Replies

1. 
   WorkshopJon | Sep 24, 2003 12:30am | #1

   Chad,

   The biggest cost (mrtrls. aside) in using granite is polishing the edges (the top side comes pre-polished). So, if you can find a local supplier, why not just add a wood edge (molding) around the (unpolished) edges. For a table, that should be fine.

   Jon

2. 
   WayneL5 | Sep 24, 2003 03:26am | #2

   Maybe stone tile.

3. 
   Alan | Sep 24, 2003 03:29am | #3

   Chad,

   Granite (and I guess just about any other stone) can be simulated with paint, glaze, brushes and such.  I've seen it done, and as usual when a master does it, it looked easy to do and the results were stunning.  It really looked like granite; judging solely by eye I would have been hard pressed to tell the difference between the faux granite and the genuine stone.  The required materials and tools are easy to come by and not the least bit expensive.

   Try going to your friendly local crafts store.  If they don't have all the necessaries they should at least be able to tell you where to get them, recommend some how-to books, and maybe tell you about local classes.

   Alan

1. 
   WorkshopJon | Sep 25, 2003 04:21am | #6

   "It really looked like granite; judging solely by eye I would have been hard pressed to tell the difference between the faux granite and the genuine stone."

   Alan,

   "Real" granite is three dimensional, and the colors change with the light. Just like occasionally I've been temporarily fooled by fake raised panels (veneer over MDF) and wood grained laminate, side by side, there is no comparison. But I agree, standing alone, a well done job will fool a lot of people, just like a cubic zirconium "diamond".

   Jon

4. 
   Jamie_Buxton | Sep 24, 2003 06:42am | #4

   Granite is getting much less expensive.   There are now companies who import prefab granite countertops.  They have edging already applied and polished.   They also have tops with all four edges applied, for use as kitchen islands.   The price is astonishing -- like a six-foot kitchen countertop for less than $100.   The trick is to use a size and shape that they're bringing in, because if you want something different you're back into custom work.   In my town (San Francisco) I know of two places selling this stuff.  You might look around your town.

1. 
   Tac4 | Sep 25, 2003 03:25am | #5

   Thanks fellers. I went back to the customer with some of the ideas you shared and they will be choosing beween a tiled top and a solid slab. Might be marble or granite. they haven't decided that either. But it brings me to my next question.

   How would one attach the slab? My idea is to make a plywood subtop inside the aprons and apply the stone with an adhesive. Will that be sufficient when someone picks up the table by the top? 

   thanks,

   Chad  I started selling to support my habit.

1. 
   WorkshopJon | Sep 25, 2003 04:22am | #7

   "How would one attach the slab?"

   Chad,

   Epoxy.

   Jon

2. 
   BG | Sep 25, 2003 01:03pm | #8

   Chad,

   My granite slab is about 3/4" thick....and measures about 31x31...my guess is it weighs about 80 lbs.  I'm seeing kitchen counters at twice that thickness.  I just droped the granite in a frame with no glue...

   Edited 9/25/2003 6:24:16 AM ET by BG

3. 
   TomT226 | Sep 25, 2003 02:02pm | #9

   Used to work in antiques, and all of the pieces like sideboards, etegers, and dressers with marble tops did not have them attached.

   It's much easier to move these with the top separate from the carcase.