Summary:
The joints located between quartz and granite slabs on the worktop surface can be a headache for homeowners, as well as installers. These essential facts about these joints/seams will help you understand them more and find out ways to minimize their appearance.
Main text:
The joints on countertops tend to remain one of the main concerns for quartz worktops direct installers, as well as homeowners. Joints are two adjacent pieces placed together on worktops when the situation deems it necessary. Here are some prerequisites you need to know about these joints and what to look out for when asking installers to handle them in the right manner.
When are joints necessary on quartz/granite worktops?
Joints on granite/quartz worktops are considered necessary in the following situations:
Size of the countertop: Since granite slabs come in limited size variants, the need to place joints may arise if the countertop is either too big or too small for the specific granite slab.
Accessibility of pre-designed slabs: Even if granite/quartz slabs were made to order, there may be a problem in transporting them to the worksite, let alone carrying them into space where they need to be fitted.
Countertop stability: In certain cases, there may be the need to place a joint to increase the support and stability of the countertop to prevent it from breaking during installation.
Worktop Joints FAQs
Here are some common FAQs about quartz/granite worktop joints you may find useful.
Are worktop joints noticeable?
While worktop joints are not something to be worried about, they may become noticeable if the length of each granite slab exceeds 3 meters. However, most homeowners tend to notice the joints only for a day and forget about them afterwards.
How are the joints filled?
Most cases in the UK, the joints between quartz worktops are filled using a special stone or epoxy glue. The glue chosen for the sealing is extremely hard and is non-toxic and thus, a perfect choice for the kitchen.
Will the colours on the joints match the surface?
It will be hard to match the colour of the joint with the exact colour and pattern of the granite/quartz worktop surface. In some cases, quartz surfaces come with same coloured joint glues. Even if that is the case, it would be hard to get an exact match.
Tips to ensure good joint quality
If the need arises to place joints on your kitchen worktop surface, here are some essential pointers that will help you and the fabricator come to terms with the placement of the joints, as well as their visibility and quality.
Expectations vs. Reality: Joints on granite worktops direct can never be invisible. It can only be inconspicuous.
Available Colours and Patterns: The colours and patterns on the worktop surface can play an important role in determining how inconspicuous the joints turn out to be. While light colours and fewer patterns may have more visible joints, darker colours and multiple patterns tend to have more inconspicuous joints.
Location of the Joints: Many fabricators express doubts on whether a joint on a worktop surface must be installed near the sink area or on the cooktop cut out, as joints placed in these areas are more prone to breakage. If the fabricator chooses to place a joint in these areas, check for the quality of the joint, as well as its ability to support the worktop surface without breaking.
The Layout of Joints: Joint locations need to be determined before cutting the worktop surface material. It is important to talk with the fabricator about the exact location of the joint on the worktop surface when the initial pattern for the countertop is being drawn.
Samples Preview: Before choosing the joint materials for your granite worktops in the UK, ask the fabricator to provide samples of the materials so that you can check their quality and choose the one that best fits the worktop surface. In many cases, the fabricator would ask you to visit a showroom for the same purpose or possibly provide a list of clients whom you can visit to check the quality of previously installed worktops and joints.
Final positioning of Joints: It is customary for homeowners to feel a bit apprehensive when the fabricator arrives to install the kitchen worktops with joints for the first time. In most cases, the fabricator would opt for a dry fit first and then make modifications to the slabs and joints based on the right fit considerations. This may result in joints not fitting into place at least several times before the final, perfect fit is achieved.