing seams above under-countertop appliances, such as dishwashers. These areas also create danger zones because they are unsupported. Placing a seam above them puts your countertop at risk of damage.
But some seams won’t work in convenient spots. This is often the case when you have long stretches of counter space with no sink, stove, or another natural dividing point. In those cases, the best option is often to locate seams in well-supported spots. For instance, seams placed over where two cabinet walls meet creates a congruous appearance.
However, this idea sometimes backfires because it requires locating the seam in a conspicuous area. Corners provide another practical option because they ensure less traffic and tend to be further away from food prep areas.
Despite our best attempts to place seams where they receive minimum notice, sometimes we are forced to accept them in more prominent locations. The impact of noticeable seams can be blunted by proximate matching of slab patterns. In addition, choosing dark colors and eye-catching patterns provides you with granite that deflects notice away from any seams.
Through precise measuring, strategic slab choice, and creative placement, you can hide seams in plain sight, creating the illusion of smooth, unified granite surfaces.
How Should a Seam Look?
Granite countertop seams should be flush and smooth. There should never be a clash of colors between two slabs of granite. The slabs are joined together by a resin. Once dry, the resin essentially becomes the seam.
According to the Marble Institute of America, a seam should be less than 1/16″. However, a slightly larger seam is acceptable when connecting granite to a wall or plywood.
It is possible to make a bad seam. This often occurs when the granite sections are different sizes, the adhesive is poorly applied, or the colors clash. One of the worst issues is when two pieces of granite are joined at different heights. This creates an unsightly, lumpy seam. Food may become trapped in the aperture, resulting in bacterial growth.
Seamless Seams Are Possible
No one wants to spend money for excellent granite only to be stuck with unsightly seams. So, when choosing granite, it’s important to select pieces with the impact on the seams in mind. Darker colors are more forgiving and detailed patterns help to conceal as well. Then, with the right choice in raw material and expert installation, you can have smooth granite countertops with seams no one sees.
Professional Countertop Installation is Worth It
Texas Granite Group are experts in granite countertop installation making sure the seams are properly placed and concealed. There are a lot of details and planning when it comes to a bathroom or kitchen remodel, and we have the experience and technology to get it done right.
For more than 20 years, we have been committed to providing the highest quality workmanship in countertop fabrication and installation throughout Austin and beyond. Specializing in granite, marble and quartz countertops, we are a one stop shop with a large in stock selection, upfront pricing and unmatched advantages making us a #1 choice for countertop sales, countertop installation and renovation services throughout Texas. Call and speak to a design professional today, Free!