| Author | Content |
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
February 9, 2006
5:30 PM Post #2033440
| I have heard good and bad about everything from Formica to granite. I want something durable. Where I live granite is about the same price as the poured solid surface ones.
I liked the solid surface countertops that had the sink built in, but I was told that they stain terribly and are hard to clean.
I've heard that unless you "seal" granite occasionally it can stain and it will never come out. Is this true? |
dovey
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
February 9, 2006
5:36 PM Post #2033454
| We had dark green granite in our last kitchen.
Although I never found serious stains it would water mark.
We never knew it was suppose to be sealed until we were putting it up for sale. I cleaned it with windex (another no-no)
Considering how well it held up without being sealed properly or being cleaned properly, I'd say granite is very durable and you would have to really mistreat it to leave a stain.
Dove |
Dea
Frederick, MD
(Zone 6a)
February 9, 2006
5:50 PM Post #2033482
| We are going with soapstone in our new home. It's pricey on the internet and in stores, but we have found a quarry down in Virginia where we can pick up some slabs and cut it here.
We will seal it most definately ;)
Dea
|
nannybee
Boone, IA
February 9, 2006
6:05 PM Post #2033517
| I have the solid surface and I'm very happy with it. I especially like the sink. All I do to clean it is spray with a cleaner with some bleach in it. Nothing fancy just the stuff you get at Aldi for 89 cents. I let it sit for a minute and just wipe with my dishcloth. I've never had a sink so easy to clean. I since it's all once piece there are no crevices to clean. I also went with faucets that have what they call an oil rubbed bronze finish. If they go with your decor I would recommend them. They don't show any water spots and always look nice.
Nancy |
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
February 9, 2006
11:21 PM Post #2034228
| Thanks for the info. Being deficient in the gene that allows decision making, I still don't know what to do.
One thing a salesperson told me about granite is that if you put a mayonnaise lid on it you would have a grease stain that would never come out.
It helps to know that you can clean that sink easily.
I'm not sure I know what soapstone is. I'll have to look that up.
I also need to decide whether to replace, refinish or reface cabinets. To do away with the bar and have an island--hmmmmm? Do I have enough money? EEK! What do I do about the cracks in our ceramic tile floor that happened because I didn't do it right? The base under the floor isn't heavy enough so just replacing the cracked tile might not prevent it from happening again.
It's easier and cheaper to look forward to starting tomatoes!
|
dovey
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
February 10, 2006
10:08 AM Post #2034876
| It sounds to me like your salesman isn't too keen on granite.
Right now I have ceramic tile counters and I find them and the bloody grout very difficult to keep nice looking.
We are going to replace the counter-tops this year and are considering a mixture of surfaces. We are going to incorporate butcher-block, stainless steel and concrete.
The photo is in the dinning room, my husband made the counter-tops out of ebonized oak.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
nannybee
Boone, IA
February 10, 2006
5:41 PM Post #2035841
| We lived in a house while we had our new house built. It was a small 50's ranch. Because it was small I decided I wanted an over the stove microwave. Well, they had to cut the cabinets to have the microwave higher and remove the cabinet beside it. Anyway to make a long story short I ended up having the cabinets refaced and the guy who did it put in a new cabinet next to my stove to make everything work. What a difference it made in the room. We went with an oak refacing and they looked so nice. The inside of the cabinets needed to be painted but since we were going to sell the house I was lazy and just left them. The guy who did it was able to finish the job in two days with a minimum of mess. It was summer so he did all his carpentry work in the garage. I was pleased with the results and think it resulted in our house selling faster. Every woman likes a nice looking kitchen and our really did turn out looking very new and nice. If I were remodeling I would recommend it. Hope this helps.
Nancy |
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
February 10, 2006
6:03 PM Post #2035898
| dovey - the counter looks great. I have never heard of ebonized oak. I wish I could see your combination of butcher block, stainless steel and concrete. I can understand what the butcher block is for, but how and why are you using stainless steel and concrete? I don't want it to sound like I disagree with you, I just want to understand sooooooooo---maybe I can copy you!
nannybee - I feel a lot better about refacing the cabinets than I do about replacing them. I'm glad you liked yours. I think I could even rearrange and add to the kitchen and still have cabinets that looked alike.
I'm not sure we are going to stay in this house so I hate to spend a fortune, but I agree with you that a kitchen can sell a house. |
nannybee
Boone, IA
February 10, 2006
6:20 PM Post #2035951
| Linda,
I'm sure any good cabinet refacer would be able to add cabinets that match. The guy that did ours added a cabinet. He wasn't even a full-time cabinet refacer but a firefighter who did refacing as a side job. I checked his recommendations and they seemed good and he sure did a good job for you. Someone who does it full-time could probably do even more if you needed it. Just look around and call references and I'm sure you'll find someone who can do a great job. I think the biggest advantage besides the price is that is that it doesn't make your kitchen unusable as long as a full cabinet replacement would. |
dovey
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
February 10, 2006
8:45 PM Post #2036322
| Oak has a lot of tannin that will react to certain chemicals which turns it black.
It's the poor man's way to get the look of ebony.
My husband is a woodworker and likes doing things the old fashioned way. He takes white vinegar and tosses in anything that will rust, steel wool, nails and in this case my old rusty spade. He let it brew in the sun for a few days and just brushed it on the oak - it turns it a rich ebony. Afterwards he seals the wood, usually with tung oil, but since it was a counter top he used a polyurethane.
The lesson here - Never throw out your old rust garden spade *L*
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
dovey
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
February 10, 2006
8:55 PM Post #2036355
| Linda,
Concrete counter-tops can be beautiful and hubby is dying to try it in our kitchen.
[HYPERLINK@acid-stain-concrete.tripod.com]
We have stainless steel appliances and so we would like to combine the two rather than having everything the same
[HYPERLINK@www.handcraftedmetal.com]
I wasn't too hot on the idea because I thought the stainless steel would be noisy, but after seeing in at a home show I was sold. It's attached to a plywood sub-base and it's not clangie sounding at all. |
Posie4U
Mansfield, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 12, 2006
11:58 AM Post #2040043
| I have a granite top on a half-wall. When I had it installed, I asked about sealing it and was told all I had to do was rub in down with good olive oil about twice a year. After being given that advice, I asked about doing this with some marble top tables and was told the olive oil worked equally well on marble. I have had no problems at all. I love the granite and plan on having my kitchen counter tops replaced with granite. |
landerlily
Columbia, SC
(Zone 8a)
March 24, 2006
9:11 AM Post #2135584
| Since we're in the process of buying a new house which needs new countertops, I'm reading your comments closely. We looked at several houses with "granite" countertops. My husband is a big rockhound (i.e. collector) and he'd walk in, take one look, and snort. They were never granite. They were rock (mostly labradorite if I'm spelling it correctly) but not granite. I didn't care what they were--they were pretty! But I worry about breaking glasses etc. too easily. We have two boys who are none too careful at best, and I envision them setting things down too hard and spending most of my time sweeping up shards of broken glass! Has this been a problem for those of you with stone countertops? I'm leaning toward something along the lines of Corian. I need durability and ease of cleaning.
