Sep 13, 2004: Action I performed   Here is what our final configuration will look like. At this point, we're almost certain we're going with Lowe's Kitchen Classics "Hudson" line of maple cabinets. We can't afford to buy the hardware we'd like right now, but that's okay, because these cabinet doors have indentations on their bottoms and don't require knobs and pulls. We need 28sq' of countertop. The countertop we'll probably buy is Lowe's stock laminate countertop (by Ubatuba), and we like either the dark grey granite or the grey and green somewhat marbelized granite pattern. They have a special going on Formica http://www.formica.com/productgroup.jsp?group_id=2 solid-surface countertops, and the price includes a sink (one of those sinks which is seamlessly added below the countertop). The solid surface material is non-pourous, it does not absorb stains or bacteria. If it gets scratched, the blemishes can be buffed away. Laminates, on the other hand, are a mere 1/8" laminate over particleboard. They chip, crack and scratch -- not to mention burn if you put a hot pan down on them. We'd love to have one of those solid-surface countertops, but even the cheapest Formica solid-surface tops begin at $49/sq'. That would be almost $1400...No can do on that one! The stock laminate countertops at Lowe's are $91 for a 10' section. We'll need a 10' and a 6' for our job. That's more our budget. It may not even be worth our gasoline to drive to Columbus and check cabinet and countertop products and prices there. Lowe's has a captive audience with gas prices as high as they are!