countertops

[Rich386]

Although granite looks good, I did our counter top with a rose colored marble. The one thing to keep in mind with any tile job is preparation. There has to be a solid foundation for the tile to lay on as it doesn't take flexing very well. I did ours with 3/4" plywood and then 1/2" hardibacker board. Hardibacker is much better than cement board IMHO. If you do it yourself, make sure that you use non sanded grout. Most grout uses sand as a filler and it can scratch surfaces as you wipe it off after applying it.

I used a cement board for the base over 3/4 plywood. I had thought of marble at first but marble can stain so I used granite.

 

[deserthomestead]

There are some tutorials out there to add a faux granite finish to existing counters. The people who did this said it's pretty durable and really super uber cheap.

http://prettylilposies.blogspot.com/2010/11/250-kitchen-makeover-with-20-granite.html

http://www.prettyhandygirl.com/2011...ountertops-guest-post-by-creative-kristi.html


I'm going to try it in my kitchen once I get the go-ahead from my MIL/landlord!

 

[punk-a-doodle]

If we ever get a place, I am leaning towards slate or soapstone. They have there own set of pluses and minuses though. I like that I'll be able to etch some designs into them.

 

[Alaskan]

I like "man made" countertops.

Corian really holds up. My mom, and sister have it in their kitchens, I have it in my laundry room.

You really can just install it and forget it. All sorts of nasty things (chemical cleaners etc on the laundry room) can sit on it and it still holds up and doesn't stain or etch.

You can cut it, if you cut right on the countertop, but small stuff can be sanded out.

If you choose to pay a little more (totally worth it in my opinion) you can get the backsplash to merge with the countertop. They kinda fuse it together. Then you end up with this "perfect for large spills" countertop where nothing can try to ooze behind your cabinets.

The Corian backsplash can be any height you want with fancy decorative tiles above it.

They can even inlay pretty designs in it.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Corian is basically just extremely dense plastic so the one thing I would be very cautious of is that if you set a hot pot down on it for more than a second it will melt. It can also scratch. Pretty easy to work around if you decide you love the look but it was a big concern for me. I was also surprised when I had it priced that it really was not that much cheaper than granite and I think granite adds a higher resale value.

 

[Alaskan]

Actually, it doesn't melt that easily, you can put pots and pans on it straight from the stove.


Not sure what temp it melts at, it has to be pretty high though.

 

[mandelyn]

Corian is a good product, but be wary of similar yet cheaper versions of it. Some do scratch easily. Granite or any stone can be chipped. You can get filler to cover over it, but it's stone.. it's forever. Install isn't too bad on them unless the walls are crooked, but it's no different than installing other rigid types. Another benefit of Corian is that it can be custom shaped to fit a space in any size, and it is seamless. The measure is done with a laser, really accurate. Granite and other stones are typically measured the same way. Or should be, once it's cut, it's cut. Prefab stone works if your walls are straight and even. If there is a variance, it will show and will need custom fitted with trim to cover it up. Laser measured stone is cut to fit the space. Usually things are even enough to go smoothly.

I worked at a granite installer for a spell, you can get a better deal if you go to the source. The one I worked at did not do business with the public directly, but some do. Choose the company carefully though... the counter tops are only as good as the install.

It won't hurt to ask the kitchen designer at Lowes about a free sink upgrade or edge style upgrade to sweeten the deal. They'll haggle for big jobs like that. Well, some stores will. Just let them know you've been shopping around for installs. They come with a 1 year install warranty, and are a big enough company to hold to it. Some places may be cheaper, but choose carefully.

I like the look of tile counter tops, but I don't want all that grout to clean!