This message was edited Apr 4, 2006 10:41 AM |
4paws
Hoopa, CA
(Zone 8b)
April 5, 2006
1:56 PM Post #2166093
| Hi-I thought I'd add two cents, as I went through the same thing last year. I wanted tile at the beginning, then went full circle with everything else to finally come back to the tile that I did myself, but still have some trim work to do. That will happen when the weather is nice outside again, so I can paint the trim first.
We're really glad we stuck with the tile. It looks fabulous (we think) and it's wonderful to not worry about setting hot pans right on the counter. A professional would have done a better job, but for a first try, it was great. I also made an island with a tile top using one of the stainless steel shelf units on wheels available from costco.
Here's a pic of the kitchen. Still some trim and finish work to do, but you can see the tile on the countertop (I did the floor, as well, in a different tile). The hardness - something breaking on it, could be a concern, but so far, it's all been good. No little kids here all the time, however.
Good luck!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
dovey
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
April 6, 2006
12:09 PM Post #2168569
| WoW 4Paws,
Excellent job.. the whole kitchen looks fabulous.
Did you install the pot-filler?
I like the mix of industrial-commercial with traditional.
Dove |
4paws
Hoopa, CA
(Zone 8b)
April 6, 2006
6:06 PM Post #2169374
| Thank you, dovey- you have good eyes to see the pot filler. I had a plumber install it - the first one he'd seen in a home and I just love it. I had him put a shut off valve on it as well as on the line to the ice maker in the fridge, which is just a little further to the left. There is still much to do - like set four last tiles in the floor where I've got an outlet installed. I have to figure out how I'm going to cut the tiles around the brass floor plate. Still have to adjust cupboard doors (they were ready to assemble, all wood, no particle board, purchased online) and put on the very fun spoon shaped handles that I found on ebay. So many details, but everything in good time - like when it's not raining outside! It's a huge change from what it was. It's amazing what such a project takes, especially when one doesn't have a clue what she's doing with limited funds.
|
dovey
Columbus, OH
(Zone 5b)
April 6, 2006
6:14 PM Post #2169392
| I just watched "Kitchen Trends" today and a pot filler was on their top 3 must haves for todays kitchen.
M needs to move the water-line for our fridge so now I have to ask him to install a pot filler while he's at it.
I think what you've done is amazing. I love the canisters up off the counter top too.
The more I look at it the more I see things I really like.
Dove
|
4paws
Hoopa, CA
(Zone 8b)
April 6, 2006
8:03 PM Post #2169650
| :-) (I'm grinnin' from ear to ear.)
Thank you kindly.
The cannisters were also from eBay. They're made by Vollrath and are for some kind of medical use, but they are perfect for this, I think. The SS shelf they're on I bought at a yard sale for $2 (back when the kitchen was but a twinkle in my eye...lol...I know a deal when I see one.) and it fit that space perfectly.
I messed up with outlet placement - I'll know better next time. I've got plenty, but with the way I work, the cords for appliances cross my work area.
I just looked at the other pics I have when the kitchen was "clean" and realize - there's just a lot of dust in this place! (9 dogs!) So if I post it, everyone will know about me...lol
|
BackyardZoo
Poquoson, VA
(Zone 7b)
April 7, 2006
12:06 PM Post #2171418
| 4paws: Your store where you got the tile should have the tools you need to cut the tile. If you need a hole in the center of a tile, you need a masonry drill bit and a carbide tile saw (looks a bit like one of those silver 4th of July sparklers). DO NOT press down on the drill when you're making the initial hole, start on the unglazed side & just let it very gently sand its way through. Otherwise you break the tile (buy a few extras). Then insert the carbide saw in the whole & cut out the size hole you need.
If you can come in from the side of a tile a rented wet saw can make life a WHOLE lot better. I went ahead & bought one when we built our house. I did all the tile for our house (3 tub-surrounds & a wlk-in shower) and it saved me huge amounts of time. |
4paws
Hoopa, CA
(Zone 8b)
April 7, 2006
9:47 PM Post #2172720
| Good advice - thank you, BZ. I do have a wet saw, but truly am not fond of using it...I tend to be sensitive to loud things. I adid some of my curved cuts with nippers, but the edges were hidden under the faucet fixtures. I'll get remotivated soon and take your advice.
I did set the floor outlet up so that it is in the corner of four tiles, so that should be easier. The thought of doing the bathroom doesn't really float my boat, particularly, but I know I'll be doing it. I hope to do the same thing, then tile the floor and the walls about halfway up.
I have lots of extra tiles.
|
BackyardZoo
Poquoson, VA
(Zone 7b)
April 12, 2006
10:01 AM Post #2183933
| I agree that the saw is VERY loud - a cheap set of ear plugs (or a wad of cotton or tissue in you ears) makes it at least a little better. I like it though because you do not have to simply cut straight lines with it using the table. If you hold the piece in your hands - well away from where you need the cut, then use the blade much as you might see a woodworker using a spindle sander, you can sand away tile in a nice curved area. The steadier your hands, the cleaner the line of the curve. Since your cuts are at the corners, then you can probably have a nice cut tile in less time than it will take you to get the saw all set up in the first place :-)
Holding it in your hands like that is also a nice way to get rid of that little snippet of tile left when you have to make an inside corner without having to go so far past the corner with your straight cuts.
I also like taking the broken tiles and making a matching counter top or table in mosaic style - I hate waste :-) |
4paws
Hoopa, CA
(Zone 8b)
April 12, 2006
10:07 AM Post #2183950
| I hate waste, too, BackyardZoo. I've saved so many little pieces. I used them for drainage in half barrell planters. I'd like to do some mosaics eventually, and I did do one moving counter on top of a stainless steel shelf unit. I'm looking forward to the endless rain here ceasing so I can do some other projects. No inside work space.
|
digigirl
Sugar Land, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 12, 2006
2:18 PM Post #2184664
| Another option I didn't see anybody mention is Engineered Quartz (i.e., Silestone, Caesar Stone, Cambra, Zodiaq, etc.). It has the look of "granite" but is supposedly a little bit less expensive, and I believe it does not require sealing. I've also heard that it is somewhat naturally anti-bacterial in nature. That is what's been catching my attention. Lots of beautiful colors available. |
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
April 18, 2006
5:17 PM Post #2200764
| digigirl - I looked at Silestone, but not the others you mentioned. I'll be sure to do that before I make a decision. You're right. It doesn't have to be sealed. I just wish it had more variation in pattern. That's the thing that has me hung up on granite. |
obiwan2112
Alexandria, MN
(Zone 4a)
June 26, 2006
12:34 AM Post #2433997
| Linda, digigirl made some good suggestions. It sounds to me that you might want to check into Cambria. It looks like granite,but you never need to seal it, and it's approved by the FDA for restraunts because of the fact that it has no gaps in the finish. But, if you still want granite, check out some companies in Minnesota, granite is plentiful, and relatively inexpensive up here, and I'm sure there are finishes they have that would suit your needs. |
somermoone
Tillamook, OR
(Zone 8b)
June 27, 2006
3:33 AM Post #2438182
| I know a good granite guy in Vegas, any kind of stone for that matter. He'd answer any questions:) |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
June 27, 2006
9:31 AM Post #2438668
| Cambria does have a much more granite-like look than Silestone (in my opinion at least). I love the look of granite but not the sealing and maintenance so when I replace my countertops that's what I'm getting. Some colors are more natural looking than others, and if you look at it real close you can still tell it's solid surface, but a couple of their colors do look very close to the real thing. |
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
June 29, 2006
12:48 AM Post #2446130
| Thanks, everybody. Hopefully I can find a company that sells Cambria in this area. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
June 29, 2006
9:50 AM Post #2446900
| I would go to Cambria's website, most companies like that will have a page where you can put in your zipcode and they'll tell you the authorized dealers near you. I have no idea where Mantua is, but if you're close to a major city I'm sure there'll be at least a couple there. |
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
June 30, 2006
1:01 AM Post #2450058
| Very few people have any idea where Mantua is. We have a whopping 800 people in this small mountain valley. Even if you did know where it was you wouldn't pronounce it right. It is Mantooway. We are about 65 miles north of Salt Lake.
