I give up: What's the perfect counter surface?
caveman_mike
11 years ago
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11 years agorealism
11 years agoRelated Discussions
The counter(s) I chose is/are right for ME because...
Comments (59)It's what I decided to buy and now I'm stuck with it. I was so careful with my decision, and tried to research and weigh my decisions and I just screwed up again. My granite is Brazilian Black or the St. Gabriel Black like at Lowes. We had already decided on soapstone and then thought that it might not be right for out home. Cost was also a factor. This granite reads very black with silver and gray flecks. I chose one slab that was very consistant. I was told that I would just need one. After he started to fabricate, my granite contractor went back and got the only other slab that "matched". I has some bigger gray flecks that stand out and look like dirt at times. There's also a green chunk in a very high profile place. There is also an area that looks like a darker black rainbow shape that catches your eye. I know that granite is natural and has things like that at times, but this is not the kind where you want movement or odd colored or odd shaped things that stand out. Also, I feel like I always have to wipe it...though I'm starting to get over that a little now. The color in my kitchen just doesn't have the intensity that it did at the granite yard. The other thing that I didn't count on was with the darkness of the granite, I need to use my undercounter lights more to see. When I do, the light not only light up what I'm doing, they reflect off of the granite and shine into my eyes. It's like a black mirror. I'd love to have a non shiny finish now. I'm working to make it better now with a nice backsplash. I know, I know...I should be grateful, but it's just not what I hoped it would be. The only time I like it is when direct sunlight from my skylight hits it. Then it's all that it was at the granite yard. We're going to work on different lighting to help bring out it's best. I really wish that I felt like you guys do about your choice. The good news is that I didn't get all new cabinets AND a countertop so my mistake is ONLY a 2,200 one...How long does granite last again????...See MoreNew Granite Counter - give up?
Comments (16)"My builder thinks we should tell the subcontractor that the builder will hold back $2,000 for 6 months, and if the crack gets worse he should replace and get the balance at that point...but if it doesn't get worse by then, the installer gets the $2,000. Not sure if 6 months is a good enough time frame, but I do agree that holding back funds is probably the only way to get him to either agree to replace it or at least give me the piece of mind that I can see if it gets worse over that time period." I'd make it a year....See MoreCounter tops-worth paying up for what you want instead of Settling?
Comments (23)You need a comprehensive design plan, and budget plan. A successful kitchen will live within those limits. It can't absorb 5 different budget busters, nor can it deal with 5 different ''must have because I'm in love'' elements. There are a lot of right choices for the different elements that neither bust the budget nor shout ''I'm the star''. Learn how to put together your kitchen with those, with your superstars then carefully selected to fit into those surroundings. That may or may not mean choosing a counter that you love, since you state that the range and venting were your ''must haves''. You can't have it all. Decide what are the musts, within the overall context. Not as each element as an individual. That is T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Remember that none of these pretty things will ever love you back. Some can perform better, and that is always worth considering as an ''upgrade'', but not if it blows the budget, or skews the other choices. For instance, a 14K refrigerator shouldn't even be on the table if that choice makes you consider skimping in another area, like not choosing a pro to correctly install your floors, or you decide to skip adding lighting. "Splurges'' should NEVER mean that another element gets shorted to below a reasonable standard....See MoreQuestion. Solid Surface Counter Top Retailer
Comments (4)As Joseph alludes to they are a good source for many items. They most often use the same local fabricators all the kitchen designers use, they just get better pricing. I am not a fan of box stores for many many products but if the fabricator they are using passes the smell test I would have no issues using them. My house has HD RTA cabinets (they were in it when I bought it) and the granite is one of the HD standard stock colors and the fab work on it far exceeds the quality and installation on the cabinets....See Morecaveman_mike
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