Are you considering a natural stone countertop? If so, you may have the same question that many other buyers do, “will there be a seam?” This is an understandable question, after all, when most homeowners invest in a granite or quartz countertop, they are envisioning a slab with no issues or seams.
Unfortunately, there is no real way to answer this question where it will always be right. The fact is, if the idea of a visible seam, or no seams at all, is a concern, then it’s a good idea to work with the professionals who care about the results just as much as you do.
Factors that Can Affect the Seams in Your Stone Countertops
If you are not sure whether or not a seam would bother you, then keep reading about the truth of why seams may be needed and how to avoid their presence or mitigate it a bit.
The Power Lies with the Countertop Fabricator
One of the first things that you need to understand is that the designer you hire to help with your kitchen doesn’t have final say so about seams. It’s the fabricators who are able to determine this. As a result, it can complicate the ability you have to avoid the seams altogether. The fabricator cannot let you know if there is going to be a seam until they have laid out the slab after the templator has come to your kitchen and factored in all the things that affect the countertop created.
Larger Slabs Don’t Always Mean No Seams
Another important factor to note is that just because you have a very large slab, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to remain seam-free. There are several other reasons that fabricators will have to cut your slab into several sections, which would cause seams. Some of these include:
- The slabs available in the color choices you have made
- If there is a door large enough in the house to get the slab through
- If any additional support is needed
- If there is a clear pathway for the slab to be moved into position
- How many people it will take to carry the slab
- If the cabinets are able to support the weight of the slab
The Seams are Always Minimal
As long as you choose to work with a quality designer and a quality fabricator who know that you want as few seams as possible, if there are any, they should be minimal. That’s because fabricators will do anything, they can to prevent seams when possible. This is the standard practice for any reputable fabricator in this business.
If you want more information about counter seams and how you can avoid them, then it may be a good idea for you to work with a professional designer. They can help you get the results desired for your space.