Thanks for the reminder about the internet. I am so computer illiterate! |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
June 30, 2006
9:55 AM Post #2450829
| I'm sure there'll be some authorized dealers in SLC if you don't mind that drive. Maybe even in your town, you never know!
Here's their website...didn't have time to dig around for the link when I was posting yesterday
[HYPERLINK@www.cambriausa.com] |
ppocket
Bexley, OH
(Zone 5b)
July 1, 2006
9:58 AM Post #2454287
| Noone has yet suggested other wooden countertops, so I had to chime in. We recently decided to add an "L" to our kitchen w/ bar stools, to double as eating place on one side, workspace on the cook's side. Existing counters are Wilsonart - sort of a knock-off Corian , I think, which I do NOT recommend because they are now cracking in odd places, such as the middle of one counter,etc... I got the idea in my head to use hardwood, for aesthetic reasons mostly, but also practicality. To make a long story short, the end result is spectacular...totally transformed the kitchen. I'm not sure how the cost compares to other surfaces since we only added one length, but I think it's in the ballpark. Wood can be sanded if a chip or stain occurs. It is very, very warm and comfortable and everyone goes ga-ga when they see it. I chose a wood called Whitebeam that has great light and dark color contrasts within the grain. We dealt w/ a wonderful co. in Canada who does great quality slabs of all kinds.
[HYPERLINK@www.hardwoodcountertops.com]
Good luck w/ your process - I know it can be arduous! But I think you are really smart to choose carefully, because the wrong product could dog you for years to come!
Polly |
Meig
Far Northwest 'burbs, IL
(Zone 5a)
July 5, 2006
5:32 PM Post #2471312
| I love my granite. I have Ubatuba and while it was one of the more "popular" a couple of years ago, I find it to be dateless and just so pretty. It is also one of the more durable granites and doesn't need to be sealed.
I keep it clean with Method's "Daily Granite", and it sparkles beautifully.
|
ericalynne
Windham, NY
(Zone 4b)
July 12, 2006
3:44 PM Post #2498020
| a friend of mine put in wood countertops. they bought them from a trucking company. apparently, tractor trailer beds are made out of butcher block. it was a lot cheaper but of course they are very handyand cut ,installed.,and finished them . i am going to get concrete counters when i redo my kitchen. i use cast iron a lot and cook alot. i remember the concrete counters in my chem lab in high school were over 50 years old and looked great. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
July 12, 2006
4:03 PM Post #2498083
| Are you sure the counters in your chem lab were concrete? All the ones I ever saw in high school and college were made of a black material, it was some sort of plastic or composite but definitely wasn't concrete. If you like that material I remember running across some company that made countertops of it that you could have installed in your house. |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
July 24, 2006
8:29 AM Post #2541176
| Just stumbled on to this thread. I have many contractor brothers. They are all pushing Cambria countertops. It is being used all over in resturuants. These are made of Quartz, which is solid & not porus like granite.
A kitchen one brother did a few years ago was featured in some of their advertizing. I did not see it on their website, though.
The only drawback for most people is the cost.
By the way, the name Cambria came from a small town on Minnesota River between New Ulm & Mankato. It has a famous hamburger bar. They serve a hamburger, that if you can eat it all there is no charge, or something along that line. The bar-cafe is the only store & only a very small number of people.
Bernie |
Tir_Na_Nog
July 26, 2006
11:21 PM Post #2553390
| Silestone seems to be the best. It doesn't require the maintenance of granite, won't crack like granite/marble can. And it still cheaper. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
July 27, 2006
8:31 PM Post #2556695
| I also prefer Silestone and Cambria. I like that they are low maintence and don't break easily. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
July 27, 2006
8:49 PM Post #2556773
| Quartz surfacing is my personal favorite too. As far as durability and ease of care, I don't think there's a major difference between Silestone, Zodiaq, Cambria, or Caesarstone so it's more which one has the color you like the best. I believe Silestone is the cheapest of the bunch, but in my opinion looks less like real granite than the others. |
scooterbug
TwinLakes,WI Athens, TN
(Zone 7a)
August 5, 2006
7:10 PM Post #2590527
| Hmmmmmmmmmmm , I've been wantin one of dem new fangled ceeeement countertops .
Thinkin of havng it colored the same as da ol ceeement pond out back a ways ;-PPPPP
Seroiusly,
If my old shoulders would take the punishment I would love to try making a cement countertop with a built in sink.
They are too la-te-da right now which translates to mucho $$$$ around here to have someone come in and do it. |
claypa
West Pottsgrove, PA
(Zone 6b)
August 6, 2006
5:17 AM Post #2591830
| Scooterbug, you shoud try it! Even really big counters would just be few bags o' ceeement. You don't need much material for forms... maybe supervise a young buck to mix it fer ya, and set it in place ? If you screw it up, you're out a few bucks and you can bust it up for pavers in your garden. |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
August 6, 2006
7:57 AM Post #2591957
| I saw one in a resotration type house, IT WAS TERRIBLE! I forget how many $1000's it was going to cost them, when they added the cost of it, taking it out & putting in something decent. It was a lot.
We decided on laminate for our kitchen. It is affordable & still looks great. I can do the whole kitchen & only have a little seam on each of the front & back of the sink.
Bernie |
scooterbug
TwinLakes,WI Athens, TN
(Zone 7a)
August 6, 2006
11:28 AM Post #2592415
| claypa,
This is not the cement you are used to .
It is mixed on site from scratch from Portland, super fine silica and other exotic additives.
It can be purchased on line as a pre-mix from one place I have found but that is mucho money plus mega S&H charges.
I play with cement and 'tufa just for funs so I know a bit about the stuff.
The cement for counter-tops is way different in composition and the preparations are difficult and time consuming. The cement contains air entrainers and plasticizers plus other chemicals and is a very dry mix .The dryness causes the difficulty in finishing because it needs to be leveled compacted very tightly so there are no air pockets .
After proper curing then comes the hours and hours of finishing and polishing done by sanding with progressively finer grits .
