kitchen countertop material

[look 171]

Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc

The wife and I went to Crowe Custom countertops today in Acworth Georgia . This place must have 500 slabs of granite on hand if not more ! We walked around for a while just taking it all in . Spoke with a very knowledgeable gentleman and he stated sealers have progressed a lot in the last 5 years . He said they apply a 15 year sealer as standard business . They also have a 25 year sealer . So that eased the wifes mind on granite . We eventually came across a steel gray color that was stunning . We both liked it as soon as we saw it .

A little more than we wanted to spend at $45.00 a s.f. installed but you only live once
I asked the salesman how they installed their under mount sinks . He stated they go the extra mile and route a groove in the stone so standard under mount sink clips can be used in addition to adhesive caulk . I liked the sounds of that . He stated they fix competitors sinks all the time because they do a crappy job and don't route the groove for the clips .

We haven't signed a contract yet mainly because we are moving this coming Friday plus we want to shop around some more but we liked what we saw at this retailer .

We never use their clips. Here's how we install our sinks. The sink (rim part) actually sits on the sub top (cut out sub top using sink's template that comes with the box). this way the sink will never fall out if clips should rust or break (they rust all the time) When sink's filled, that's a lot of weight with just a few epoxy plugs and a screws, glue or no glue. This works for stainless sinks. For cast iron, we have a double sub top just for the sink. We built our cabinets with a solid top, then cut template out to fit sink. Cut sub top around the sink so it sits flush with the rim. Granite or quartz fits perfectly flush on top of that. I would not do it any other way because if that sinks should fall, someone will lawyer up. There's no way this or any sink will rip through 3/4" plywood even if you or my fat ass jump on the sink.

Our lil' bathroom sinks are installed that way too.

[look 171]

If granite, request to groove and epoxy a steel rod like a rebar across the front of sink area. It helps stiffen it up to prevent cracking. My fabricator do this on all our installs.

Miter the edging is also standard. I know some shop require a special request for this.

[porsche4life]

Our sink was done the way look describes and it feels rock solid.


We also got a thick gauge stainless sink with sound deadening material on the outside. Doesn't have that tinny sound like old school stainless sinks did.

[kach22i]

Originally Posted by rick-l

I wanted to see what stainless steel would look like so here is my prototype............

Brilliant, good enough for commercial kitchens because it can be disinfected, good enough for the home. I love that look because I love practical and function.

One thing that has been used in bathrooms and now finding it's way into kitchens is glass counter tops. I have not seen them in a kitchen in person, but here is a link I found at random.

Glass Tops for Cool and Unusual Kitchen Designs from ThinkGlass - DigsDigs

The tops have 1,5” thick or more and can be cut in any shape.

A cast glass site at random below.

Cast Glass Counter Tops Tables - Glass Art Studio 2, Boston MA

Cast glass is a process in which glass objects, or in this case slabs of glass for counter tops are cast by directing molten glass into a mold where it then cools to solidify.* This glass is kiln cast, or fused.

I have seen artwork of sand cast glass that had a frosted matt to it, loved the look. However I suspect places of high wear would shine up and develop an uneven sheen (just guessing). That sort of leaves the polished glass options of being more consistent.

The thing that disturbs me about most counter surfaces is that they are so cold to the touch. Outside of wood like butcher block which isn't' very sanitary there just are no options. The other factor is glare or sheen, a positive or negative depending on your natural and artificial lighting.

Here is another favorite of mine - soapstone, used to be affordable domestic quarried. Now told it is imported and expensive, the US quarries ran out and the South American stuff is way fancier, glass veining in it and exciting looking.

https://www.countertopguides.com/guides/the-pros-and-cons-of-soapstone-countertops.html

The Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone Slab

Soapstone is natural stone material that has been used for centuries in countertops. It’s milky appearance gives it a rustic feel when compared with the urbane and elegant look of granite or slate. Many homeowners love the natural charm of soapstone. This information will give you a better understanding of what this material is as well as the strengths and weaknesses of soapstone countertops............

If you’re looking for a natural stone with an amazing amount of warmth, this is it.

[wdfifteen]

We've had granite for 5 years and don't find sealing now and then to be a hassle. I like it in general, but we already have a few 1/4 inch and one 1/2 inch chip in the edge around the wash sink. It's pretty muc inevitable that heave pans are going to contact it. I'm looking for some kind of rubber pad to cover that edge with.

[kach22i]

All I know for sure is don't use copper.

Local microbrew pub has copper bar tops to match brewing equipment. If you wear a white shirt and lean your forearms on the edge it will stain the shirt black.

They are constantly cleaning it, but it oxidizes so quickly.

[rfuerst911sc]

Did some web surfing this morning and found another installer/warehouse granite facility that has the same color granite installed for $9.00 less per S.F. so will go visit them today . So $45.00 a s.f. installed vs. $36.00 I wonder why such a large discrepancy ? Saving money is a good thing but want a quality install also . Online reviews for SEVERAL local companies are all over the map !

[Noah930]

Originally Posted by look 171

If granite, request to groove and epoxy a steel rod like a rebar across the front of sink area. It helps stiffen it up to prevent cracking. My fabricator do this on all our installs.

For quartz, is the material strong enough that that extra step is not necessary?

[dad911]

Originally Posted by kach22i

.....
glass counter tops......
Here is another favorite of mine - soapstone,......

