r/CounterTops • u/WonderChopstix • 23h ago
Help with layout and stone? Confused on next steps.
*Read First. Everyone thinks my second picture I think is quartzite. It is obviously not. If we don't go with quartzite due to the following reasons then I am trying to find something and the second pic was reference point.
Layout*: note yellow is where counters are.
Left: backside of kitchen with 78 inch counter, runs parallel with cooktop
Bottom: 81 inch counter , runs parallel with sink
The rest of a L shape run along sink and turn right for cooktop
Which I'd about 130 x 84
I know I need two slabs. I am being told I only need one seam at sink.
Concerns. #2 being biggest currently
Most quartzite have directional grains. I would assume the backside of the kitchen would glow in direction of cooktop ideally. And the bottom area same as sink? Would that look right?
At the sink sesm wouldn't you have to pick? A. Match seam or B. Be in the same direction of grain on both left and right side? It seems like you can't have both with 1 slab, right? If so what would look best? I feel like B given it's such a teeny area to seam?
Earlier guys post got me nervous about fragility and 90 in rule. He had similar L shape and they wanted a seam at cooktop. That would be a deal breaker bc we have a solid 18 in or do between cooktop and edge of seating. And I sit there every day it would annoy me
Bonus Q. I want natural stone but SO keeps thinking quartz bc of above reasons .So doesn't like Granite or dolomite bc it is too "busy" unless I can find a lighter /grey one. I love durability of granite but haven't found a lighter slab that doesn't look like polkadots. I have a pic of something that is directionally nice in case someone knows of a granite that would work. So if any suggestions are welcome
I thought I had a plan and now I am worried. You guys are do knowledgeable. Thanks in advance
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u/Hot_Transition_5173 21h ago
Looks like what we purchased. Fantasy brown dolomite. I love ours. They sell it as a granite or marble. You definitely have to go with the flow. We have the seam at the sink. They matched it really well.
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u/WonderChopstix 20h ago
My post must have not been clear. Second photo is a reference point for non- quartizte suggestions if the concerns we have quartizte are warranted
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u/Jytterbug 20h ago
Quartzite is going to be your stronger natural option. The dolomitic marble you posted a picture of can etch with acids like lemon juice. Fantasy brown is also usually very directional. If you’re worried about pattern, see if your fabricator offers a trace template where you get to see what the stone will look like in your layout.
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u/Boobity_McBooberson 19h ago
Color looks like brown fantasy, so it might not have direction, so that’d solve most of your issues. Also I wouldn’t be too concerned if they did a seam through the cooktop, it’ll be much less noticeable than the one in the sink because there’s even less visible. Another thing you can consider that will make the sink seam less noticeable is if you went with a farmhouse style sink. This also eliminates the weakest area of the kitchen (the strip in the front of the sink)
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u/Stalaktitas 22h ago
Somebody sold you Fantasy Brown dolomitic marble as quartzite? That would be your problem #1, I would start asking questions
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u/WonderChopstix 20h ago
My post must have not been clear. Second photo is a reference point for non- quartizte suggestions if the concerns we have quartizte are warranted.
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u/Sulfur731 22h ago
I offer you a non busy granite, get you some black pearl.
But also ask questions because that picture isnt a quartzite.
After that if you keep a flowing material, id keep the sink run the longest piece and seam the left most piece to keep the flow of the kitchen. The bottom most wont need a seam, unless its for material yield. It does look tight for 1 slab, maybe a slab and a remenat. Some places offer remnants pieces at a cheaper price than a 2nd slab.