We're a couple who have renovated/restored 2 "historic" homes. We're intelligent; we research; we read a lot; we plan carefully; etc. But, with 35+ years of projects and renovation now behind us, I emphatically suggest, "ALWAYS get an EXPERT's advice!" A real expert. • Houses, like our bodies, are an integrated whole - "trouble" in one small area can cause trouble/challenges in seemingly unrelated other parts. Consequently: • We only trust certified ENGINEERS or ARCHITECTS in cases like those described above. Example: When we were considering tiling a 15'x25' kitchen floor in our 1895 house (a frame Queen Anne), we asked a restoration architect's advice. He pointed out that the floor (and joists) are connected to the walls, etc. - adding significant weight in one room can/may cause problems all over the structure - cracks in walls in other rooms, etc... Even tho' our 1890s floor joists were a full, "historic" 2"x16", he advised against it. • A couple of years later, we wanted to add 12' of built-in bookcases in a 2nd floor library, to hold BOOKS (notjust little light-weight gee-gaws and "pretties"). Even though the proposed placement was on a load-bearing wall, we called an engineer. He drew, determined the ultimate weight of the 14" deep (and 9' tall) shelves crammed with books, punched his calculator, massaged data, and finally said we'd be OK, ONLY because the weight we were adding to the wall would be "carried" by 2 lower floors AND because the lumber in our house was "full size." He noted that lumber today is 1/4" smaller (width AND depth) - if that were the case for those joists, the additional bookcase weight MAY have been a problem. • Restoration and remodeling is rewarding and enjoyable - good luck!

I've read info and threads about 2 vs 3 cm granite but what I haven't been able to determine is if there is a height difference between the two when installed. Someone told me that a counter made of 2cm would be slightly lower than one of 3cm (and yes, I know the difference is slight). Makes sense but then again, that doesn't account for the plywood underlayment - 5/8", I think - that goes under the 2cm. Wouldn't that make an installed 2cm counter higher than an installed 3cm counter? If this has already been answered on this forum, I haven't found it. TIA!

With a mitered edge, the line tends to be hidden on the corner transition. Some of the quartzites are pretty expensive so the 3 cm might cost significantly more (though the fabricator will charge something for the labor of making a laminated edge and probably even more for a mitered edge so that offsets the extra cost of 3 cm unless you go for a 2 cm edge). Our quartzite is laminated, not mitered and the fabricator did a good job so I mostly don't notice the line. Only when I look for it. You don't need to do a laminated edge even if there is plywood under it. Two friends of mine did a 2 cm thin edge. One used a simple trim molding of wood matched to the cabinets to cover the edge of the plywood. The other left the plywood edge uncovered - I know because I put my head under the counter and looked into the shadow for it. If I was doing it, I'd probably cover with a trim piece because it would bother me, but only someone very TKO who looks for it would notice if you didn't.

Kudzu, that's good to know. I'll ask the fabricator tomorrow. If they can do that, that'd be ideal. Patty cakes, I hear you. The current house has a huge island (granite), countertops on three sides (granite) and the backsplash fortunately is travertine. The new house doesn't have an island, far less countertop area and a 42 inch sink and very low backsplash only on one side, all of which limits the total area the granite will be on. I wanted granite on the backsplash particularly on the center of the wall behind the cooktop because there is one spot in the stone that's as intriguing and beautiful as a painting. Just wanted to give that little piece a visible spot, mainly for my own private enjoyment as it will be the only vertical area. However, after much thought and thinking about the feedback from the kitchens forum, I think I'll go with tile for the backsplash. Thank you!