Kitchen Worktop - should I just cancel the order and loose my deposit?

[Mogs43]

Hi

I’ve had a bit of a time recently with a leak, new kitchen delays, missing and non fitting cupboards, demands for extra money and all the associated stress (I am sure many of you have been through similar!). I would be very grateful for your advice on the latest problem as I’m not sure if I’m just over- reacting or rightly concerned, I have never had a new kitchen before so apologies if it is a crazy question.

The company supposed to be fitting my worktop and splashback (calacatta gild quartz) came out today. I had visited the workshop , paid 50% deposit and all seemed fine. Today they came for the second visit to my flat to do the template. The fitter is now saying that because I am on the 8th floor they can’t do the worktop and splashback in one /two pieces (as they had previously said) but rather it will need to be done in six sections - I assume they want it to fit in the lift rather go up the stairs (which I do understand) but am not convinced it needs to be in such small sections- the previous work top was in three pieces.i am really worried that it’s all going to look a mess with lots of joins. Is this a valid concern or are most peoples worktops/splashbacks full of joins?

All the pictures on the webpage and the examples in the show room are in one/two pieces - not six!

The kitchen area is tiny (worktop is 390x60cm) - now has 7 cupboards on the top and 7 on the bottom. I am worried that in such a small area it will look a mess. Am I right to be concerned? If so what would you do? Cancel the order and loose the deposit? Is there a different type of product I could order instead?

I am frustrated as they knew I was on the 8th floor , had seen the design and assure me all would be okay when I visited the workshop and they took the deposit. I feel so stupid!

I agree it might look odd in so many pieces. I think if you agreed that they could do it in one or two pieces then it’s on them if they can’t fulfil that. When we ordered our worktop we got a template showing the cuts they would do in the slab and it was made clear to us where the joins would need to be. Did you get anything similar to show that they had agreed to that? And anything that shows you told them you are 8th floor?
I don’t think you should be losing your deposit over their mistake.
Is there another company you can talk to to get a second opinion on the minimum number of pieces you’d need?

i would suggest going back to them, and informing them that 3900mm is split between 2 or 3 even sections. Can you post up a drawing so I can see?
I have a feeling it’s not just because your on the 8th floor, they are being cheap ass by trying to get all the sections out of one slab.
Do not cancel the order, just tell them 6 sections is unacceptable! If they cannot accommodate your request then you have the right to ask for the deposit back.
To hand ball 2 metre sections of material is a pain in the backside to be honest but that being said it’s not impossible (as long as there are no tight half landings).

Thank you for the quick response. The fitter was doing the template today. He had been to my flat previously which was when he said it could be done in a couple of pieces and he was aware of what floor I was on (I also told the sales guy when I visited the worship and gave them copies of the kitchen design). They hadn’t mentioned it being a problem before - even now they keep saying that the joins will be very small but according to the template in one area (by the hob) there will be 5 different pieces of stone coming together so I assume the vein will be all over the place and could look a mess?

i did get quotes from other suppliers so can see what they think. It’s frustrating as I’m they seem like nice guys and it’s all just taking so long - want it done now but don’t want an expensive mess??

He hasn’t given me a drawing - I.will attach a photo in case that helps. Thank you again for your advice,

Your kitchen looks lovely!
now that I see it, is the problem that you will need a very thin bit behind the sink and a hole for the hob which will make that run really weak and therefore very difficult to get up stairs without snapping it? I’m sure it can be done (assuming what you had before also had a sink and a hob on that run), but I can see that might be tricky. Ours came in on a trolley which you def couldn’t get up the stairs but that is something the company would have known when you ordered it.
what colour did you go for? We have a sort of mucky white (nicer than it sounds 🤣) and we can hardly see the joins round the hob if that helps. Will add a photo later

Thank you for your reply. They didn’t mention the sink/hob areas being a problem but maybe they are. I have emailed the sales team and will see what they say when they open again tomorrow.
I was planning to go with Calacatta Gold but am now wondering if that is a good choice given the number of joints? Your ‘mucky’ white sounds lovely - would be great to see a photo of you have any.

Thanks again for taking the time to respond.

OP do you have any update? Hope all is ok

I’ve asked them if it’s possible to do it with less joints and if they could send me a photo of what the joints might look like - will they use resin or silicone etc (there are no examples on their webpage). I haven’t had a response yet.

I do need to make a decision soon as other work (like the electricians) is waiting on the worktop and splashback being completed. I suppose it’s just a bit scary spending so much on something that might look awful?

Sorry… forgot to post a pic of our joins round the hob. It’s only just gone in so hopefully they don’t get grubby over time, but for now we are happy with them.

That’s looks great.Thanks for sharing. You must be very pleased. They’ve done the joints really well- you can hardly see them.

i am worried they will use a thick bit of silicone and that the pattern will be very mismatched - but am starting to think I should just get it over and done with.

Your quartz looks lovely. What make and name is it please?

Thanks - it’s Silestone in Ariel