Glass - get a second job to afford.
Soapstone - needs to be regularly oiled to look good, very soft, but can use woodworking tools to fabricate.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

We've had granite for 5 years and don't find sealing now and then to be a hassle. I like it in general, but we already have a few 1/4 inch and one 1/2 inch chip in the edge around the wash sink. It's pretty muc inevitable that heave pans are going to contact it. I'm looking for some kind of rubber pad to cover that edge with.

A good fabricator can fix that. colored epoxy & granite mix.

[dad911]

Originally Posted by kach22i

All I know for sure is don't use copper.

Local microbrew pub has copper bar tops to match brewing equipment. If you wear a white shirt and lean your forearms on the edge it will stain the shirt black.

They are constantly cleaning it, but it oxidizes so quickly.

I've seen copper tps on bars (used std roofing rolls I think) then covered with clear epoxy.

[jyl]

Originally Posted by rick-l

I wanted to see what stainless steel would look like so here is my prototype. I'm learning to TIG weld. Instead of spending all that money on granite I bought a new tool.

That's 16 ga glued to plywood. The front edge is all welding (no brake). I kept the distortion down and eliminated the need to back purge by clamping it to an aluminum block front and back.

Grinding and polishing turns out to be massively more work than I anticipated.

That's fantastic. I think stainless would be excellent for a house. Tough, easy to clean, sink can be seamless, can be polished or swirly.

Anyone know how much it costs to have a stainless counter with integrated sinks fabricated?

[rfuerst911sc]

Went to the second vendor I found online they had great selection , seemed to know what they are doing and are $800.00 less expensive than the first vendor . Exact same material/color/style . While walking their yard the wife spotted another color/style that she thinks she likes better its called black pearl . Looks very close to the steel gray but with a hint of brown/gold/reddish . We'll check one more supplier then we will pull the trigger .

[look 171]

Originally Posted by jyl

That's fantastic. I think stainless would be excellent for a house. Tough, easy to clean, sink can be seamless, can be polished or swirly.

Anyone know how much it costs to have a stainless counter with integrated sinks fabricated?

I did a job likt that about 8 years ago. It was a about $1000 more then granite (custom, not pre fab). This had the integrated sink.

If your plan is to use SS, make sure its the correct type in terms of texture. Your idea of polish or stain is different then theirs. I used a restaurant SS fabricator.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Noah930

For quartz, is the material strong enough that that extra step is not necessary?

I always ask for it even many say quartz does not need the steel reinforcement, its cheap insurance. For my fabricator to do that, its a walk in the park because they have the right equipment unlike many fabricator in town. They run a small shop with limited equipment just for cutting. Think about it, that section in front of the sink its only 3 inches wide and it sits on a two inch wide subtop. All it takes is for you to lean on it at the wrong angle, the stone will jsut break. (certain type of granite usually)


I know you are working on your kitchen. Talk with your contractor about the stone fabricator. ASk to visit the shop and see for yourself. If you are concern, I will help you out and you can hire my fabricator. Just let me know because I have to make arrangements for you because they do not deal with the public. Those guys have two water jet machines (about 150k each) along with a bunch of other computer control machinery just for working on granite tops in a 40,000 sq' building. They are not your hand cutting and polishing guys. Pricing is extremely competitive. They did Jim's kitchen. I think you have seen it.

[aigel]

My kitchen is about 20 years old, courtesy of the previous owners.

It is white and has light green / grey corian counter tops. They look new. You would not think they are that old. You may have seen them in some of my technical images with car parts on them! The material tolerates scratches, cuts with a knife etc. almost self-healing. Zero maintenance / sealing etc.

What is really great - and your wife will appreciate it - is the fact that the sink (double sink) is also corian and molded into the countertop and so is the backsplash which is about 6 inches high. You can really wash and splash around and clean very well around the sink.

If I had to build a new kitchen, I would totally go synthetic for the fact that you can have a single piece counter. Maybe some of the composite glass / recycled materials have this option as well.

Cheers,

G

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by look 171

If granite, request to groove and epoxy a steel rod like a rebar across the front of sink area. It helps stiffen it up to prevent cracking. My fabricator do this on all our installs.

Miter the edging is also standard. I know some shop require a special request for this.

Excellent. Great advice...will keep in mind ...........if ever.........
My g/f paid a few hundred to have hers replaced...it cracked.
Replacement was top drawer...have to look closely to see the fix.

[berettafan]

have corian and it's just not very exciting.

I'd look hard at DIY concrete. a very cool industrial look.

[Jeff Alton]

Timely thread!

We have granite. Love the low maintenacne and durability. Don't care for the color. We are contemplating a complete kitched redo, and quartz is on the top of our list...

Cheers

[JavaBrewer]

If there is any possibility that you will move/sell in the future then stay with a more neutral color/pattern. It's really fun to walk the slab yard and find some really unusual pieces. I was tempted to go with a really bold slab for our island that had colors to match the rest of the kitchen but thankfully didn't go that route. Stay with mostly earth tone slabs with hints of color you like.

We toured a home that was slightly above our pay grade - but could have made a couple changes and pulled it off. The killer was that the PO installed granite in the huge kitchen and all bathrooms that was mostly varying shades of green with a touch of blacks and gray. Tile floors and walls in the bathrooms followed the trend. I would have had to demo and replace all of it...no thanks. The worst I have seen was a black and salmon colored granite kitchen. Barf.

I really like the SS top (rick-l) as a smaller accent - like for a coffee/wine prep area. Even though SS is wildly popular for appliances and sinks be careful going for full kitchen counters. I know some folks who think those belong in morgues and would never OK a kitchen install.