I have a few mud slinging friends that have tried to do their own and after watching them (on line) I am officially chickening -out ... lol
I have seen some cement counter-tops and sinks around here in Model homes that are beautiful .
Cement is becoming very popular everywhere for this and complete home construction.
When the homes are finished you can not tell by looking at them ;-)
[HYPERLINK@www.concretehomesmagazine.com]
[HYPERLINK@www.concretenetwork.com]
This message was edited Aug 6, 2006 10:41 AM |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 6, 2006
12:51 PM Post #2592703
| I agree with scooterbug, I don't think cement countertops are nearly as simple as doing a cement patio, etc. I've always gotten the impression that it's not really a DIY project (unless you're maybe a contractor who installs cement countertops for a living!) |
claypa
West Pottsgrove, PA
(Zone 6b)
August 6, 2006
1:34 PM Post #2592840
| I'm not too far from a great old masonry and concrete supply in Philly. If I know what I need, they got it. Dey wone tell youse wut youse need, but dey goddit. The problem with the additives is getting small quantitties for stuff like this. I rely heavily on a couple of retired Italian American characters for advice. One guy in his seventies, 2 heart attacks, still looks like Rocky Balboa from the neck down, just loves to supervise any projects in the neighborhood. He's got the prettiest dump truck you ever saw. He won't let me drive it though...lol I don't think it would be too hard to float a counter top smooth and pretty enough for the girls I go out with |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
August 6, 2006
5:20 PM Post #2593377
| I ordered my laminate today. $245.00. Now I will need a few sheets of dense partical board & some glue. (I have that on hand.) It will take us one day to put it in. Our kitchen is 12ft x 12ft. There will be no seams in the countertop when I am done. Will add a oak strip along the front edge. I'll post pic when done.
Bernie |
scooterbug
TwinLakes,WI Athens, TN
(Zone 7a)
August 6, 2006
9:58 PM Post #2594239
| Sounds nice Bernie.
You always seem to be doing something in your beautiful house.
Wish my DH was so inclined durn it ! |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 9, 2006
3:34 PM Post #2604151
| I want granite, DH wants Formica. Bottom line for him is price. I told him it's fine if he wants to pay for Formica and then rip it all out in a couple years and redo it in granite. Seems like a waste of money to do it this way, but I know what he is thinking... put in the Formica and then wait and wait and wait to redo it...and conveniently another 20 years has gone by!
By the way, I think the black surfaces in chemistry labs were soapstone. |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
August 9, 2006
9:43 PM Post #2605508
| The lab counter tops are usually soapstone. We had it at my school and at every school I have been in. They look better in homes though. |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 10, 2006
8:01 PM Post #2608747
| It is gorgeous in a home setting. I saw a soapstone counter on a kitchen tour, ad it definitely got the most praise of all the kitchens we looked at. Don't know how hard it is to maintain, though. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 10, 2006
9:00 PM Post #2608938
| I don't think it's that hard--you have to put mineral oil on it to give it that nice dark color, but I think all you have to do is reapply that from time to time, so I don't think it's any more trouble than granite which you have to re-seal. |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 11, 2006
10:49 AM Post #2610830
| In my research on counters, there is nothing except quartz that doesn't need some treatment every six months, so you might as well get what you want! I want a nice kitchen that will last till I go into a home or kick the bucket.
I like granite because my DH likes to cut directly on the countertop every night when he makes his snacks. I have 4 or five cutting boards but it is no use. I leave them on the counter, but he will just be slicing away right in front of the board. I can see Formica lasting about two weeks. He thinks I am just angling for a superexpensive counter, but I really am trying to get the best counter for how we use the space. How do I make him see that the cheaper option isn't always the best? |
claypa
West Pottsgrove, PA
(Zone 6b)
August 11, 2006
12:57 PM Post #2611272
| Try showing him the math. If it is cheaper in the long run, you might convince him that way.
Granite will scratch with repeated cutting. It shows more on darker colors. I put at least some butcher block in every kitchen I remodel. I look for small sections people have returned at ikea. |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 11, 2006
8:05 PM Post #2612589
| Ivy1, I have 4 young pumpkins who love to snack and abuse the granite. My neighbors use olive oil to keep their granite penisula looking great( no pumpkins though). Last weekend, I resealed our granite island and coffee bar and it was a lot easier than I thought. Sealing the granite allows water to bead on the surface. I was told that one can use a light paste of baking soda and warm water or a diluted vinegar solution for more stubborn stains on the granite before sealing. I did not have any significant stains that required either method so I can't attest to either. I use microfiber cloths to clean my granite with warm soapy water regularly. The cloths are reasonable in cost at Wal-mart, K-mart, etc. I did see some nice ones at a pricier department store, but mine from Wal-mart are just fine. The caveat, is letting the granite air dry for 6-12 hours before sealing. Nearly drove the pumpkins crazy. Next time, I'll do it at their bedtime. Long story short, I wanted granite in our last house and I pined with admiration everytime I saw granite in my friends' and neighbors' homes. Now I am happy with my light gray and beige granite. : ) Maybe if you use glass cutting boards on the granite, your DH wont cut on the granite. I recycled a big round glass from a dinosaur microwave for mine.
This message was edited Aug 12, 2006 12:13 PM |
scooterbug
TwinLakes,WI Athens, TN
(Zone 7a)
August 11, 2006
11:59 PM Post #2613491
| Heeeeeeeeeee ,
Am I the only one that finds the idea of babying million years old granite stone funnier than anything ?
Sorry but I gotta giggle ... GOL
Anyway cutting on glass or stone ??? *shocked*
... my my , hope you have not invested in good cutlery :(
When all y'all get you new stuffs installed post pics 'cause you know how us DG'ers are ... wannaseeeeeeeeeee
|
claypa
West Pottsgrove, PA
(Zone 6b)
August 12, 2006
12:09 AM Post #2613530
| Yeah, 250 million year old plutonic igneous stone from the center of the earth is pretty tough.
It's the polished finish that needs babying !!! |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 12, 2006
12:46 AM Post #2613618
| Hey... is there a cheaper and easier way to care for granite? Clue me in,especially with the pumpkin patch I have. Here's a picture of the granite I resealed. Hope the photo goes through. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 12, 2006
11:23 AM Post #2614534
| Unfortunately, sealing is a necessary part of caring for granite. Granite is tough in the sense that it is durable, but if the top's not sealed, it will soak up liquids and become stained. Especially since yours is light colored, if you forget to seal and the pumpkins spill Koolaid, grape juice, etc it can then soak into the stone and create a stain. Darker colored granite is actually easier because if you do get a little staining it's harder to notice. About the only thing you can do to make your life easier is make sure to use the cleaners that are recommended for granite, other cleaners won't hurt the granite itself but they may eat through the sealer faster and cause you to have to reseal more frequently. I love the look of granite, but when I replace my countertops I'm getting quartz because of this--you get the look of granite without the maintenance. |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 12, 2006
1:28 PM Post #2614887
| Thanks ecrane3, I was hoping there was an easier way. The pumpkin patch are not served such staining delights of kool-aid or grape juice, just the white grape juice variety, they just don't know what they're missing! But from personal experience, if you want granite and your heart is set on granite, with proper care, granite can survive the pumpkin patch! |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 12, 2006
5:43 PM Post #2615520
| Oh, thanks you guys for making me laugh! Maybe DH won't notice a see-through cutting board, great idea! I can sharpen knives, but cut up Formica is soemthing I can't fix. My pumpkin is 5 and getting messier every day. She is still pretty neat, but I wonder how long tht will last.
