I am stressing about our countertops

[boiler717]

We are still working on a solution and I just don't know what to do.

Recap if you don't recall, they were stained before install. They weren't able to get the stain out and due to multiple sandings there is also a dip in the marble where the stain is.

The builder would like to just replace the island, but I am concerned about finding slabs that match enough to my perimeter counters. They say that if the island slab doesn't work they will replace all the counters, but I am hesitant that they will actually do this.

We've been looking at slabs for 9 months now and have found nothing so far. They are really pushing for this one set, but I just don't know. They are pretty, but I don't like them as much as my current slabs. They have more veining so they appear more grey than what we have now. They don't have open white areas at all.

I'm worried if I accept them, they won't match the perimeter and they won't hold up their end of the deal. I'm also worried that I just won't like them as much as my current slabs and regret changing them out, but my current island is also damaged which annoys me. GAH.

Sorry to word vomit all over but I just don't know what to do. Any advice or thoughts, things to consider?

[sierramist03]

Cold you do a different darker color on our island?

[boiler717]

May 24, 2013 9:26:48 GMT -5 sierramist03 said:

Cold you do a different darker color on our island?

We already have dark cabinets on our island but white along the perimeter. I think if I have different cabinets and different counters it will look too disjointed.

[sierramist03]

May 24, 2013 9:29:05 GMT -5 boiler717 said:

May 24, 2013 9:26:48 GMT -5 sierramist03 said:

Cold you do a different darker color on our island?

We already have dark cabinets on our island but white along the perimeter. I think if I have different cabinets and different counters it will look too disjointed.

True I could see how matching will be hard

[TBM]

Ultimately it comes down to how long you are willing to wait for the 'perfect match', or if you are willing to live with something that will give a different look than what you have, but will likely be beautiful and look good with your counters.

I actually prefer a little variation to break up the space, but that is me....you have to do what makes you happy and doesn't make you feel like you settled.

[FoxInFiji]

I didn't realize this was still ongoing! I don't know if you've considered this possibility or not but could you have the current island slab removed and finished on the bottom side? Do you have any holes cut in it for a sink?

[boiler717]

May 24, 2013 10:09:59 GMT -5 FoxInFiji said:

I didn't realize this was still ongoing! I don't know if you've considered this possibility or not but could you have the current island slab removed and finished on the bottom side? Do you have any holes cut in it for a sink?

That is another good idea, but the fabricator said that wouldn't be possible. I'm not sure as to all the reasons as to why but I believe it had to do with the beveling.

[mrs.jacinthe]

I cannot believe you're still dealing with this. What about switching surfaces altogether? Get a fabulous piece of butcher block for the island? Or a gorgeous piece of soapstone (or whatever floats your boat) instead of trying to match?

[emjacobs]

I think you could totally go for a moodier gray countertop on the dark cabinets. Think about it you have light / light on the perimeter, dark / dark on the island would work just fine. I think it would give your kitchen a nice little dramatic pop and a place you could somewhat highlight different things.

Examples:
sweetpeasdesign.designshuffle.com/suburban-lake-house-kitchen-update-5426-8275/t2/suburban-lake-house-kitchen-update-kitchen-e-67964-1900.jpg
st.houzz.com/simgs/6cc2b89500b37e61_7-0582/home-design.jpg

It can be done, and I think it looks great but ultimately you need to do what will make you happy. This is your house, no one is going to give you shit if you go with one option over another, if you like it then go with it. Obviously there is no repairing the current countertop, even if they think it's fixed I don't think you will ever see it as fixed so something needs to change. I think replacing all of the countertops is rather wasteful because they were custom to your kitchen and they probably won't be able to us a good portion of the material, not your problem but still something to consider. Can you post a picture of your kitchen so that maybe we can give a better opinion.

[emjacobs]

Also: data.whicdn.com/images/32432511/dc98474091ce_large.jpg