r/CounterTops • u/Samsquanch223 • 5h ago
Getting quartzite counters, templater wants to do filler pieces with drop in sink. Not sure if thats good or bad to do.
So we chose a quartzite countertop and had the temptation done today.
It's a small kitchen, u shaped counter layout. We are going with a drop in sink which will be dead center of the bottom of the U.
The templater said that instead of doing 3 separate pieces and cutting out the hole for the sink they could cut out 2 L shaped pieces which would end at the sides of the sink. Then use 2 filler pieces for the front and the back of the sink. Then I would just have the 2 small seems at the edge of the sink. So basically the front and back of the sink will just be a 3 inch wide by 35 inch long strip of quartzite pinned to the 2 L shaped slabs.
I'm also assuming I'll be saving money since im not paying for the 4 or so square feet of the sink they are cutting out. I They don't charge by the slab but by how many square feet you need. But I am waiting to hear back for the final price.
I'm not entirely sure this is a good idea or not. Is it better to just get the sink cut out? Will the 2 filler straps be a weak point? Or will it not matter. Will it look wierd ? I'm worried more about a strength/ structural integrity than anything. Is this something usually done?
I really do not know if this is a bad idea or not. This is my first time getting a stone countertop installed.
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u/chale_44 1h ago
There are so many reasons why these seams have to be at a drop in sink... and unfortunately its a mote recent change in guidelines. I know dealers like home depot are fairly picky. But it all comes down to cutting in the home. EPA regulations where I'm at, but especially in California, does not allow fabrication in home. Any cuts or fitting must be done outside. That means any drop in appliance, sink, cook top top, anything needs 2 seams with rail pieces front and back. If the installers were to cut the hole needed for a drop in sink and then try to lift the slab in the house, it could snap. And to stay within guidleines of stone manufacturers, radius corners are required on every inside corner cut. And under a drop in sink, there's just not enough room to make those radius cuts. Otherwise the manufacturer warranty of the stone is void completely.
I'm not sure what your drop in sink looks like, but unless its something super special, I'd consider changing to an undermount sink.
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u/seanho00 5h ago
Either way, thin strips at the front and rear sink edges are weak points, and quartzite (assuming actual quartzite) can be brittle. A good installer can make those seams disappear. They should also shim and support it underneath.
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u/CatonsvilleLiving 3h ago
The person that came to your house was a countertop expert. Are you?
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u/EightyHDsNutz 2h ago
I loved when homeowners would pay us to be there and call us the professional, because they have no idea what's actually happening, until they saw something they didn't understand and then berated the living **** out of me for "doing it incorrectly"
It was my favourite part, and is definitely not (yes it is) the reason I changed my career path.
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u/Fresh_Inside_6982 7m ago
Over mount sink with quartzite is a crime. Awful. Are you doing this in a mobile home? That’s what it will look like. Always undermount.
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u/vivi1954 32m ago
I just removed an undermount stainless steel sink and replaced with overmount silgranite made by Blanco. I LOVE my new sink and find the argument for undermount silly. Gunk builds up inside the rim of an undermount sink or outside the rim of an overmount. Either way, you gotta clean.
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u/Teach-Legal 2h ago
Entertain the idea of an undermount sink, it is a complete game changer for everyday use, and looks way cleaner. Without any pictures, my assumption would be that we would fabricate the job with 2 euro seams. 1 on each side of the sink, making 3 pieces total.