New, decisions: Veneer vs solid, durable countertops

11 years ago

Good morning;

I'm new to this forum, but have already learned much reading others's posts. We're planning a kitchen remodel and could use input. Our kitchen is the hub of our very busy home, where we're raising 6 children and cooking just about everything we eat, as several of us have extensive food allergies. We also host all the family events, so our kitchen needs to be a workhorse. That said, it's a teeny space opening to a larger dining area, so I'm trying to make the most of the space we have in terms of lovely, very durable materials. Questions:

- Solid vs veneer: I've chosen cherry cabinetry in a recessed panel doorstyle, maybe best described as shaker. However, the door style I like in my price range is only available with a veneer center panel. I could go with a solid in the same range, but the door would have wider molding around the edges, giving it more of a rustic or craftsman look; I'm going for vintage. My options as I see it are to stay with the look I like in veneer, upgrade to another company at considerable expense for a solid in the same style, or choose a raised panel door with a similar look.

What I'm not clear on is how durable a veneer center panel door really is, and if the durability issue makes it worth upgrading to a solid door. While our kids are well behaved, there are a bunch of them and they're active participants in meal prep and clean-up. One of our guys wears prosthetic legs and the titanium knees are not easy on anything they bang into. Opinions appreciated on whether it'd be wisest to move to a a solid door or whether veneer truly is tough enough.

Secondly, countertops: again, they need to be tough as nails. Kids will be doing clean-up, so countertop around sink will get banged inadvertantly during dishwashing, although I'm planning a 30" sink to give more room. I love the vintage look of soapstone and marble, but have ruled these out due to durability issues. I like superwhite granite and a darker granite that is similar to soapstone in color, but wonder about the durability of both. Yes, I know one is white and the other dark, but I think both could work in a vintage look kitchen. I haven't explored corian and wonder if I should. Can anyone recommend a durable, beautiful countertop that can give me a look I'm going for?

Thanks so much!

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Comments (2)

doc8404
11 years ago
Don't discount soapstone or marble countertops simply based on the question of durability.

The steps and baths of an ancient roman amphitheater (Arena di Verona) have been in place roughly 2000 years and considering that timeframe and hard use, look pretty good.

Similarly, soapstone counters and sinks far outlast their originally users. My grandmother's cottage had both and was built in the early 1900's. My mother's generation, mine, my children and now my grandchildren have tried in vain to destroy that place through innumerable cookouts, sleepovers, card parties and wedding parties. All to no avail.

Marble and soapstone certainly have their qualities that make them not a first choice for everyone, but durability is not a factor. Yes, soapstone will chip when whacked by an cast iron pan - but so does granite and wood will dent under the same duress. Both will 'wear' under use but for many of us, that is much of their desirability. If you like that look, nothing else will do.

Six kids will not destroy soapstone - my six haven't :).

Good luck,
Doc
User
11 years ago
Veneer is preferred for panels as it's more stable. It contracts and expands less than solid wood. If you've got a seasonal gap in some of your home's crown molding, you see what wood can do between summer and winter. Veneer minimizes that, and you still get the solid wood stiles and rails framing that, and that's the critical component to be solid wood as it's what gets the wear and tear.
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New, decisions: Veneer vs solid, durable countertops

Comments (2)

doc8404

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