For a 36" x 60" tub, if you were to pick granite tiles that cost $10 a square foot and the installation also cost you $10 a square foot, and you had a 12" deck all around the tub, the tub deck would cost you approximately $700 (I didn't even subtract for the tiles in the "open space" of the tub). That same surround, done as a slab, you'd be lucky to find granite for $50 a square foot. That'd make the slab cost $1750. Then, they're be the charge for polishing the edge. A bathtub rim is easily as big as 4 or 5 kitchen sinks, and a undermount charge for a kitchen sink usually runs $200-$300. Say they only charge you $600 for polishing the rim and mounting the tub properly. That brings the total for the slab up to $2350, vs. $700. In the scheme of things overall, not a significant difference in price when you factor it in over the years of enjoyment you'd get from it, but it's enough $$ in the short run to make you think twice about if it's what you really want. I'd personally go for the undermount. It's a much neater cleaner streamlined look that'd be worth it to me.

Gail428...why don't you have to clean the "ick off the sink edge" if you have a drop-in sink? With our old drop-in sink crumbs, etc. were always getting caught along the rim of the sink and we had to use fingernails or other to clean around it. With our undermount sinks, it's so easy to keep clean now! If you're getting a SS sink, then allow the scratches to create a patina...over time they blend to form a consistent-looking appearance so scratches no longer "show". If you're getting a coated cast iron sink, then you may have a point... I do know that our old SS sink was 13 years old when we demolished the kitchen and it was still going strong...yes, we had a patina of scratches on the bottom, but b/c there was that patina, they were not noticeable. Where do you think the most scratches will be? If on the bottom, then consider getting a sink grid to protect the sink bottom if you don't want the patina. A grid also keeps dishes raised off the bottom of the sink so they don't sit in dirty water and you can rinse things down the drain w/o the dishes in the sink getting in the way or blocking the drain. Ticor sinks (at GalaxyToolSupply.com) come with a custom-fit grid for each bowl of their sinks (grids are included in the price of the sink). Here are a couple of threads that discuss some of these issues: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0516542828229.html http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg051226339151.html Sink Undermount Reveal Options [To help w/decision on over/undermount] There are pros & cons for each type of reveal: Positive Reveal. The sink shows; granite cutout is slightly larger than sink Pros: Easier to clean b/c you can see the gunk and can easily wipe it off (it only gets nasty if you leave it there) Cons: Silicone (caulk?) is visible, but if they use clear you won't see it when it dries Negative Reveal. The granite overhangs the sink; granite cutout is slightly smaller than the sink Pros: You cannot see the gunk buildup or silicone Cons: You cannot see the gunk to clean it. Dirty water/food can splash up & under where you cannot see to clean it. It's difficult to see underneath w/o leaning way over & into the sink. Dishes/glasses have been known to break b/c when you lift them out near the edge of the sink the dish hits the stone counter & can break (or, if the dish wins, the counter could chip...but I'm not sure how likely that is). Zero Reveal or Flush. Sink & granite are flush or even; the granite cutout & sink are the same size Pros: Easier to clean b/c you can see the gunk No platform over or under for the gunk to collect Cons: More difficult to do perfectly Silicone is visible, but if they use clear you won't see it when it dries

I'm reading all of these, I promise! We just got back out electrical and plumbing overages so those will be coming out of pocket. I looked at the Ikea sink but I want something huge with one bowl, their single bowl is only 24". I really do prefer the farm sink though, Joe, so I might keep looking for those! What the showroom might be referencing is from the white Blanco sinks from like 2007. They were made differently and some food stain. They changed their process and ( according to GW) they haven't had issues since then. As far as finishes, counters are Alabama White marble, similar in looks/hardness to Imperial Danby. White inset shaker with ogee framing bead, some fancy toekicks by the range and sink, potentially beadboard BS (I may add a hint of color there, if so it would be a pale blue).. Faucet I have as Danze Opulence ( I'll find a picture), it has to stay around the $350 budget.. Let's see... Glass doors on some uppers, but none near the sink as that wall is just windows.. What if I did undermount then did this.. With the three areas routed out? Overall feel is vintagey-ish..

Hi Joseph....I was hoping you'd respond! :). I'm an avid fan of yours (blush). We prefer an undermount sink because it's easier to wipe counters off onto the sink and as well because the emphasis will be on the countertop (Cristallo quartzite with gold and copper veining). The only reason we are considering a top mount (which we have now) is because it's easier to replace the sink (hubby might be able to do himself), should it need to be replaced in the future. I'm a bit of an OCD when it comes to the house/kitchen looking pristine all the time (and I both cook and bake A LOT). We are having a difficult time deciding on what sink (Brand, etc.) and color to get. White is out of the question as it's too intrusive next to our stone. Hubby wants a copper (my original idea), but two factors for us to consider is: We have hard water, and heard that may spot the sink, and also PRICE. Paying 2-3K for a sink is out of the question (financially) for us. We are stomped! Our kitchen cabinets are honey maple, our island (in works right now) will be a creamy white color, and then we have the Cristallo quartzite.