Where the seams fall on a countertop and how to hide them
A seam is needed when the countertop is longer or wider than a slab, or L-shaped. A well-planned seam sits away from the sink and hob, in a spot that is hard to see, and the stone's pattern runs through it smoothly. We show it on the drawing before cutting.
Why seams are needed
A stone slab has limited dimensions. A long countertop, an L-shaped kitchen or a wide island often will not fit in one piece.1 Then there is transport and carrying it in: a very long piece may not get through the stairwell.
Where we plan them
- Away from the sink and hob, where cut-outs weaken the stone and it moves more.
- Over a cabinet, not over the dishwasher or oven.
- Where it shows less, for example in a corner.
- So that the stone’s pattern runs smoothly from one piece to the next.
Matching the pattern
On stone with strong veins, the better the veins continue, the less the seam shows. This needs the pieces laid out on the slab before cutting.1 With speckled stone, like most granites, the seam is almost invisible.
What a good seam looks like
- A narrow gap, even along its whole length.
- Both surfaces at the same level, with no step under your finger.
- Stone-coloured resin, with no bubbles.
Corners
On edges and the sides of an island we join pieces at 45 degrees. That way the edge looks like one piece.1
What you get before cutting
A drawing with the layout of the pieces and the seams marked. You can approve it or suggest a change.
(Sources)
-
Marble.com, The Truth About Countertop Seams
(Questions)
Does a seam leak?
No. The seam is filled with stone-coloured resin, which is watertight.
Can a seam be completely hidden?
On a uniform stone it is almost invisible. On a bold pattern it shows more, which is why we match the veins.
