Countertops

[2LaneCruzer]

This is what we had when I was a kid....

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I think Mom's cabinet tops were linoleum.
Here's one for the FWIW department. When I built a table for my Big Green Egg, I wanted the base to sit on something that would take the heat. I heard that granite was good, but sometimes it cracked. I did some research, and when I saw a guy cook a steak on a slab of granite, using a torch underneath, that was all I needed. I had it cut and 10 years later, it's still intact...through rain, and snow, and gloom of night.

Cooking Steak on a Slab - YouTube

 

[buckeyefarmer]

The thing about the big box stores is that they just provide marketing for a local contractor. So your experience is highly dependent on where you are. Somebody 50 miles away could have a completely different experience walking into their local Lowes. Plus you probably would get a better price if you just walked into the granite store on your own, you wouldn't be paying Lowes' markup.

This is basically true with any services provided by the big boxes, they're just subbed out and marked up.

Its subbed out, friend of mine does HD roofing, but they get pressured on price. I got garage doors installed cheaper thru HD, who used a local door company.

 

[plowhog]

We just went through this same decision. We were determined to install granite counters in our luxury home before putting it up for sale. The old tile counters were long past their day.

Our sales rep said 90% of people in our area were now choosing quartz instead. We didn't believe him. We solicited another company, and another. All said the same. We installed quartz in the kitchen and it is a tremendous look and we like it. And we installed granite in the bathroom and it looks great there also. We put granite in the bathroom because we could get pre-cut slabs at a discount that perfectly fit the counters.

If (and when) we build a future "dream kitchen" it will have granite. Because some pieces of granite have a beautiful grain pattern that is just not duplicated with quartz. But you have to be very selective and often need to purchase 3, 4, 5, or 6 slabs *in order* so they match. You can't buy your counter granite now, then come back later to get the granite for the island. They won't match.

The quartz (I am told) is stronger and more impervious to germs and staining. If you spill red wine on the counter, come back and clean it up the next morning and your quartz is fine. Try to do that with granite and you are in trouble. And unless sealed every six months and kept clean, granite can "grow" stains and germs.

We have both and both are great. So it's really personal preference. And, btw, there are *many* more color styles and options with quartz!

 

[gsganzer]

We have Silestone quartz in our kitchen and I can't think of a single downfall. You never have to seal them and you can lay a hot pan on them. They're also supposed to me antimicrobial. I would also think that it you ever scratched them, it could be easily polished out.

 

[Wakey]

We remodeled and went with granite. On a whim they quoted us a great deal to use the rest of the slab for the backsplash. I think it came out nice, it's certainly easier to clean vs tile.

You can see the break near the sink but it still flows basically.

And if it ever chips, you can make it disappear with an epoxy, I watched the installer fix a chip they made having to man handle the backsplash in.

 

[kcflhrc]

Hard to beat Granite. Cleans up easy, heat doesn't affect it. And honestly with the new granite cleaners and sealers it's quite easy to take care of. Plus it's beautiful and all natural. Carved right out of the earth. We got to pick out our pieces at the Cabinet and Granite shop, sure looks nice. I guess if I had a complaint is that it is very cold to the touch as opposed to Formica. What ever you get, do the under mount sink, it's awesome. We got a Granite Composite under mount.

 

[Stimw]

Good job integrating your tractor into the project!

Where did you buy the laminate? I'm considering going this route for a basement scrub room.

I ordered from- Formica Laminate Sheets | Cabinetmaker Warehouse
They had great price/selection and fast shipping.

 

[civilian]

We went with granite in 2009. Still looks like new. No issues with stains or chipping.

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I really like your cabinets. What kind of wood are they? Thanks, Jon

 

[MacLawn]

I went through the counter top shuffle almost a year ago.
I needed 92 sq ft. 3 pieces. The one that I like would have been $7900.00 installed!!!!!
To me, most granite looks like different shades of Vomit!
I watch the home improvement shows on TV and just pictured the guy with the sledge hammer busting up the granite to replace it with the latest/ greatest in the future!
After a lot of research I got quotes on laminate (Formica), $2500. installed.
I watched utube videos, ordered the laminate, bought partical board and made my own for under $600. including a new Router!
The laminate in the pics has protective plastic that's why it looks dull.
It is easily replaceable if I find I like a new pattern. (just go over top)

No more comments needed.

 

[WM75Guy]

I really like your cabinets. What kind of wood are they? Thanks, Jon

Knotty alder with a clear poly urethane finish.