We are looking for laminate in the that color family, too. We also have those oak cabinets! We are considering Wilsonart's Pearl Soapstone, or Nevamar's Veto Proof. I actually came to the forum to look for "real life" photos. Good luck, and I'll be interested to see what you choose!

You do not need to stack two 2cm slabs on top of each other to make it look like you are using 4cm thick slabs. You only need a small amount of extra material (1-2â inches depending on edge type) to beef up just the outside edges of the counters. Laminated or mitered edges are very common here in So. Cal., where most stone and quartz is sold in 2cm size, rather than 3cm. The fabricator will put a 5/8â thick plywood subtop that is a little narrower than the finished counter size on top of the cabinet. Then the 2cm slab counter is put on top of the plywood. A narrow strip of the quartz is attached just at the edge of the counter to hide the edge of the plywood and make the whole counter look thicker. For standard 24â deep cabinets, the finished counter width with overhang is typically 25.5.â I donâÂÂt know what brand of quartz you plan to buy, but Caesarstone slabs are 56.5â wide, Hanstone is 55â wide, Silestone is 54âÂÂ, Cambria is 55.â (Some brands sell wider âÂÂjumboâ slabs if you have deeper counters.) Assuming a 55â wide slab, two 25.5â deep counters will use up 51â (plus a small amount of loss in the cutting process), leaving the few inches you need for the edge strips. You should need the same number of slabs whether you use 2cm or 3cm material. The thinner material will cost less, which should offset the increased labor cost for the laminated or mitered edge. I am going to try to attach pictures that show the different types of edges.

I always use Kraftmaid, but I also install them myself. I have never had a problem with any of the 3 bathrooms and 2 kitchen remodels I have done over the years. I always get the best hinges, pullout doors etc, that they offer, and I usually go overboard on the amount of screws I use to attach them to the wall and to each other. If a wall cabinet is over a certain size I will go with a "No Butt" frame for added strength. I am sure they are not top of the line but I want a good cabinet at a good price and that is what I have received from Kraftmaid. Here is the kitchen that I just finished. I have owned 3 personal homes in my life, the two that I sold I made over $600k in profits, and this last home I could probably make another $75k but this is our "last" one.. I write this only to show I have some good, practical experience. Good luck...

Beth H. That's what I've been looking into - just came back from a supplier. My initial issue with granite was the noise (that wouldn't work with the space and paint etc) but I've found better options that are grade 3,4,5 etc. The grade 1-3's I've seen aren't worth the much lower price for this space. Right now I like Alaskan White Granite, pre fab, but that comes out to $4k. I can get level 1-2's for $2,000 installed, but it isn't worth it. I'm only looking at buying by the sq ft, which is generally pre fab, rather than buying 2 stones with waste (I have 75 sq ft of countertop w/ Island).