why is it so %$&* hard to pick a countertop?
nesting12
14 years ago
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erikanh
14 years agonesting12
14 years agoRelated Discussions
counter top material for small counter
Comments (12)Funny that you guys started to discuss this just when I am about to start this same project myself. Here are my findings. First off, if you plan of putting a counter on top of the new 3.8 cu ft FL, good luck, and have your pocket book ready. You see, the deepest "standard" counters are those for kitchens, at 25 1/8". Assuming that one leaves around 5" of clearance behind those newer FL machines for vents, air circulation, heat, etc, then you are looking at about 30"-35" of depth, depending on how flush you want the counter to come to the front of the machine. Having said that, there are 3 prices for laminate counters in the stores (like Home Depot). The counters you see in the store in stock are the cheapest, and will cost around $10 li ft. If you need to pick a finish that matches say the sink counter top in your bathroom where the machines are also located, then that is considered a custom order, even if it is a standard depth. This will easily double the price to $20 li ft. Now if you want to order a non-standard depth so that it goes from the back of the wall to the front of your new FL, then you are looking at $35-$50 li ft, depending on type of finish like rounded vs sqaure front edge, back ledge or no ledge, etc... Keep this in mind when shopping for a counter top. I would like my counter to cover the machines completely, so I might have to bite the bullet and order the more expensive counter top.... Again, I am talking about a laminate counter top, no fancy materials here.... I am from Canada, and here is what the local Home Depot quoted me in Canadian dollars for the 3 options.. 1) In-Store counter (limited finishes) 25 1/8" (standard depth) X 6 feet = $68 CAD Custom order counter (you choose the finish) 25 1/8" (standard depth) X 6 feet = $132 - $150 CAD 30 Csutom order counter (you choose the finish) 30-35" (non standard depth) X 6 feet = $222 CAD I believe the last option of non-standard depth only allows for a square front edge finish. If you want a rounder edge in front, like that found on your kitchen counter, the price jumps to $500 CAD, since the guy said that they have to charge for a full 4X8 sheet, and then cut the custom size from there, in order to get the rounded front edge... One other option you can do, which my brother did very nicely is lay down 2 sheets of plywood (for extra thickness), and tile the top and sides, looks really nice, but is a lot more work......See MoreLG HiMac counters...why does mine scratch so easily?
Comments (3)That's just the nature of acrylic solid surface. Acrylic (or polyester) resins are basically solid plastic and not scratch resistant (or heat resistant). Dark colors show the scratches a lot more than light surfaces because the acrylic matrix always shows as white when scratched. Glossy surfaces show the scratches a lot more than matte surfaces as well. Now, those scratches can be professionally buffed out when they get too bad, unlike laminate countertops that when scratched are ruined. But this isnt' something you'll want to spring for every year as it's in the $300 range for an average counter. Even then, deep scratches will remain. Use cutting boards and trivets and try not to slide things across your counters. Pick the cups up and put them down, etc....See MoreGranite countertops - would you do it again? Why or why not?
Comments (60)For those who asked, my granite was called "New Golden Beach". After choosing it I googled the name hoping to see images of it used on finished countertops. What I kept getting were pictures of "Golden Beach" which is far more golden and tan than mine. Mine's a cream base with taupe striations and flecks of black. It is much cooler in tone than Golden Beach which to me has a yellowy cast. When I went looking for granite at the huge stone yard outside of Boston that my KD recommended, I was surprised to find very few slabs in white & cream that had muted patterning. They told me that those like mine flew out the door as soon as they got them in. They said it was because most who wanted that look were going with marble or quartzite, of which they had plenty. They tried to persuade me to consider one of those but I said I didn't know anyone personally who'd had a great track record using it the way I knew it would be used in my kitchen. The rep said that was the reason the light granite stones were taken so quickly. Customers like me who wanted the light stone but felt more secure with granite chose them over marble and quartz/quartzite. I selected my stone 2 years ago. Since then I have seen a number of people here install quartzite and/or quartz countertops and give positive reviews about their performance with regard to being stain and heat resistant. I still think granite was the best look for me in this kitchen, and it sure has stood up to all manner of things like lemon juice, red wine, ketchup, blueberry jam, etc, that might have been bad news with other more porous stones and choices. That said, I think there's a lot to choose from other than granite & laminate....See MoreWhy are there so many vessel sinks available but no countertops?
Comments (3)You can't put a vessel sink on a "regular" height cabinet, the vessel sink will be too tall to be comfortably usable. Order cabinet and counter specifically for the vessel sink you're using. FWIW, we had a vessel sink that I used as my primary sink and I hated it. The bowl was too small and the way the faucet jutted out over it just didn't work. If it's for a powder room it probably doesn't matter much, but if it's for a bathroom where you'll actually be washing your face and brushing teeth, make sure your sink is big enough to accommodate without water getting all over the place. Function over form....See Morenesting12
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