All You Need to Know About Stone Countertop Seams - Marble & Granite

The fewer, the better. This is generally the goal for the number of seams in stone countertops. Because granite, marble and other natural stone slabs average around 10 feet in length, stone countertops usually require at least one seam (joint). The number of seams will have an influence on the price of the countertops. If the quote is very low, you should ask your fabricator the quantity and the location of seams. After investing in beautiful countertops, it is not wise to save money by agreeing to low quality seam work. The expectation should be runs stone of more than 8 feet x 4 feet and 6 inches.

You should never be able to feel your seams, but seams will always technically be visible. Darker stones with smaller patterns, however, will have less visible seams than lighter stones wisignificant veins and movement. But no matter which stone you choose, your countertops can still appear to have a smooth, seamless finish with the proper joinery layout (seam work) and installation.

From the Marble Institute of America, here are the proper measurements for stone countertop seams:

• Stone-to-wall -  1/8" (3 mm) in width


• Stone-to-stone joints - 1/16" (1.5 mm)  minimum and 3/32" (2 mm) maximum


• Stone-to-cabinetry - 1/8" (3 mm) in width


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Not only are seams important for aesthetic purposes but for ease of cleaning as well. Placement will depend on cabinet and sink layouts, but seams should be placed in areas that won't appear as obvious and should not be within 6 inches from an edge. Make sure you have gone over with your fabricator exactly where seams will be and how seams may affect the finished appearance of your countertops.

Common joinery layouts via MIA

 

Sources: Wolf Investment Corp. &  Granite Insider
Photo by Manier Creative via NKBA (design by Siri Evju)