Countertop Seams: Fitting Flow and Color Together in Granite, Marble, and Quartzite
Credit: WilgusIQ in Springfield, Missouri.
FINDING OUT THAT YOUR granite, marble, or quartzite countertops may require one or more seams can come as a rude surprise. After all, natural stone is prized for its flow and movement, and a poorly done seam can spoil the overall effect. How can you minimize the impact of countertop seams and avoid unnecessary ones? We’ll consider the answers to these and the following questions:
Careful planning and good communication with your fabricator can minimize the need and impact of countertop seams. Seamless quartzite island and backsplash photo credit: WilgusIQ.
What Are Countertop Seams?
A countertop seam is the gluing together of two slabs with an epoxy resin. These resins come in a variety of colors common in natural stone and are matched to the material.
Granite countertop seam closeup. Credit: D. MacKay
When Are Countertop Seams Necessary?
Seams are necessary when the area of the countertop exceeds the finished size of the material slab. Most granite and other natural stone slabs are between 9 and 10 feet in width, though some of the edge will be lost in the fabrication process. Large-format or “jumbo” slabs can measure 11 feet or more, but selection in these sizes is limited.
Slab size is not the only factor, however. Cabinet configuration, sink and cooktop size and style and the location of any below-counter appliances will all play a part. Even the size of your access doors and entryways can determine the maximum size of a finished piece.
Because granite, marble, and quartzite slabs are natural and not manufactured products, their measurements can vary. The standard width is nine to ten feet. Credit: WilgusIQ.
How Can You Minimize the Impact of Countertop Seams?
If you are still in the design stage of your kitchen, talk to your fabricator about which designs might require fewer seams or no seams at all. A consultation would be especially helpful if you are contemplating a unique countertop, island, or appliance layout.
If your kitchen configuration is already set and will require seams, you can choose a countertop color and pattern that will minimize their appearance. Keep in mind that the resin will be a solid color and will be more obvious next to a high degree of color variation.
Ask your fabricator for recommendations on where to place the seams to make them less noticeable. They can also help you locate two or more slabs from the same bundle for a better match.
The layout of your kitchen will help determine the number of countertop seams required, but skilled fabrication and installation can make them inconspicuous. Credit: WilgusIQ.
How Can Your Fabricator Minimize the Impact of Countertop Seams?
Whether the seams in your granite countertops are inconspicuous or an eyesore will depend in large part on the skill and experience of the people you work with. Expert fabricators study the flow and color variations of the stone before deciding how best to cut it. Skilled installers blend resin pigments carefully for a closer color match. It is always a good idea to ask to see a sample of the countertop shop’s work before hiring them.
Countertop seams, if necessary, should not be unseemly or spoil the beauty of your granite, marble, quartzite, or other natural stone. If you live in Missouri or Northern Arkansas, we invite you to call WilgusIQ or visit our showroom for a free countertop consultation.