Granite Counter Seam
Best Placement for a Granite Counter Seam
As a kitchen remodeler, I often get asked where the BEST place is to locate a granite counter seam. Granite slabs come in certain sizes and when a countertop area is larger or oddly shaped, this often results in multiple pieces and seams.
Granite Slab Size
Granite slabs usually come in average size of about 9 to 10 feet wide and 5 to 6 feet tall (slabs are displayed vertically). A typical slab may be 50 square feet but with waste and granite remnants, it may yield only 35 square feet of stone counters.
Many kitchen designs call for more than one slab which results in counter seams. for example, the standard counter depth is about 25 inches. If the peninsula extends six feet from the wall, you might be fine, but if the six-foot length starts at the front-facing edge of cabinets, you’ll need a seam somewhere. U-shaped counter layouts are an example of a layout that gets at least one, sometimes two seams.
Minimize Granite Counter Seams
A granite counter fabrication company can plug your kitchen design into a computer to determine the best use of your granite slab, or to minimize seams.
Once the cabinets are installed, they will accurately template the kitchen to let you know what to expect in terms of how many slabs will be needed and seams.
Avoid Seams Under the Sink or Countertop Appliances
Sinks are NOT a good place for seams, the cut out for the sink makes this location a weak spot and risk separation of the seam as time goes on. Seams should always be placed six or more inches from a sink cutout.
Avoid placement above dishwashers, another unsupported, weak spot.
Granite Counter Seam Placement
The best place to place a seam is in a low traffic, inconspicuous location. Fabricators will look to break your countertop surface at appliances. Inside corners and food prep areas are often a good location.
When dealing with peninsulas or U-shaped counters and no appliance breaks, you should place seams in well-supported areas, such as over a spot where two cabinet side walls meet. Placing seams in corners work well and are less visible.
Colored Epoxy | Dark Granite Colors | Busy Granite Patterns
Fabricators can also hide seams by matching slab patterns as closely as possible and mixing colored epoxy to glue and fil the seam. Many times, a good fabricator can make the seam disappear. Darker granite colors and busy patterns can also help to hide seams.
With thoughtful slab choice, calculated placement, and skilled fabricators, you have the best chance to hide your granite seams.
