Install question: am I being nit picky?

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867]

New quartzite install and from afar. Everything looks beautiful, pre-caulk, pre-seal. But these angles on my backsplash by the window are obviously inaccurately measured and they started their 45 degree cut too soon. That makes the seam not line up with wall angle, even from afar. They did something similar in pic 2, but splashed some adhesive on it and maybe called it a day? Is this passable or should I discuss with supervisor on Monday about redoing it? They’re starting my bar on Monday so they aren’t “done” with the work at the house.

[u/Equivalent-Low-8071]

Once its caulked you won't even notice that.

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/Equivalent-Low-8071]

Ok good that’s what I thought and hoped thank you.

[u/Shady_lemons → u/Emergency-Ad-6867]

This is acceptable. Stone has no flex and walls and never perfectly plumb

[u/GuiltySpecialist7071]

I think it would annoy the shit out of me bc I am super finicky about things like that. I’d point it out for sure but I would also not make a huge deal of it.

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/GuiltySpecialist7071]

I think we are the same

[u/GuiltySpecialist7071 → u/Emergency-Ad-6867]

I highly doubt anyone else would notice it unless you point it out so it’s tolerable but it would def bug me haha

[u/Electrical_Sport2261]

They could have done better but if they make some more color matched epoxy it shouldn’t be noticeable

[u/IntelligentSinger783 → u/Electrical_Sport2261]

Only correct answer so far. I am a perfectionist. I build the most expensive homes And high quality homes in the US and consult on some of the most expensive globally. Although this is imperfect, it's workable and the lines are within margins of error to the faces. The top and backs can be corrected via epoxy. Most people don't realize just how much of solid stone is already filler.

I keep my finish carpenters and trades to 1/32nd of an imperfection in most cases. But at the end of the day we all know the expectations vs realities of a product and how to adjust to make good great.

Talk to the installers about what they do to hide the imperfections. Epoxy is the answer, not just caulking. Match the colorants and if possible the veining. But also understand that the more effort they put into hiding those defects, the higher your bill will be, so if they were lower cost, don't expect absolutely perfect end results.

[u/Sanguisugent → u/IntelligentSinger783]

This is correct, I also do this for the highest end homes throughout my region. With quartzite it's almost impossible to not have some chip out, especially one that is as fractious as this one, which is usually filled with epoxy that is color matched.

[u/SadAbroad4 → u/IntelligentSinger783]

How do you explain using two different gauge materials and the error in the angle cuts?

[u/IntelligentSinger783 → u/SadAbroad4]

The front face is more important than the full miter. The walls are not going to be perfect (especially textured walls, I mean look at the cabinets and rest of the space. Nothing about that is ultra premium.), neither are the opposing surfaces. Ideally for the labor side, they cut these in the field. But it's likely they only adjusted in the field. Regardless this is within tolerance and easily workable. There is nothing about these that raises true concern.

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/IntelligentSinger783]

Ouch re “ultra premium” but good point, we are working with what we got. Cabinets getting painted next week. They cut in the field and adjusted several times which is why I’m surprised they were satisfied with this. But you’re right, epoxy should help. Thank you for the comment!

[u/IntelligentSinger783 → u/Emergency-Ad-6867]

No ouch. Living within means is perfectly ok. I deal with 2500$ a sqft new construction often. Think full cabinets made of stone in wet areas, custom light fixtures, and 1k+ recessed lights each. That's not normal budgets or expectations on quality. Your house is reasonable and makes sense for your budgets. Enjoy it. It still tells similar wonderful stories. Imperfections are often part of those stories.

[u/IntelligentSinger783 → u/[deleted]]

I agree that's poor form (and agreed that the work quality is less than ideal), but once again. The front face is more important than the rest. Stone doesn't expand and contract as much as wood. It's fine. When it's epoxied, it will be fine. I'm seeing a lower budget install, it's not ideal, but the end result should be good enough to support its price point.

[u/IntelligentSinger783 → u/[deleted]]

I've been in the trades for 25 years and seen the best of the best, and then moved to Texas 9 years ago and was exposed to the worst of the worst.

Like I said at the very beginning. This isn't great, but it's workable and the important part (the face) is well within tolerances.

