Does anyone have any recommendations for countertops that either give the illusion of solid surface at a lower cost, or laminate that is easy to cut at irregulat angles (we have a half-hexagon island)? We want to do the work ourselves, have a budget of about $1000 and have approx 20 linear feet to cover. The design of the rest of the kitchen is white cabinets, brushed steel fittings and blue walls, so we want to go dark gray/black on the counters. Any material is an option (concrete, steel, tile, etc.) Thank you!
Posts: 1 | Location: Atlanta, GA | Registered: 15 January 2005
Right now, you're thinking of all the same surface for your counter tops. However, your countertops each have different functions. For example, those next to the stove need a top that is heat resistant for pots/pans. Somewhere, you want marble for dough and fudge. Somewhere you may want butcher block for cutting. Somewhere, you may want ceramic or granite tile for beauty or decoration.
The point is, you may use more than one surface, since most kitchens are naturally broken up by appliances and function. Look at a few magazines. You'll see what I mean.
If that is so, you might want to look at vendors for each type of surface, looking for remnants or large tile sizes, which are usually much less costly.
Think out of the box, not out of the shipping container.
I would be a little cautious of the concrete countertop. You shold be aware there is a possibility of acid reaction to the top, such as lemon juice, should it spill. Also I have noticed something like burnishing marks from objects being slid across the top. Perhaps the finish was not made durable enough. As for the lemon juice, the manufacture had to come and repair the spot. Personally I would not install concrete on my counters as I a not convinced it is a durable material for countertops. Oh, I will admit it is stylish but appears to be high maintenance to me. These are only my observations on a couple I have helped install.
That reminds me... really hard materials like tile and marble or granite will break fine china and crystal. so put a more forgiving surface near the plating and washing function, such as laminate or wood or ? If you don't mind breakage, hard is fine. Also laminate looks very modern, as does Richlite, and it looks retro-midcentury, too.
As someone who loves to cook & bake I suggest stainless steel instead of marble and wood. Sanitary, easy to clean and will match your decor. Cutting board may be inlaid but not a permanent fixture! Needs to be washable or you are going to get sooooo sick! And do use wood. It is a natural bug destroyer. Follow health rules. Do not use the same board for raw meat, cooked meat or anything else. I have at least 6. Lost count. I do NOT recommend tile. Keeping the grout clean will drive you straight to an asylum! But the most important thing is to think of the counter as your work/shop area and only you know how you are going to use it. Do indeed think outside the box.
