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Mrs. Steel, I have to post here that I stand corrected re: undermount sinks and laminates. I was at this same friend's house yesterday and she told me that her sink is not an undermount. I can't describe it but the way it was installed made it look like an undermount. I'll see if I can get more details from her and forward them on to you.
RDSLOTS: The appeal of the higher end countertops is durability for one. You can put a hot pot down on them, use a knife on the surface--and don't have to worry about damage. Until laminates came out recently with so many higher end choices, the solid surfaces also looked nicer.
As far as how long it lasts, it will last as long as it's well cared for--and I think that is true of any of the surfaces.
The maintenance on some of the stone surfaces is minimal (some granite salesperson told me that there are products that will seal the stone for 10 years in a single application). If you plan on staying in your home and will get a lot of personal satisfaction out of the kitchen countertops, then it's probably worth the investment. I don't think it's such an extravagant expensive that you won't see any returns on. At least the $2500 you spend on countertops won't depreciate as quickly, as say, an equivalent investment in home theater equipment.
At least the $2500 you spend on countertops won't depreciate as quickly, as say, an equivalent investment in home theater equipment.
Good point! I'll be sure to remind my husband of this.
Honestly, my husband is a big sweetie and has told me to get whatever makes me happy. However, I'm the one who worries the most about money. And in this price point, granite just isn't worth it. In addition, I think the up-scale granites out there would look silly on the ol' oak cabinets we have now (the phrase "Mutton dressed as lamb" comes to mind). It's encouraging to hear that there are some cost-effective options out there. Thanks so much, Jinxor!
Haha, you should be in the Infomercial Photo business. The first photo is washed out and slightly out of focus. The second is full of color and focused. Typical informercial trickery, haha.
IMO the paint and new appliances get more attention more than the countertops. But the dark tops do look nice as they provide good contrast which always looks sharp to me. Looks good.
That does look good.... I wish I do the same for countertops and save some cash. The appliances and paint really dress it up a lot... makes it look far nicer. Excellent work!
As soon as I get my countertops, I will have to add my photos.
Last edited by rcarrillo; 03-24-2008 at 12:13 PM..
Reason: Add
Wow, jinxor, great job! Our kitchen also needed updating when we moved into our house. The cabinets were in great shape, but the counterops were jade green and worn. We replaced them with a dark laminate, and also replaced all the brass knobs with brushed steel and painted the walls. It made a huge difference. Completely modernized the look of it. Sometimes a little goes a long way.
My laminate countertops have considerable damage and need to be replaced. I see a lot of companies that do granite, quartz, and corian products, but who do I contact about replacing laminate? Is this job for a handyman? It's a relatively inexpensive house and so I am having a hard time justifying nicer countertops.
You can contact most any carpet store to install laminate counter-tops. This is usally not something a handyman can do. It is a very skilled trade.
You know, I had been wondering how you fared with that project, jinxor. What a difference! It looks great.
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Our kitchen also needed updating when we moved into our house. The cabinets were in great shape, but the counterops were jade green and worn. We replaced them with a dark laminate, and also replaced all the brass knobs with brushed steel and painted the walls. It made a huge difference. Completely modernized the look of it. Sometimes a little goes a long way.
