Thanks to all who have so generously contributed advice in the Houzz forum, as you've helped with my remodeling immensely both with responding to previous posts of mine as well as creating such a valuable archive to search. I have a few questions about resolutions to issues with my stone countertop installation and also wanted to ask about older versus newer Corian.

Specifically about Corian sheet products, it is my impression from Houzz forum comments that people who have had Corian sheeting for many years, perhaps 15 to 30 years, seem to like it more than those who have had it installed more recently. Does anyone know if the quality of Corian sheeting has changed over the decades? I have read that Corian sheets once came in thicknesses of 3/4" as standard, and now only the Glacier White color can be purchased in 3/4", as all other colors are only available in 1/2" or 1/4". I am wondering if it is a general change in thickness, change in production, or perhaps my imagination that older installations seem to have worn better according to reviews. Comments regarding Corian sheeting's explosive cracking, accidental melting (it is less heat-resistant than quartz) and deep scratching (it is as soft as soft soapstone but can be refinished) scared me from using the product. The answer won't make a difference for my current project since stone has already been installed, but if anyone can offer insight, it might help someone else who sees this thread and is still in the decision phase regarding Corian sheeting. Despite the reported drawbacks, Corian sheeting was a close runner-up to the soapstone that I selected since many positive reviews exist from people who have had success with it, so I continue to be curious about how it might have worn.

On to my stone questions; approximately four elements of my recent soapstone installation are flawed to the extent that I assume cannot be corrected post-seaming, as follows:

#1 -- The arrow caption reads, "Corner specified to be rounded in pre-fab printed document, also confirmed verbally at templating." This is on one side of an apron-front sink. The other side is configured differently with a flush run of countertop in a corner. As you can see in the photos, the sink is likely at risk with any in-place cutting of the stone. This is a hard variety of soapstone, about 4.5 on the Mohs scale. Is this stone corner vulnerable to breakage by not being rounded? If the corner cannot be corrected, what discount would be appropriate to attempt to negotiate? Should I ask for an extended warranty on this corner? {{attachment:4955511}}

{{attachment:4955512}}

#2 -- The second issue that cannot be resolved without a re-do is that backsplash sections of a bathroom installation done at the same time as the kitchen counters were cut too small and/or at incorrect angles. The installer attempted to compensate by pulling the pieces forward, resulting in uneven gapping. The walls in this area were flat and had been prepped for the backsplash, so the issue is with the backsplash. Can the backsplash be removed without damaging the countertop? Would you ask for a re-do, hoping it would be right the second time, or would you negotiate a discount? If you asked for a discount, how much would you consider worthwhile?

{{attachment:4955513}}

#3 -- The overhang along a span of drawer stacks varies +/- 1/4" from the 2" overhang specified. It is my understanding that a +/- 1/8" variance is the industry standard. Do you think the difference of 1/2" total will be noticeable against the drawer fronts? The drawer fronts are still being painted, so countertop negotiations will likely be resolved before the drawers are installed. Is this an element that deserves consideration as part of other discounts?

{{attachment:4955514}}

#4 -- Not pictured, but the opening for the range varies 1/4" front to back, making the front fit more snugly than the rear. This area was designed for a tight fit, but the extra gapping compromises that. How serious would you consider this issue?

Thanks for all your help, Houzzers!

Kitchen

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US