It has been suggested that to save a few $$$ we install marble on the island in the new kitchen , and a lower cost look a-like counter top on the rest.
The “party” always hangs around the island , not the “working side of the kitchen”. and it’s the first impression that counts, right?
Stewie
The Sawdust shop
Replies
Stewie,
I would use granite. Much harder and less porus than marble. If you can find a color you like.
ASK
Thanks for the tip. What would you use to "match" the granite of the island??Stewie
The Sawdust Shop
Stewie,
Many things to consider. Brad suggests stone tile as an alternate for the counters. Things to consider for tiles. Who will install? Who will get the counters ready for tile installation? Cost of these if you are not doing them yourself. Verses the cost of solid slabs which take about a minute to install.
Have you though of using ceramic tile in the same or a contrasting color for the counters? Ceramic is cheaper then stone.
Think about backsplashes also. Stone, ceramic?
I have used granite counters, including an island in one, in four kitchens in the last couple of years. No I don't move a lot but did daughters kitchen, kitchen in our previous house and in new apartment as well a weekend house. I love the stone and wouldn't use anything else.
Don't know where you are and if you are close to a stone yard or supplier who can fabricate but I wouldn't use HD or Lowes.
ASK
Two other ideas to consider. You could find a matching granite/marble or whatever stone tile you like for the counters and use the large slab for the island. If you ever watch "how its made" and see them making the counters you will immediately have an appreciation for the cost of the large solid slabs. Another trick in solid stone slabs is they charge by the inch for all the wonderful trim details that they so proudly display in their brochures (for good reason I can understand). Tiles come in sizes anywhere from 24" sq down to 12"sq and cost much less than the large solid slabs. you can install directly over a wood substrate. Be sure to ask for a very small grout line as this is the main pitfall of using tiles on a counter top. Cleaning grout. Another idea is a concrete counter top. I know you are thinking, what the heck is he talking about. you would have to do some research, but you will find that the design possibilities are endless as the mould can be made to whatever you like. I have seen many very beautful concrete counters with embedded art, color pigmentation, copper tray rails and the list goes on and on. Two pitfalls, not too many making them, and concrete is much more porous than the stone thus more probable to stain. It is far less expensive than stone and stains can add character in my opinion. Several books out there about the subject (lee valley sells the two leading ones) that show options and how to do it (I am going to try one).
I like the idea of the 24" tile. Cheaper than a slab and less grout. But I feel the concrete top would be too much of a challenge for my contractor. This house I am having built. Stewie
The Sawdust Shop
If the "party" always hangs around the island happens to like to drink or spill a lot of red wine on a regular basis and forgets to clean it up, I wouldn't recommend marble (or at least white marble)
:)
Bite the bullet and do the whole kitchen in the stone of your choice, save your money somewhere else. It will hurt right now but pay off in the long run and make you a hero. I prefer granite but the quartz products are also a good alternative.
Beat it to fit / Paint it to match
Stewie
You might want to rethink marble. Speaking from experience, it is very porous, and can absorb things like red wine and stain permanently.
Concrete countertops can be very nice, if done correctly, but they are alot of work and not easy to finish correctly (the top surface) for an amateur (not you, your contractor).
Like Hammer said, Granite is definately the stone of choice. Many other options out there, like synthetics, but why try to make something look like granite when you can actually have granite. For sure, bite the bullet, and you won't be sorry. Kitchens represent one of the highest value centers when it comes to value of a home, so don't skimp. Last year, I was involved in a $175,000.00 KITCHEN RENOVATION. Yep, not a misprint. It was my sister's home. It absolutely transformed the house from a 30 year old ho-hummer with no pizzazz to an absolutely stunning and valueable home. Granite and butcherblock everywhere. Gorgeous, and it'll last forever.
Jeff
Do you have a pic of that kit? I would like to see a $175k kitchen. Doesnt surprise me, I recall seeing a toilet in a magazine that was $12k.
I'll get some and post a few. Absolutely rediculous, but it's in a $1M ++ home. I finished the basement there for them 7 years ago, and built a large bar and a built in entertainment center, also. Sis is a pretty good customer!
Jeff
Stewie,
I am a woodworker by night and a tile/stone installation contractor by day. Marble is too soft to hold up well as a countertop. Granite is better, but Cambria or Silestone is best. Both Cambria and Silestone are man-made from quartz and resin and are stain proof and never need sealing.
Granite tile is an okay choice but I suggest grouting with epoxy grout, it is stain proof and never requires sealing. My local tile store even carries bullnose edge and corner pieces to give a granite tile counter the look of thick slab. Check out http://www.tileshop.com
I'll second the Silestone . I'm a Silestone dealer with many satisfied customers. Be carefull with granite, it's not all the same. The far east imported stuff is very porous compaired to domestic.DJK
My choice is ceramic tile with very tight grout joints. Its easy to do yourself and there are great colors available. Just pick out the tile before you build the island and the counter tops so you won't have to do any cutting. Not that cutting is a big deal, just that full tiles look better and are also good for the back splash.
In other words if you want a 48" island you should look for tiles that will divide 48", same for counter tops.
Then add an oak, or whatever type of wood matches you cabinets, as a border on the island and tops, seal and finish the banding, then set the tile. You may have to touch up the banding a little if you scratch it with the grout, again no big deal.
pins
Stewie, supriseingly enough in my area I have found that the cost of some granite installed is the almost the same if not less than the cost of some composites installed.
It has been suggested that you use granite for kitchen counters. Certainly that is very fashionable now, and if that is a main concern, and cost is not, then go ahead. If you want a functional place to do real cooking, then granite offers few advantages if any, It's indestructable, but very efficient in breaking anything glass or ceramic. It tolerates very hot things, but that can be done with a small inset of stone or "Corelle" made by Corning. Our very active and functional kitchen has laminate surfaces we had put in 35 years ago. We might like to change the color, but haven't gotten to it yet.
Many people plan their house based on future selling. The thing that is so fashionable now may only look dated at that time.
Tom
If you like the look of marble you may want to look into soapstone. If softer than granite, but denser. Has a more matte finish compared to the high gloss of granite. Regular soapstone is very soft an easy to scratch, but the low talc soapstone is pretty durable. We have a soapstone island that gets heavy use by our 5 kids and after a year we have no scratches.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled