The bigger issue is how you plan to convert the island to a single level. It ain't gonna be an easy or cheap project to do that. Those cabinets on the back can't readily be remade without painting them to hide the redo. Alterations like that are labor intensive, and that usually tips the scale towards just starting over with all new cabinets and a much more simple and quick install labor. Now, you probably could remove those cabinets entirely, and then source from the original company some tall fillers and some legs to make it into a tabl island setup, but it won't match. But, you're not gonna cut those boxes down, take the doors completely apart to remill the stiles and center panels, and then put the whole thing back together cheaper than you can just buy new. The granite is down the difficulty and expense scale from the cabinetry issues that you have.

From what IÂve seen online and in the stores, slide-ins take up the same space as free-standing so they are interchangeable side to side and front to back with a standard 24" cabinet. My dilemma is whether to set it up for a slide-in (in a more that 24" depth cabinet) and live with the free-standing range we already have that doesnÂt look right or splurge on another electric slide-in now. Switching to gas is a future plan but not something IÂd want to do now with an almost 5 year old and nearly 3 year old twins. ThatÂs why IÂm wondering if we should try to get a few more years use out of the wonderful range we have now, even though it doesnÂt fit perfectly or buy something that looks better but I know IÂm not going to keep for the long term.

Pretty sure this is what we're getting, and agreed that you should get a cutting board and test it (Bed Bath & Beyond sells them, among other places). We've been letting our friends "test run" it with their installation for the last two years---they have two toddlers and are not easy on counters. They have the raven Paperstone. Here's what they've learned: - First, and most importantly, they still love it, so that's a plus. - It does scratch, and it does get rings if things are left on it. Both come out if you oil it. They have not been religious about oiling it as they don't mind the patina, but did say that whenever they take the time to do it, it cleans up nicely. They compared it to soapstone in terms of patina and care (so I'm thinking soapstone is not a good substitute in your case if you want lower maintenance than these---maybe honed black granite?) - If a scratch or ring gets really bad, you can sand it down and refinish it, which is also a plus. Ecotop is another option that is supposedly a bit more rugged, but someone here has it and reported wear that is very similar to Paperstone (I think she described it as a "love-hate relationship"...) Since Paperstone technology has improved since the early days and it comes in the thickness we want (v. Ecotop, which is now only available in 3/4") we're leaning heavily in that direction. HTH!

I disagree with Navy Momma. I wouldn't put anything on any countertop without a trivet other than wood and stainless steel. I've had Cambria in my kitchen in the past which I loved (previous kitchen refresh) and now have FBQ in the kitchen. In reality, the Cambria was better as far as durability and I highly recommend that brand in particular. It's also made in my home state so maybe I am a bit biased. When we did our full gut remodel of the kitchen, we opted for the FBQ because I found the perfect slabs, colorwise. There can be a lot of variation in the FBQ. In the past I have said it's been awesome, however, in full disclosure, there is etching. I don't care. It happened about a year or so after installation as far as I can tell. I'm the only one that can see it. It's still a beautiful stone and I love it! If I were in your position, it would be based on price and finding the perfect slab in both the quartzite (if you're okay with etching) and the quartz.