I would go for honed Giallo Santa Cecilia. It is a mix of gold, black, orange, yellow, brown, terra cotta, and then has what looks like a few cranberries scattered over the surface. I defy anyone to find a spill on that granite! Hope it doesn't go out of stock before we can actually get to the countertops. Project keeps stalling out. DH keeps trying to find cheaper and cheaper cabs...
|
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 12, 2006
9:32 PM Post #2616078
| Ivy1, that sounds gorgeous! You must post a picture when done. Hope you have fun with the "cabs" Trust me, with one pumpkin your countertop will survive just fine. My pumpkins are of the strong creative sort, projects galore on the granite and the two older pumpkins feel a strong need to feed the little ones snacks on more than a regular basis. I have learned to go with the flow as they are happy pumpkins. So with proper care, a 5 year old pumpkin will do just fine! |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 13, 2006
10:33 AM Post #2617634
| Yup! My pumpkin is a project girl... she always has some paint or glue on her hands and face. I'd rather pay attention to pumpkin than worry about a countertop! |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
August 13, 2006
8:45 PM Post #2619204
| Hi, We redid our kitchen last autumn. DH wanted granite, but aftyer reading about its care and feeding, we went with a quartz countertop (Silestone, Caesarstone, etc) for the same price as granite. We love it, the color comes out exactly as you want it, no sealing, hard like quartz, really beautiful, easy to clean, can't say enough good things about it. |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 14, 2006
11:04 AM Post #2621023
| Maybe I should check the prices again. Last year when we looked, Silestone was more expensive. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 14, 2006
3:35 PM Post #2621971
| I think the prices vary--both granite and quartz have a range of prices but on average, installed prices of quartz and prices of granite are pretty similar (at least out here). I think the price range on granite is much wider though than the quartz, so there are some colors of granite that may be considerably cheaper than quartz. And with granite you have the option to do tiles instead of a slab, which can be way cheaper especially if you DIY and quartz you're stuck with the slab and the professional installation. |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 14, 2006
3:44 PM Post #2622001
| I don't want tile, although I started out wanting it more than the other types of counters. Everyone I have spoken to who has tile hates it. |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
August 21, 2006
9:49 PM Post #2646172
| Check out all the quartz options. We got Silestone brand because our dealer used them and got the huge discount on it and the fabrication (which is a lot of the cost). Where I live, granite and the quartz materials run very close in price. With quartz, if you like the look of the big sparkly chunks, that does cost more (price option 4 or something like that). We decided to go with the finer grained look, and only tiny sparkly chunks, to save on the cost of the countertops. Here's a picture from Silestone of the color we went with (we also went with one of the free finishes for the edges, no ogee, etc- that can add a lot to the cost).
One more thing- you can buy samples of the quartz materials for very little. You can see the color, make them dirty and try cleaning them etc. We bought a few and now they're cute paperweights or extra coasters. If DH hadn't fallen in love with the look of lapis, I woul have gone for the look of Carrera marble for my countertops- and it comes in a honed (matte) finish that's even more like marble.
This message was edited Aug 21, 2006 9:50 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 21, 2006
10:25 PM Post #2646317
| BB- very pretty! |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
August 21, 2006
10:43 PM Post #2646456
| DH says thank you :-D |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 22, 2006
2:21 PM Post #2648380
| Thanks for the info!
When we got samples for the floor, I kept squirting mustard and berry juice on them. DH thought I was crazy, but I wanted to make sure about staining! I actually put vinegar and wine on the granite countertop samples and couldn't see any marks or corrosion. Maybe if you left it overnight... |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
August 22, 2006
9:29 PM Post #2649639
| granite won't be marred or dissolve in acid, so vinegar, mustard are OK. Grape juice will stain it unless it is sealed. Limestone is another story- that will dissolve in acid, even mild acid like salad dressing and vinegar, so beware. And marble is a type of limestone. I did get limestone composite tiles for my floor in the new kitchen. Love the look but am real careful where that Windex with vinegar lands!! |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 22, 2006
9:34 PM Post #2649661
| Windex with vinegar may actually be pretty safe--even though it says it's vinegar, it's actually at a higher pH so it probably wouldn't dissolve your marble. Probably better to be safe than sorry though! |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
August 22, 2006
10:01 PM Post #2649762
| Ecrane3, after the $$$$$ my floor cost, i ain't experimentin' with it. i'm leavin' the experiments in the lab, where I work and where they belong !!
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
I've seen what straight vinegar does to marble chips-- the bubbles, the bubbles |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 22, 2006
11:12 PM Post #2650344
| I agree, I wouldn't experiment with an expensive floor! But did you ever wonder why Windex with vinegar doesn't really smell like vinegar? It's because they raised the pH so it's not in the acidic form anymore, at higher pH it's sodium acetate instead of acetic acid, and that doesn't smell (also probably doesn't clean as well!). So I still think it would be safe, but I don't feel like replacing your floor for you if it does some damage! LOL |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
August 23, 2006
10:03 PM Post #2653458
| Ecrane, the Windex with vinegar sure smells like vinegar (or to be precise, acetic acid) to this lab rat. Congoleum told me to keep it away from the DuraStone so I'll be good and listen to DuraStone (the floor was almost 2 grand, E., we could have gone to Hawaii, but NOOOOO we had to fall in love with this DuraStone tile pattern).
It is beautiful, everyone who visits says so.
See how well it goes with the cobalt countertops that look like lapis? The cabinets are KraftMaid oak with a cathedral arch in a muslin (really light taupe) color, the wall paint is a Benjamin Moore color called Kahlua and Cream with the coordinating trim (Woodland Snow). One day I will have a digital camera to photograph the new kitchen (the carpenters photogrpahed the old one and I have them- good to enter in an ugliest kitchen contest).
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 23, 2006
10:27 PM Post #2653538
| Maybe they've changed their formula then (possibly due to people complaining that they didn't think it really had vinegar in it?) I only know what it was when they first started selling it a couple years ago, and back then it was at high pH and didn't smell like vinegar.
