Where to start? Laminate countertops, backsplash, sink, etc.
I've posted long ago about plans for replacing our ugly formica kitchen counters. We are finally ready to start for real but wonder where to start. The formica runs up the wall as a backsplash--something we had never seen before. It looks to be glued on so tight, it will probably destroy the wall behind in removing it. When we've looked at countertops and told them about the backsplash, they always tell us to worry about removing that later--but we'd like to know what we're in for up front instead of later.
We know we want Wilsonart Bella Capri counters (I just really like it and it goes perfectly with our cabinets). Haven't decided on a backsplash and we get overwhelmed when looking. Would like something simple. Kinda like the one below--without those strips of smaller tiles. Our cabinets are this color so the tiles would look good--but not sure if they'd clash with the Bella Capri.
I know I"m kind of rambling here. The thing is Home Depot will install the counters but are not very helpful about a backsplash. We've been to some local tile places but they are super expensive (and some are a bit snooty--I'd be a little embarrassed to go with a sample of laminate). Wish we could find a place that would help us with both--understanding that we want to keep the price down.
And as for a sink: I did always want an undermount, but don't really like how they look with laminate. Can anyone suggest a reasonably priced sink that would at least have a very low edge? I like those that have the low center divider, but we don't want to buy a sink that costs as much as the counters.
How do you coordinate the plumber, countertop installer, backsplash installer, and maybe electrician? Babes in the woods here.
Comments (10)
PRO8 years ago- 8 years ago
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Can a Blanco sink be undermounted to a laminate countertop?
Comments (10)Carolannk~ Thanks for the info. I emailed the guy who owns that site "Scott" and he wouldn't tell me which sink it was. I am not sure what the harm was telling me what brand of sink it is, but he wouldn't. (And he was rather rude about it). Anyway, thanks again. I will check out Swanstone's kitchen sinks. I have a swanstone in my bathroom and really like it. live-wire-oak, I would rather have granite, but the estimate I got was $4500 and my laminate estimate was $1500-2000 (depending on which laminate I choose). DH can't see spending over 4K on countertop. I wouldn't mind checking out Chinese blank slabs, but I really don't know where to look. Not much for granite retailers here. I am sure DH would spend a little more but not over $4K. As far as really wanting a Blanco...I do, but I would settle for any dark colored undermount sink. There just seem to be no dark sinks that can be undermounted in laminate. :(...See MoreFarm Sink w/Laminate Countertop
Comments (19)Can I extract a sink cabinet from inbetween a 15" trash cab and d/w and replace with the same size sink cab but modified for a farm sink - and do this post original install? Backsplash? Best to hold off on the BS until you do the marble counters. Should be able to remove the sink cab without too much difficulty. Keep future removal in mind when you install the cabs--use screws to fasten the cabs to one another. (The cabs that I just removed were nailed to each other thru the face frames.) Back to installing the Shaw with laminate counters... I think it's do-able. But it's either a DIY project or you need to find someone who will make the countertop using plywood instead of particle board. Full undermount--no reveal preferred. And you'd have to be willing to accept square corners (not radiused) on the sink 'cutout' in order to attach the laminate edging. Either glue laminate on the underside of the counter in the sink area or prime & paint with a high quality exterior oil paint to protect the plywood. I'd also use a black or very dark laminate because of the tell-tale laminate 'line' that will be very visible around the sink. Or be ready to use some paint to blend in the line... The best/ cheapest solution though is to use the already mentioned butcher block. Lumber Liquidators also has BB countertops (maple or cherry) and in 12' lengths. When you replace w/ the marble countertops, you should be able to readily sell the BB or repurpose it somewhere else, like in a basement or garage workshop....See MoreApron Front Sink with Laminate Countertops
Comments (8)Considering your proposing placing the rim of the sink higher than the countertops, I don't know if the chipping issue will exist. I agree the caulking job needs to be good but I don't feel that it creates much higher of a risk. Caulking does get old and needs replacement every now and again, but considering it's used every where moisture is - kitchens, bathtubs, windows, etc, I don't view it as problematic. Do I have too much faith in this product? Another thing that can help mitigate (but not solve) moisture concerns is using marine-grade plywood as the base material. Also paint a moisture-barrier type product in the cutouts (and sink and dishwasher areas). And as you mentioned, it's certainly worth applying laminate edging around the sink cutout even though it won't be exposed. I meant to mention this earlier - the cutout will probably need to be pretty accurate, otherwise caulking will be difficult. I view this as your greatest challenge. You might even need to account for the thickness of the laminate material. Take my input and judge it with others and make the decision you feel comfortable with. Use the information to analyze the risks and determine if you can properly mitigate them. Most of all, Good Luck!...See MoreKitchen countertops - replace laminate with what?
Comments (41)Jennifer, I don't see it as dated either. And I live in New York. :) I'm another one who can not throw out perfectly good cabinets. It has nothing to do with money, and everything to do with I'm just not going to throw out perfectly fine wood cabinets. If they were damaged, or broken, or so cheap they're starting to come apart at the seams, then sure. I bought a beach home (2nd home) and I'm struggling with this same dilemma. The counters are worn. The cabinets there are fine. So I'm having new granite put on top of my "dated" cabinets, will put a fresh coat of paint and a new backsplash in and will call it done, and be perfectly happy. I like granite. I also like Corian. I've had both and they each have their pros and cons. I second (or is it third?) the advice to just go shopping. Look at the various options, touch them, and hopefully it will help you decide. But I salute you for not worrying about "dated." Heavens above that concept irks me. If someone personally cares about "dated", then that's fine and people can offer opinions about what is dated for hours on end. But nothing about your post indicated you cared about that concept, nor that your cabinets were garbage and needed to be replaced. Bless you for accepting somewhat rude commentary with such aplomb. :)...See More
8 years ago- PRO8 years ago
- 8 years ago
Joseph, what would we do about this? I mean that the top edge goes under and above the bottom of the cabinets? Doesn't tiles backsplash usually stop at the bottom of the cabinets?
And raee, you can see that we've got a lot more than 4" to remove.
For the left side below, I would want the backsplash squared off instead of that angle. But we've still got that lip on the right side that presents a dilemma (at least to us). We have since put a shelf over the sink in matching cabinet wood that makes that part look a lot better.
- PRO8 years ago
PRO8 years agoChoosing a backsplash can be overwhelming! Here
is a great article: A
Backsplash Guide
- 8 years ago
funkycamper