What are the most common issues with the alignment of countertop seams in a landscape bar counter?

When installing a landscape bar counter, achieving perfectly aligned countertop seams is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. However, several common issues can arise during this process. One frequent problem is visible seam lines due to slight color or pattern mismatches in materials like granite or quartz, even from the same slab batch. This is often exacerbated by poor lighting in the space. Another issue is height discrepancies, where one side of the seam is slightly higher, creating an uneven surface that can catch spills or make cleaning difficult. This usually stems from an unlevel subbase or improper support structure installation. Gaps or cracks may also develop over time due to material expansion and contraction, especially if the seam wasn't properly joined with appropriate adhesives and reinforcement. In some cases, poor craftsmanship results in overfilled seams where excess epoxy resin is visible, creating an unprofessional appearance. Additionally, stress points from inadequate support can lead to cracking around the seam area, particularly in longer spans common in landscape-style bars. Preventing these issues requires precise measurement, professional installation, proper material selection, and ensuring the substructure is perfectly level and reinforced before countertop placement.