I do love your floors and your lapis countertop--you'll definitely have to post pics of your whole kitchen one of these days, it sounds gorgeous! I'm itching to do a kitchen remodel myself--I have white tile counters with brown grout (ick!) and want to replace it with quartz, then I'd like to refinish the cabinets somehow. The floor is OK, it's the same ceramic tile that I have in the rest of the house so it doesn't make sense to change it unless I change the rest of the house too, and that would be way too expensive! |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 24, 2006
9:32 AM Post #2654525
| I just looked at Formicaand they had a new kind that looks like granite... I guess DH will now figure I can do without granite! The carpenter said some granites are pretty cheap (?!) now. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 24, 2006
9:59 AM Post #2654587
| Assuming you're referring to the Formica laminate as opposed to their newer line of solid-surface? I've seen the laminates that are supposed to look like granite, and in my mind they still look very much like Formica! And they also perform like Formica not like granite in terms of longevity, durability, etc so I think if you want real granite you could make a good argument to hubby! And if it's the solid surface Formica you're talking about then the price isn't going to be that much cheaper than granite, and the only solid surface products I've seen that even look remotely like granite are the quartz ones and I don't think that's what they have. So either way I think you've got a good case to get your granite that you want (plus isn't the fact that's what you want enough of an argument all by itself?) |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 24, 2006
12:45 PM Post #2655156
| Ivy, ecrane is right, granite formica laminate countertop, looks like, feels like and acts like formica laminate countertop! Trust me from experience, I was not happy even though I indulged DH. In my past kitchen..It was NOT..did NOT look like granite ...nor felt like granite! I can tell you without a doubt, I am much happier with the granite island and bar (pumpkin patch included)!! If you want the granite and you love the look of granite, spend a few more dollars and enjoy the granite. Just a little pearl of wisdom :0) |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
August 24, 2006
8:34 PM Post #2656474
| I agree with Ecrane and Garden6, the laminates still look like Formica no matter what pattern they are. Once you see the quartz or granite, even the solid-surface like Corian doesn't come close. Considering that your countertops should go for 15 to 20 years or more, IMO it pays to get quality and also what you love and what performs.
Ecrane, I will take pics and post the befores and afters. It's almost a year and I'm still amazed that without moving walls I now have a big kitchen, and a pretty one too. |
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
August 26, 2006
10:34 PM Post #2663295
| I looked at granite and Caesarstone today. At this store granite was cheaper. I still prefer the look of granite because I like more variation in the pattern. I am very concerned about it being a porous surface, though.
Does "sealing" really seal?
My daughter, bless her heart, makes decisions easily and is far less picky than I am. She remodeled her kitchen and went with a granite-looking Formica. Don't tell her, but I don't like it very much. It truly still looks like Formica--and to me, that's not good.
She also picked out some ceramic tile for her floor in about 5 minutes and it cost 99 cents a square foot and looks great. She has Knotty Alder cabinets that look wonderful and she doesn't seem to be at all scared that they are a soft wood that can scratch easily.
When I grow up I want to be like her. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 26, 2006
11:11 PM Post #2663465
| Sealing really does seal, only problem is it doesn't seal forever, so you have to keep doing it. And some cleaners can eat through the sealer, so if you use one of those and don't realize it, your sealer could wear out before it's supposed to and you won't know it. But there are millions of people out there who have granite and feel it's worth it, so as long as you stick to the cleaners they tell you to use and reseal it when you're supposed to, it should be fine!
I agree with you on the granite look Formica...it totally still looks like Formica and I would not consider it as an option. But if she's happy, that's what matters! Personally, if I wanted the look of granite but wanted it on a budget, I'd do granite tiles. Not crazy about the idea of tiles, but I'd take granite tiles over Formica any day! |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 27, 2006
11:34 AM Post #2664533
| Alder is beautiful, and any scratches or dents would probably make it even better... |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
August 27, 2006
4:27 PM Post #2665386
| Linda,
Seal twice a year and seal twice when you do it, if you go for granite. That's the way to keep stains off. Ecrane is right (as usual), cleaners will eventually clean through the sealant.
Also, make sure you see samples of what you are actually getting. What they have in the showroom may not even be from the same quarry as the granite they sell and install- that's a problem with the variability of granite. Ask the showroom what quarry it comes from. |
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
August 27, 2006
5:13 PM Post #2665550
| Thanks. I will be sure to do that. Wait a minute, will I be able to do that? Do you mean, go to the quarry and look at it or just go to the backroom of the people who have the granite and ask to look at it before it is put in? I know it's a dumb question. Humor me. I'm old! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
August 27, 2006
5:25 PM Post #2665590
| the backroom. No need to go to the quarry unless you love to watch them dig up huge slabs of rock. |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 27, 2006
6:06 PM Post #2665703
| Yes Pepper is right, make sure you select the slab of granite that YOU want in your kitchen!..you'll see some interesting variations in details that will suit your liking, some more than others. Ours have imprints of little flowers, not noticeable until pointed out!... then the flowers just beckon you to check them out! A friend has leaf imprints in hers! Have fun and enjoy your garden, no I mean granite! |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
August 28, 2006
8:12 PM Post #2669435
| Wherever they have YOUR granite; some place it's the back room, other places no back room and it's the quarry. Insist on seeing YOUR granite though. |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 28, 2006
8:33 PM Post #2669501
| Bbinnj- you sound like the voice of experience, I hope you didn't have a bad experience? |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 29, 2006
12:42 PM Post #2671783
| garden6 - I would love to see a pic of your granite. It sounds so cool. That's why I like granite, marble,etc. They are from nature. I love the idea of having a rock countertop! |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2006
1:17 PM Post #2671925
| Thanks Ivy..look above at the picture I posted for Aug.11... I tried to take a picture of the individual flowers but the light floods out the details, when DH comes home this evening will let him try to take the right angle so the flowers will show then I'll post. I must confess, I love the granite look as well. |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 29, 2006
1:34 PM Post #2671992
| Whoops! I didn't remember you posting a pic. It is really beautiful.
I like kitchens, no matter what style, as long as the surfaces relate in some way. I think Candice Olson on Divine Design does this the best of anyone I've seen. Somehow, her designs always come together in an interesting way. She makes sure that a surface is related to something else in the room. I wish she would do more kitchens. |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2006
4:52 PM Post #2672529
| Thanks Ivy...I agree, I lke Candice as well, very classy and pumpkin friendly in her designs.
So which surface and style are you leaning towards at this time for your kitchen? With the slowdown in the housing markets maybe its trickling down to the costs of stone as well :0) |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 29, 2006
5:29 PM Post #2672663
| Gosh, I hope so!
I have always leaned toward a Provencal style, just because our house is small and old. The majority of the house is from 1840. Our floors (except in the kitchen) are old growth pine in real disrepair, and look quite rustic. However, the kitchen is from 1962 with linoleum that I'm sure your grandmother had in her house. I am so sick of dirty cupboard doors that I can't get clean that I will NOT be doing an antiqued finish in my kitchen! I like crown molding, a little ornament, like roping or dentil molding, and feet or legs on a cabinet here or there. Nothing too ornate.
I started out wanting white painted wood cupboards, but have changed my mind, and now like a natural birch finish. Won't show the fingerprints as much.
I like Giallo Santa Cecilia granite, and ceramic tiles on the floor. The tile is a terra cotta color with a light undertone, very large - 16"x16". I don't know what grout I will use. DH wanted wood for the floors, but I found a sale that was too good to pass up on the tiles, so we bought them. I wasn't sure how to clean wood floors in a kitchen, anyway.
We took out our drop ceiling (those yucky cardboard tiles), and like the new height, so we will put a few rustic beams across that and that's it! I hope it all comes together ok.
