granite fabrication for an outdoor curved barbeque

[Billie]

Re: a 27 foot curved outdoor barbeque counter top with a three inch concrete base, raised counter and backsplash.  I have consigned a granite fabricator to install giallo veneziano and he said he could do this but because of the curve it would be more difficult and more costly.  After three months, I have finally seen parts of the bottom counter which is finished with a beveled edge.  Originally we agreed that the finished edge would have a 4 inch base or apron and this would be glued even with the edge of the counter (no overhang).  Now they are saying that there will be angled edges where each cut piece comes together on the curve and it would be better to use granite tiles.  First, I think they are being lazy and second, I have seen pictures of granite that has been fabricated on an arc or curve and it is smooth.  Is it possible to cut the granite pieces so that there is a smooth connection and then would you cut and polish the edges until a curve is formed to match the curve of the counter?  And would the same be true for the backsplash?

[Mark D.]

What you are asking for is definitely doable, but only with a CNC machine. The 4" base or apron confuses me. If you mean you are making the stone appear as if it were 4" thick that is going to make this tougher as the CNC bits generally only go to a maximum depth of 60mm (2 3/8" thickness).

For a 4cm curved counter they would glue another piece of stone to the bottom then cut and polish the arc, but again, this would only be about 1 5/8" thickness. To add an apron of 4" after the fact and make it look like one piece is darn near impossible. As far as cutting and gluing 4" pieces to the counter and then shaping them to match the counter, yes it is possible but highly difficult. Definitely a job for a top pro! This would only work on a large arc, as if the arc gets to be a 12" radius the thickness of the stone laminaton would prevent you from using a piece of 2 or 3cm slab as the arc would be too acute to avoid going all the way through the slab.

The other side of the coin is with Giallo Venziano every lamination seam will be visible due to the lightness of the stone and the large granular composition. So I guess the answer to your question is this job sounds difficult at best.

Can you give me a drawing with dimensions so I can lay it out for you?

Glad to be of service,
Mark

[Billie]

Thank you Mark.  I have e-mailed you pictures of the barbeque.  Hopefully these will help.  I know that it is a 27 foot curve.
Thanks

[Stone Dude]

its not that difficult for an experienced fabricator, we do this kind of work very often in our shop, without a cnc. we use 2cm pieces for the apron. they would have to be doubled up so when they are ground, the diamonds dont go all the way through. its not that hard to bookmatch it either. it sounds like they took a job they couldnt do and now theyre trying to cheap their way out of it. if the top of the stone has a smooth radius, theres no reason why they cant make an apron with a smooth radius and also have the grains flow. yes, the seams will aways be visible with something like this, but if the fabricators good, they will be very hard to see.

[Mark D.]

Billie,
I didn't get the pics. Send them to mark@defusco.com

Mark

[Billie]

Thanks Mark.  I resent the pictures.

[Mark D.]

My opinion is that the fabricator bit off more than they can chew! You should have a company that is familiar with this process do it, like Cameron says.

Beautiful barbecue by the way.

Mark