replacing kitchen countertops

[ez]

I have butcher block looking laminate in my kitchen that needs replacing, white cabinets and burlap/goldish tile floors. I have a huge amount of countertop space, and I need to replace it as it is showing wear & tear. Has anyone done this recently? I would appreciate ant suggestions of what type of countertop, color and prices per square foot. Definitely want something better than laminate this time...many thanks!

 

[Simba's Mom]

Just don't get tile! We just moved into a house with a tile counter top and I hate it! If you spill liquid on the counter, if you don't wipe it up within a nanosecond, it runs into the grout and then drips onto the floor.

 

[jel0511]

It really depends on what you're looking for. Granite usually starts around $65 per sq ft, as does Corian. Quartz is slightly more expsensive starting at $75 per sq ft. (Can't you tell I've already looked into this!!!) It's based on sq ft now, not linear feet. So just take the sq ft of your countertops, include any cut-out areas like sinks, and just multiply by the above numbers. If you wish to include a backsplash include these numbers also. These numbers don't include removal of your old countertops, I've been quoted anywhere from $10 - $15 per sq ft for that. If you want any special edging, that's usually an additional charge per sq ft also, $5 - $15 depending on edge. Also, if you want to buy a new sink, that's an additional expense. My kitchen is big, and I'm looking at $10k - $15k to replace mine.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Your prices are a bit different than what we found around here. Quartz and solid surface (Corian) were about the same price and were slightly less than granite. While granite can be found for $50 a ft., the reality is that most is around $90. We found quartz and solid surface to be between $45 and $75.

 

[missypie]

Check out WilsonAart. What I heard is that Corian's patent on sold surface countertops expired a few years back, so now several companies offer solid surfacing at a lower price than Corian. WilsonArt has a very reasonable quarter inch solid surface veneer that has all the benefits of solid surfacing, at reasonable prices. I had to go with a thicker version because I wanted bullnose edges, but it still cost less than I thought it would and it's beautiful.

 

[jenniferma]

We did our countertop in 2000... we had to do laminate due to cost, but found that there were a lot of options out there that don't look half bad! My dream is Corian-- but that is about $60 per square foot in Cleveland (I think.)

If you have someone who is handy around- you may want to consider installing it yourself. My Dad bought ours from a cabinet maker for $400 (and it was very big). At Home Depot, it would have been $2000 for the countertop ALONE! And that is for laminate. (Again-- we have a huge amount of countertop!).

good luck!

 

[JVL1018]

My brother used to fabricate and install kitchens/bathrooms/countertops..and still works there sometimes on Saturdays..and he recommends ONLY Corian.

 

[hydster]

One of our best friends just did concrete countertops himself (he's about astalented with stuff like this as a snail) and they are beautiful. He bought a book from amazon.com called Concrete Countertops: Design, Form, and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bath and followed the instructions and they came out beautiful and not very expensive. He figured it out and I think he said it came to just over $40 dollars a foot but that is A LOT less than any other surface. He colored it to match the cabinetry and the wood floors and then used a sealer and it's awesome! Might be something worth looking into.

Heidi

 

[arminnie]

I have a real problem with the durability of Corian. They make such a big deal about the fact that it can be repaired but hidden in that is the fact that it may need to be repaired on an ongoing basis unless you are very careful.

I put in granite when I lived in CA - I loved being able to put hot items on it directly from the stove (a no-no with Corian). You can cut on it too, but it will dull the knives.

I can't afford granite now so I have the laminate. The laminates of today look very, very good and cost a LOT less than the alternatives.

I've seen a lot of Corian that gets very scratched up looking with regular use. I don't want to spend that much money on something that I have to baby.

Now if you really, really like the look of it - particularly if you want an all white kitchen then Corian might be for you, but please be very careful with it.

 

[jel0511]

Corian is only good for one thing IMO, the seamless look. Otherwise, it's not for a kitchen that's going to actually used. It's actually a very unstable material (my Cousin is a Ceramic Engineer). As stated, you can't but hot things on top of it, it will scratch VERY easily, and don't even think of getting a Corian sink to match. They have been known to splinter and crack when hot, boiling water is poured over it. The hot water also causes it to discolor over time. I'm not a fan of Corian, and based on my cousin's material knowledge of it, I stear all my friends away from it.

 

[auntpolly]

I've been very happy with my granite. When we put it in, 5 years ago, it was almost the same price as corian.

It is just indestructable -- we just had it resealed and the guy told me there is virtually nothing you can do to mess it up. I knead dough right on it and it doesn't stick.

And it's so beautiful. I'm happy we decided on it.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Originally posted by Simba's Mom
Just don't get tile! We just moved into a house with a tile counter top and I hate it! If you spill liquid on the counter, if you don't wipe it up within a nanosecond, it runs into the grout and then drips onto the floor.

It sounds like whoever tiled the countertop (a) didn't put a border around it, (b) didn't make it level, or (c) both. We tiled our countertop and love it. It has a wood edge and looks great. If you tile, make sure you get a grout sealer to keep the grout from getting stained.

 

[JVL1018]

Originally posted by jel0511
Corian is only good for one thing IMO, the seamless look. Otherwise, it's not for a kitchen that's going to actually used. It's actually a very unstable material (my Cousin is a Ceramic Engineer). As stated, you can't but hot things on top of it, it will scratch VERY easily, and don't even think of getting a Corian sink to match. They have been known to splinter and crack when hot, boiling water is poured over it. The hot water also causes it to discolor over time. I'm not a fan of Corian, and based on my cousin's material knowledge of it, I stear all my friends away from it.

Wow I'm surprised to hear this. My parents had Corian for years, not a scratch or a stain on it., my Mom never used potholders to put hot pots on, she just placed them on the counter and never had any probelms. I actually have a cutting board made of Corain, and even that looks great.

 

[WhenUwishUponAstar]

Wow I'm surprised to hear this. My parents had Corian for years, not a scratch or a stain on it., my Mom never used potholders to put hot pots on, she just placed them on the counter and never had any probelms. I actually have a cutting board made of Corain, and even that looks great.

I've had it for almost 5 years now and it looks as perfect today as it did when it was installed. I've never had to have it repaired i don't cut directly on it but that's cuz of germs (use the anti bacteria cuttng films) I've dropped cans on it and my son climbs on it. I also have the sink and there are no stains on it and I put lots of hot pans right in it everyday. I love it!