Now it's your turn- tell me what you like and give me more details on your lovely kitchen! Do you have more than one type of counter, or is that an optical illusion? I can't tell. Looks like you have wood floors?? |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 29, 2006
11:00 PM Post #2673640
| Ivy, our U-shaped country kitchen has golden oak cabinets and crown moulding. The granite island is in in the center of the U, with the granite coffee bar and built in desk to the left. Above the desk is also a built in china hutch.To the left of the bar is the oven/microwave and a large pantry with pull out shelving.( I can hide snacks from the pumpkins on the top back shelves :0). The other countertops are a grey laminate suface (supposed to look like quarry stone- HA! HA! HA!) The sink is in the right corner of the U with a corresponding window. The lower cabinets also have pull out shelving for pots/ pans and a rack for the lids and over-sized pans. One cabinet has a built in spice rack that I thought I would like, but it just didn't work for me.To the right of the island is an open breakfast room with bright windows. The walls of both are "Straw Hat " a yellow so BRIGHT that the pumpkins buzz around like honeybees whenever they come anywhere near the kitchen. The color was more subdued in the sample! We plan to repaint them "Cornmeal" in a few weeks...My memory card is full, I guess thats why I couldn't get a good picture of the flowers in the granite...so I'll delete some junk files and take pictures/ post them later. The decor is not quite country but a loose relaxed country feel I would say. Still a work in progress for sure. Just on the simple side considering the pumpkin patch.
Yes, you're right we have wooden floors throughout the kitchen and breakfast room. We have grey tiles with splashes of beige on the backsplash, under the top cabinets and over the coffee bar. I know it's probably hard to imagine without the pics. We have high ceilings as well, it really opens the kitchen. I think you will really be happy with the new height.. you can always look up when you don't want to look at dirty dishes and kitchen clutter. |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 30, 2006
10:06 AM Post #2674929
| It sounds prfect!
Our kitchen is 12x12, but there is a walkway going along one whole wall. So really it is a u-shaped 8x12 kitchen.
There is a new window at the middle of the U where the sink is and will remain. The previous window was not centered (like everything else in our house- off-kilter), so that was the first thing DH did. Turns out it is one inch off, but no one will notice! On either side off the window, we decided to leave open space of 12-18 inches, I can't remember which. In the original drawing, we had crammed our kitchen so full of cabinets that it just looked really claustrophobic. We can add shelves or cabinets later if we need to. Then I have some room to put some plants too.
There will be glass fronted cabs on either corner, for plates and glasses. Down below, there will be lazy susan cupboards. On the stove side, above will be a closed cab with shelves, and below will be baskets for potatoes and onions. On the other side of the stove, will be pots and pans drawers because the carpenter said that will give us more room. Then another glass front on top, angled toward the dining room, and open angled shelves on the bottom.
The other side of the room will have the snack area (to keep dad and pumpkin out of my way while cooking), pantry cupboards and drawers. Then the microwave above, and the fridge next.
The best choice (I think) is that we decided to splurge and get a single dish drawer dishwasher. I hope DH doesn't chicken out due to the cost. It will give us a lot more space underneath for a long flat drawer, and since we only run the dishwasher about every four days, it will work better. I do most of my washing by hand anyway.
I hope I;m not hogging the thread here. I am just getting excited that after so long, I am close to getting my dream kitchen!
|
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
August 30, 2006
10:32 AM Post #2674995
| I'm no closer to getting my dream kitchen because I can't make a decision. Good luck Ivy1. |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 30, 2006
11:47 AM Post #2675243
| Every so often I get scared that I made a mistake with colors or surfaces... but then other times I feel really good about it- I am on a high right now, but watch out! If you wait long enough, you will change your mind. I have changed mine about seventeen times in the 2 or 3 years we've been trying to do this job! |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 30, 2006
12:36 PM Post #2675394
| Thanks Ivy, your kitchen sounds perfect as well! Sounds like you're putting alot of thought and consideration in your plans. That is a good thing!... understand about choosing colors, they don't always come out the way you want even from sample paint. The good thing is, you can easily go with the flow or re-paint. However tiles and granite are a more permanent color consideration. I'm sure with the details you have share, your kitchen will turn out wonderful as a creative haven for you, DH and your pumpkin. ..Just put on a pot of coffee for us to savor the moment with you when you done! :0) |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 30, 2006
2:41 PM Post #2675776
| You are all invited, if we ever GET done, absolutely! |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
August 30, 2006
4:02 PM Post #2675995
| Do like I did, I am hosting a Dave's Garden Round Up. Then you must get the job done!
Bernie |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 30, 2006
7:51 PM Post #2676604
| Oh my gosh! DH would flip out! Instead of one obsessed gardener tracking mud throught the house, there would be... hundreds??!!! He would die. He also would get the jitters about moving quickly on the kitchen thing...
For the last three years, he couldn't really commit to the kitchen project because of the amount of money involved. He always came up with a reason not to go forward. I don't want to scare him now that he is finally taking action...
Bernie- Wow. My hat's off to you! Hosting a Roundup must be a real challenge, but I bet it will be a lot of fun! |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
August 30, 2006
9:54 PM Post #2676982
| There won't be hundreds, but hoping 30 or so.
We've went to the Iowa Round Up 2 years in a row & had a great time!
Bernie |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
August 31, 2006
12:14 PM Post #2678491
| Now you don't have to travel, and you still get the great time!
|
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
August 31, 2006
7:41 PM Post #2679646
| Okay, I want granite. I know it is porous and we will all probably have a terrible incurable "Quarry Flu" from it, but I like it the best.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dark granite or light granite. The one I saw today was black with some dark green and lots of lines. I would have to go to the backroom to see the actual slab to be sure it is my favorite. Picking it from a 4 x4" piece is a little difficult. |
ecrane3
Dublin, CA
(Zone 9a)
August 31, 2006
8:47 PM Post #2679844
| If you spill a lot and think you might forget to seal it regularly, dark is probably going to show stains a little less than the light colors would. But really I think it's more important that you're happy with the look and that it blends well with the other colors in your kitchen. |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
August 31, 2006
9:53 PM Post #2680036
| Hi garden6, no I didn't, but I read about a lot of people who did (last year when we were planning the kitchen remodel). It was a reason I liked the quartz more than the granite and worked on DH until he saw the advantages of quartz for our household.
My bad experience was with the old and cheap laminate that was falling apart before the remodel- and my very DH telling me that we didn't need a new kitchen (sure, the cooktop lit only when it wanted to, the oven couldn't bake a cake, the window didn't open or close all the way, the laminate delaminated and was paper...). |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
August 31, 2006
10:11 PM Post #2680109
| bbinnj, how funny ;0) I'm glad you were able to convince DH for a kitchen redo... with all that you describe seemed like it would be very easy for the kitchen to convince him! I'm glad you're happy with the quartz and your new kitchen. |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
September 1, 2006
8:53 AM Post #2681214
| bbinnj - are you sure we aren't married to the same DH? Sure sounds like mine. |
bbinnj
West Orange, NJ
(Zone 6a)
September 1, 2006
10:20 AM Post #2681422
| I dunno what's with male spouses, why do they no THINK that a kitchen has to be functional? Of course, now that's all over and done with, he loves it. To be sure, I had wanted quartz that looked like Carrera marble, and limestone tiles on the floor to match. But now that I went along with his choice for quartz color, I like it a lot. |
Ivy1
Mystic, CT
(Zone 6b)
September 1, 2006
11:05 AM Post #2681549
| Mine would've happily gone along with the 1962 kitchen we have here. Lino that has paint spots all over it (although it's great when my daughter wants to do a project and that stuff is TOUGH), plywood cupboards that won't close or have pieces of wood nailed to the top making it impossible to put anything on the top shelf, shelves that are too small to put even a small cereal box on, drawers that are put together so badly that the front rips off in your hand.