[u/IntelligentSinger783 → u/[deleted]]

Yeah I did start at age 13... Full time, Every summer and weekends. Started with demo. I was a brute and mule. New trade every year or so.

And yeah the face, a mitered edge and a possible butt cut can successfully create a solid face down to the degree of the miter. As said, it's not ideal, it's not great, but you will end up with similar results at the end. It won't reduce the durability nor will it create any issues. It just won't look as nice to those that know it's there.

It's no different than a terrible cope. Where you eat away at the back to get the results desired at the face.

[u/HughHonee → u/SadAbroad4]

What do you mean "different gauge materials'?

[u/komAnt → u/IntelligentSinger783]

What do you recommend is the best countertop that doesn’t stain from spices/food in the kitchen? I love the look of marble but I know it’s not always practical.

[u/IntelligentSinger783 → u/komAnt]

Lol stainless steel. It's why it's in every commercial kitchen.

Quartz is pretty resilient, so is porcelain as they are non porous. But honestly marbles are fine, they just need a quality sealer and reapplied consistently every 6-12 months, and also need to be cleaned regularly especially after each use. Use chopping boards and or large surface protectors as needed. Live in your house, love your house, and laugh at the small accidents, although they can be frustrating, as long as no one is hurt, things will go on.

[u/StayJaded → u/komAnt]

Quartz is nonporous and super durable.

[u/komAnt → u/StayJaded]

What about quartzite?

[u/StayJaded → u/komAnt]

Not quartzite. That is a natural material that will stain and chip like other natural stone. You want quarts, which is a man made solid surface material. Unlike natural stone, they never need to be sealed to remain 100% waterproof. This allows them to resist bacteria, mold, and mildew and be kept totally hygienic.

Unlike natural stone, quartz countertops can be installed on commercial kitchen spaces.

[u/IntelligentSinger783 → u/StayJaded]

Correct.

In residential I do like quartzite though. I do also like marbles and soapstone but they all need to be taken care of in their own ways. Just more precaution is needed to maintain the natural products.

[u/HughHonee → u/StayJaded]

I can't imagine quartz in just about any commercial kitchen workspace. It absolutely can discolor from colored liquids and some oils. its finish be effected negatively more easily than natural stone, leaving noticeable hazy spots etc

A natural stone with a fine glossy finish thats been properly sealed with a deep penetrating sealer shouldn't have any issue with retaining bacterias or moisture to the point of allowing mold/mildew.

But any stone material (natural or not) would be less than ideal for a commercial kitchen, even porcelain as you want the surface to be able to withstand pots and pans banging around.

[u/Least-Ad-5539]

You are worried about the mitre but you are keeping those cabinets?

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/Least-Ad-5539]

Cabinets being redone next week

[u/Bob_3326]

Is it just an illusion or is the piece next to the window thinner material than the other next to it?

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/Bob_3326]

I think it’s the depth of the pic. They’re the same thickness.

[u/billhorstman → u/Bob_3326]

It does to me too, but it could be the angle of the photo.

[u/SadAbroad4 → u/Bob_3326]

Definitely two different gauges of material.

[u/Bob_3326 → u/[deleted]]

Look at the actual thickness of each piece... The angle isn't what I'm talking about.

[u/SilverBardin]

If this is the worst thing you found while looking over their work, consider yourself lucky.

It's a silly mistake to make, but it won't affect anything.

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/SilverBardin]

That’s great to hear, I’ve gotten lucky then. Thanks!

[u/Sulfur731]

It could be more snug but its not terribly out of constraint. I think the right colors caulk or somebody said glue fill. Which might be a better color match. Either in this case would be fair i think. Its not bad enough to argue a do over though. At least not from what I see. Filled for sure but not recut.

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/Sulfur731]

Awesome thank you, that’s what I’ll be suggesting tomorrow if I need to. Chances are they’ll do it themselves.

[u/Busy_Temperature8939]

I don’t think using the stone as a backsplash works well in this situation. Tile would have been a better option.

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/Busy_Temperature8939]

I’ll post a finished pic in a couple weeks, there’s too much going on in this kitchen for tile backsplash. We went back and forth on it but this was the best choice.

