Need an opinion on keeping or chunking my old island granite

15 years ago

I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel (mostly a DIY remodel) and I had new granite put down a week ago today. We kept the old granite tile that was on our island and were planning on working with it. I can't remember what its called - we made changes in our kitchen about 4 1/2 years ago and that's when we added an eating bar at the end of the island and put down the granite tile. We also rewallpapered and I did new custom window treatments. (the wallpaper is staying and so are the window treatments).

I've set up a photobucket with some of the before shots and some after shots. I am changing the cabinets from honey oak to cream with a chocolate glaze. I'm keeping the walnut wood floor too.

Would you mind taking a look at my album and wade through the photos to find the one of the new granite counters and the one with the old granite on the island and there is an overall shot that sort includes both granites in it.

My husband told me the other night that now that we have the new baltic brown granite he doesn't think the island looks good. I think he wants continuity (all counters to be the same). I kind of like the idea of having the island be different and since I had golds in the room (wallpaper and curtains) the island brings in the golds/browns/blacks/rusts.

What is your opinion? If I replace the granite on the island - I just have to add it to the top of what is there now. My granite saleslady says that is possible, but it will raise the height by 3 cm (1.25") making the island about 38" tall and the bar higher too.

Here's a link to the photobucket album

http://s475.photobucket.com/albums/rr116/downsymom

Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful: http://s475.photobucket.com/albums/rr116/downsymom/

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Comments (5)

busybme
15 years ago
Is this the granite tile that is on your eating bar now or is this the new granite?

In order to put your pictures in your posts, open the picture in PhotoBucket and then copy and paste the html code (found to the right of the picture. When you preview your message, the pic should be there.

You've done a great job on your kitchen so far!

Sandy
ccoombs1
15 years ago
Sandy, I think that is the tile island. The granite is shown on the counters in other pics.

The two granites are quite different from each other but both contain the same colors. So even though I would prefer to see the granite match on both surfaces, I think it works OK with the two different granites.
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nuccia
15 years ago
It seems to me that while the two granites do "co-ordinate" in color, they also match in uniformity of movement. This is a bit too much and is probably what is disturbing to your husband.

If it were my kitchen, I would change the island countertop, either to the same baltic brown, or to something completely different that goes well with the baltic. Since you currently have granite tile on your island, could you find baltic brown tiles? This would minimize the height differential and keep the cost down. Also, is it possible to edge the counter in granite instead of wood? That would definitely make it look more finished as well.
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Window Accents by Vanessa Downs
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for your replies and opinions! I was hoping not to do any more demolishing! I am doing everything in this remodel myself (except for laying the granite) and I am just about DIY'd out! LOL In order to keep my costs down I've done the labor - including cabinet leveling for the granite that was put down on the main counters.

I think not having a uniform look is what's throwing my husband, not to mention you notice the tiles of the island versus the solid surface of the baltic brown.

I'm going to try Sandy's method of attaching the photo of the new baltic brown granite which is on every other counter surface.

My granite sales lady asked about doing the island edge in granite too, but due to the depth of the base that was made to hold the granite tiles on the island - I would have a huge edge and it would also extend even wider than it does now. The overhang would really be too wide. So my best option is to add the baltic brown right on top of the old island.

My glaze in the photos look so much darker in the photos than in person!
raehelen
15 years ago
It's hard to tell from the dark photos, it may look better or worse in person.

But, I'd be hesitant to put a new slab on top of the island because of the increased height issues. Would you need new chairs, and could you even find new chairs just an inch or two higher?

Is it a true island or a table?

I'd think about it for a while, perhaps try Baltic Brown tiles, and maybe a Stainless Steel edge (that wouldn't extend your overhang at all)- that could update your island/table and tie it in with your appliances?

Need an opinion on keeping or chunking my old island granite

Comments (5)

busybme

ccoombs1

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Need an opinion on keeping or chunking my old island granite

Comments (5)

busybme

ccoombs1

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nuccia

Window Accents by Vanessa DownsOriginal Author

raehelen

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