Nine years ago, he made the mistake of telling me when we moved in that we could renovate the kitchen in a couple of years. A few years ago I asked him to think about remodeling (six years had already gone by). He said it would probably be another ten years... I think I must have turned about every color under the sun. I threw a big fit, and it has only taken 3 more years to get started! |
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
September 1, 2006
12:26 PM Post #2681842
| I agree, throwing a nice fit once in a while does wonders with the DH. |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
September 4, 2006
11:35 PM Post #2692563
| We spent the weekend putting in our countertop. We built it from scratch & covered it with laminate. Still have some of the backsplash to finish. I will post pictures as soon as it is done.
Bernie |
Lellie
Anna Maria Island, FL
(Zone 9b)
October 3, 2006
11:15 AM Post #2781948
| New here, but since we're in the process of choosing materials to redo our kitchen, I thought I'd throw in my .02.
We're leaning toward slate...our cabinets are white, as is the floor, for now. (We live in Florida)
We'll be going with a farm sink and stainless appliances down the road.
Will try to post of pic of 'the look'...
I'm hoping this works.
This is the company up in PA that was going to do our kitchen there...until we decided to move back home.
[HYPERLINK@www.waterburydesign.com] |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
October 3, 2006
11:22 AM Post #2781968
| I like the pig in the picture, does he have a function in that kitchen ?
Bernie |
Lellie
Anna Maria Island, FL
(Zone 9b)
October 3, 2006
11:31 AM Post #2781987
| LOL!
I didn't even notice it... |
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
October 3, 2006
11:21 PM Post #2783752
| Since I posted last we have decided to do the kitchen for sure. I have chosen Knotty Hickory cabinets. I will be using granite for the countertop. Right now it is $5.00 a square foot cheaper than Silestone, etc. I thought I wanted a black pattern, but someone I work with said it would show every fingerprint. Maybe they all do. I don't know. I have white appliances now and I wanted to keep my stove. The refrigerator and dishwasher are antiques so they will be replaced. THEN --- enters the cabinet maker!!! If I don't get black or stainless steel appliances it will not show off the wood or the countertop. Sooooo, I'm taking a deep breath.
I have liked the look of stainless steel in the magazines, but then I went to a large furniture store where they had them all lined up. You could see fingerprints on all of them. There is something called Satina and it is "print free" so I decided on that. NOT!! That only comes in a refrigerator. Because of the heat with an oven and a dishwasher you can't get them in Satina. I would have to have the real stainless. I have talked to several people who have had stainless and they would never do it again! So---we are now looking at black. Shiny black fingerprints and scratches, but I can't find the kind of fridge I want in the textured black. What to do? What to do? Hire a maid and get stainless, I guess. Try to be cleaner in the kitchen. That will never happen. Convection oven or regular oven? That is the question. Tile or laminate or wood for the floor? Water and/or ice in the door? Top or bottom freezer? I'm going nuts.
You're right. I'm stressing about everything. That's what I do best. I am doing it because I have made some BIG mistakes in decorating. My children(and probably my neighbors)will never get over the shiny Walltex with the huge black, orange, brown and gold flowers when we moved here in the 70's. They were accented by the brown carpet and bright orange Formica. Nice!!!! Because of my history I think it's okay to stress. Luckily I have given birth to children who have better taste than I do. I am leaning on them heavily right now. Pretty soon they are going to stop answering the phone. |
garden6
Lansing, KS
(Zone 5b)
October 4, 2006
10:33 AM Post #2784833
| Looney~ LOL... I'm sure your kitchen will look great considering the details you've given! You'll have to show your photos when you're done, so we can admire and send bouquets your way. :0) |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
October 7, 2006
7:41 PM Post #2795027
| Just realized I never posted the pics. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
October 7, 2006
7:42 PM Post #2795036
| Closeup of countertop.
Sheet formica on particle board base, 4x4 tiles, with special top finish strip. Front edge is painted wood. (Formica has no seams in entire kitchen.)
This message was edited Oct 7, 2006 6:44 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
October 7, 2006
7:46 PM Post #2795046
| This is a kitchen we just finished this past week. New doors, drawers, & custom built countertops. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
October 7, 2006
7:48 PM Post #2795051
| A little dark, but the other side. No seams in this kitchen either. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
October 7, 2006
7:49 PM Post #2795056
| Closeup. Oak trim on backsplash & front edge. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
October 7, 2006
7:50 PM Post #2795062
| We renewed both bathrooms, too.
This one got new countertop.
This message was edited Oct 7, 2006 6:51 PM
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
October 7, 2006
7:52 PM Post #2795066
| Masterbath vanity. New countertop, drawers & doors. |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
October 7, 2006
7:53 PM Post #2795068
| Picture. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
LooneyLinda
Mantua, UT
(Zone 4b)
October 10, 2006
10:08 AM Post #2803390
| Very nice CG. What brand of appliances did you buy and why? I can't decide what to do. |
CountryGardens
Lewisville, MN
(Zone 4a)
October 10, 2006
10:43 AM Post #2803488
| This is a house some people bought at auction to resell. The stove came with the house, I don't know anything about the new ones.
Bernie |
Connie_W
Austin, TX
(Zone 8b)
January 6, 2007
9:39 PM Post #3060421
| No one has posted here for ages...but...was bored and reading the arguments for and against granite. Several facts, according to me (my father AND ex were in the homebuilding biz, so I know a little!!) :
1. Granite is definitely the surface that gets you the most "return" for your money IF you ever resell. Ask any Realtor@.
2. Salespeople who want you to buy other surfaces will tell you that granite has to be resealed twice a year. So untrue. If you just clean with plain old dishsoap and water, AND you don't cook 3 meals a day, seven days a week (and WHO DOES nowadays???) you should not have to resurface more than once every 7 to 10 years, if that! I've had granite for 15 years with no need to re-seal!
3. The look of granite canNOT be copied with Formica or Silestone, etc. Also, granite has a neat "cool" and solid feel to the hand whereas Silestone, etc. feels like plastic.
4. Silestone and similar products are bits of ground-up natural material floated in a polymer base...read plastic. It DOES, however, offer the advantage that it can be RE-GROUND easily, in case you get a cigarette burn, etc., but then who does that?
5. Granite has another advantage of having what is called "movement" in the design, which is God's natural way of doing things. Each piece is a wonderful and natural, individual feat of nature. You are buying a work of "art" in a way. (The pieces with the most "movement" are now the most popular as they look more natural/real.)
No, I don't own stock in a granite company. :)
Yes, I have too much time on my hands during my Christmas holiday!
Connie |
claypa
West Pottsg |
