Tough Countertop Decisions!
mareLMRD
9 years ago
Featured Answer
Comments (9)
javiwa
9 years agoMelanie Poland
9 years agoRelated Discussions
Countertop & BS decisions - Carrara Marble or Cambria Whitney?
Comments (8)Hmm... I think maybe you have hit on two things bothering me - 1) that the Cambria goes better in the master and 2) trying to constrain myself to doing both countertops in the same material. Maybe that's what I need to change. Although the opinions I've gotten on here like my choices and the Cambria - my designer and the builder's rep think I should go Carrara. And, the accent tile in the master will show much more Carrara than my samples do so I think I'll do that in the master. But, I'm sad about the Cambria. :( It has really grown on me. And, in the back of my mind, the Carrara is about 1/2 the price so if I really don't like it in a few years I can replace it. It's not like having to tear the floor up. =) Throughout this process of picking everything out when something keeps nagging at me I know I've got something wrong. Once I find the "right" answer it feels comfortable. Not to say I don't continue to see beautiful things, but I feel content with my choice. And I haven't quite felt that contentedness with the bathroom selections yet. I'm content with the tiles and accent glass, not so much the countertops. I'll check out the Crema Marfil. Thanks for the suggestion. If you or anyone else has an additional suggestion for the guest countertop please let me know! Thanks!...See MoreDecision, Decisions, Decision, aka, Countertop Advice Needed
Comments (5)Tropic brown, tan brown are two others. There are very dark golds like Juparana Tobacco or Paradiso which might work. You might also consider something like teak wood. Etching leaves white marks. On a brown marble it will be very visible. For fun, I got a two buck pink marble tile from the box store and had "science" when I was trying to decide about counters. Science consisted of pouring a small qty of lemon-lime soda on a bit of the marble and seeing if I could get it off before it etched. The answer was NO! I would suggest you spend a couple bucks to get a tile similar to what you want to use and have your own science project....See MoreNew, decisions: Veneer vs solid, durable countertops
Comments (2)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...See MoreDecision Time - Emerald Pearl or UbaTuba granite countertop
Comments (35)ssrox-our cabinets have plywood boxes and remember the sink is cut out (same with a cooktop I would think) so there is not near as much weight right there. I think this is common? We haven't had any issues. Also we have a 15" overhang on our peninsula and that does not have under counter supports. We actually didn't realize until almost too late that the tile we put down on the floor was thicker than the linoleum we pulled up so our stove would have stood taller than the counters - awkwardly out of place taller. So at the last minute we did put some oak trim pieces around the perimeter of the cabinets for the counter to go on as well but that was totally an almost afterthought and only due to the height issue. If you want other pics/views let me know. Have you spoken to the fabricator about this concern for their input/suggestions? We bought our stone straight from a fabricator and he came out and did the measuring/templating himself. lyn-you have really been through it! Doing a kitchen update is a process itself without all of the other life issues. Sorry about your doggie, know the feeling. We have 18" porcelain tile (we diy'd) and we did not put them under the cabinets. You have to be careful where the dishwasher is concerned and watch height of counters then (read above) but otherwise not a problem. Notice I didn't put up a pic of the other side of our kitchen....our appliances are so outdated and don't match (white fridge with nice faded yellow handles, very attractive)! They are all starting to die too and will be replaced as we go. Thank you for the compliments and make sure you post your pics when you get through yours. I am sure there are many more budget overhauls than we see. Really check out Lisa_WI's post it's current - she did her whole kitchen for $16k I think....See MoreMags438
9 years agoStarCraft Custom Builders
9 years agoGranite City Services
9 years agoKompy
9 years agocookncarpenter
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoAvatarWalt
9 years ago
Related Stories
LIFEYou Said It: ‘Yikes, Tough Crowd’ and Other Quotes of the Week
Some of our favorite quotes this week came straight from the Comments section. See the stories and have your own say
Full StorySHOP HOUZZShop Houzz: Concrete Decisions
Cement your industrial style with factory-friendly concrete pieces
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDESThe Dumbest Decorating Decisions I’ve Ever Made
Caution: Do not try these at home
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGN5 Favorite Granites for Gorgeous Kitchen Countertops
See granite types from white to black in action, and learn which cabinet finishes and fixture materials pair best with each
Full StoryKITCHEN COUNTERTOPS10 Top Backsplashes to Pair With Soapstone Countertops
Simplify your decision-making process by checking out how these styles work with soapstone
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNEco-Friendly Materials: Kitchen Countertops
Going green in the kitchen opens the door to unusual countertop materials that are beautiful, durable and kind to the planet
Full StoryKITCHEN DESIGNHouzz Quiz: What Kitchen Countertop Is Right For You?
The options for kitchen countertops can seem endless. Take our quiz to help you narrow down your selection
Full StoryMOST POPULARYour Guide to 15 Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials
Get details and costs on top counter materials to help you narrow down the choices for your kitchen
Full StoryKITCHEN BACKSPLASHES10 Top Backsplashes to Pair With Concrete Counters
Simplify your decision making with these ideas for materials that work well with concrete
Full StoryBATHROOM DESIGNBathroom Countertops 101: The Top Surface Materials
Explore the pros and cons of 7 popular bathroom countertop materials
Full Story
lazy_gardens