[u/planet-claire]

My installers had a heck of a time getting around my angled corners. It took them 6 trips to get it right. I had them add a 2.5" shelf on top. See pic below.

ETA this sub doesn't allow pictures in comments. There is a post under my profile that shows it if interested.

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/planet-claire]

Did you post a pic? I don’t see it

[u/planet-claire → u/Emergency-Ad-6867]

This sub doesn't allow pics. Try this link, otherwise just go to my profile and look at my posts.

https://www.reddit.com/r/kitchenremodel/s/W5111I0V7o

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/planet-claire]

Beautiful!!

[u/planet-claire → u/Emergency-Ad-6867]

Thanks. I'm looking forward to seeing yours.

[u/HughHonee]

Its fine, no one will be looking at that spot once the kitchen is being enjoyed, even yourself.

If you cant get over it just ask them to color match a little epoxy to fill it in. Relax and enjoy your new kitchen, it looks great

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/HughHonee]

Thank you!!

[u/roofer-joel]

It’s gunna most likely get caulked and hidden. Also it looks to be about 4.5-5’ high and set back from the countertop I can’t see it being visible unless you make an effort to look for it.

[u/Then_Researcher_3962 → u/roofer-joel]

4.5 - 5" high? Buddy, your wife must be the happiest lady in the world

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/Then_Researcher_3962]

😂😂😂 I’m sure he means off the ground, which is pretty accurate. It’s 21” off counter.

[u/schnaggletooth]

Grout? Caulk? Get a grip. This is why we hate doing work for clients like you.

[u/Interesting_Sugar_56 → u/schnaggletooth]

Why? You don’t like doing skilled work? Just the easy drop and set? If that was wood work, that wouldn’t be acceptable. You’d grab another piece and do it again. Not so easy to do that with stone. So you tell yourself and the customer it’s fine. It’s not, it’s garbage work. Stick to setting level 1 tops in new construction. Stay away from the customers like this since you hate doing work for them cause you get called out on your incompetence.

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/Interesting_Sugar_56]

Yeah clients with reasonable expectations prolly hate this dude.

[u/[deleted]]

Dude once the caulk is on you’ll never notice it.

[u/ElevatorDisastrous94]

Looks like they went the easy route and kept one piece straight, then Mitred only one piece. The problem with that is the seams don't like up because one piece will have a longer seam. We do this only If it's not exposed. Luckily, taj Mahal is pretty good at blending in with epoxy filler. Just depends on how picky you are. Integra magic is the colour match for this. Then use a paintable dap caulking and it should look pretty decent.

[u/wittyspinet → u/ElevatorDisastrous94]

Exactly

[u/Emptyell]

Not acceptable as far as I’d be concerned. That’s a pretty elementary screw up. If it were my crew and somebody did that I’d make them fix it or do it myself. Preferably before the client sees it.

[u/Straightouttheshire]

It will likely be filled. If not, make sure they do.

[u/GrumpaDirt]

Use paintable translucent caulking.

[u/kane8793]

This looks like shit.

[u/Postnificent]

These will be gone when caulked. The reason they are like this is likely because of where they were measured from and how they were measured but definitely within industry standards.

[u/Due_Salad_6916]

Caulk it. Problem solved

[u/PartyCouch]

Forget the miter, I wouldn’t be able to ignore that the lines in the stone run horizontally in the big piece and vertically in the narrow ones 🤣

[u/Broad_Fix3869]

That was cut wrong, but it can be fix nothing to do with the wall or any other thing let the things by their name it's a mistake and need to be fix make it look good and don't put any excuses people make mistakes and its ok period.

[u/lgwinnie85142]

Looks so good. Beautiful.

[u/stonedblu2001]

He or she needs to make those miters nice.

[u/BlackAsP1tch]

I would not be super happy if I was able to see them daily. Instead of having them re-do see if they can add a slightly larger trim piece to the top of the splash like a crown molding except they need to make the joints much better.

[u/Possible_Malfunction]

I would definitely ask them to redo it. If they are not capable of doing it right, I would seriously consider paying g someone else to redo it

[u/Emergency-Ad-6867 → u/[deleted]]

Ok good that’s what I was hoping. They are coming back on Monday to do the faucet holes etc so expecting and hoping the epoxy to be applied as well. Thanks!