Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
The house I bought has a stepped kitchen counter for eating with the sink on the other side. I' thinking about removing the step and replacing the counter top with a flat piece to make the eating area counter height.
Has anyone recently done this? Can you ballpark the cost for me?
I know I will need to relocate the electrical outlets but I shouldn't have to move any plumbing. I could probably match get a close match to the current granite, but maybe I should go with something completely different.
Dismantle-200
Rewire recepticles for pop-ups-400 (these are the easiest to retain code compliance)
Rewire disposal with air switch-200
(Counter doesn't look like granite) new solid surface countertop- approx. 100sq/ft
Remove and reinstall sink-200
Corbel brackets to support overhang-400 (paint/stained, installed)
We did just the opposite, we took a peninsula and turned it into a stepped counter. It wasn't hard. We (okay, my husband) did all the work himself. The most expensive part was the countertop. However, there is something you might want to consider - does the flooring go under where that wall with the stepped up counter? If not, how hard will it be to extend the flooring under there?
__________________
When I post in bold red that is moderator action and, per the TOS, can only be discussed through Direct Message.
I like the idea - I chose to put a solid single height counter on my double island as I'm not a fan of stepped counters. But I think you'd be making a mistake of not replacing the entire countertop unless you found the exact match for what is there (meaning if it's a manufactured product and not slab granite), and they can install with a minimally visible seam. Otherwise, just pick out something new. You can make it a focal point with something interesting, it doesn't have to match all the other countertops in the kitchen.
Thanks for all your advice. I do mean to replace the entire countertop (it is a light granite, the picture is washed out a bit) I meant trying to match the granite that is on the rest of the kitchen counters, sorry for the confusion.
Thanks for all your advice. I do mean to replace the entire countertop (it is a light granite, the picture is washed out a bit) I meant trying to match the granite that is on the rest of the kitchen counters, sorry for the confusion.
Oh, phew! Personally, I'd probably lean towards something entirely different rather than trying to find a match to the other counters. Coordinating, of course, but mix it up a bit.
And I'd also upgrade to a killer faucet, since it will be a showpiece.
I like stepped counters. If I'm tired and don't want to clean up in the evening i can leave things and they can't be seen. We are remodeling and will have a step, but the top will only overlap about 1 1/2" either side. No one will be eating there.
Hi Tek_Freek - I too thought about the "hide the mess" factor, but I think having the lower counter is a bigger item for me. I've never been comfortable getting up and down from a high stool, and since I broke my ankle even more so.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Personally, I'd probably lean towards something entirely different rather than trying to find a match to the other counters. Coordinating, of course, but mix it up a bit. 
