You can do "granite transformations" on your existing countertop. It will satisfy the "immediate gratification" urges too.
You can do a thinner profile granite slab v. the standard (2.5 vs 3 inches or so) and that will bring down the price without a noticeable difference in finish.
Did you get the $30/sf quote from a stone place? Ways to find good deals on solid tops (granite, marble) is to go to a stone place. They typically have a "scrap" area. Those really go really cheap. Or course, there are not meant to be for a large countertop.
Another place I've seen really cheap granite/marble is at the Habitat for Humanity store. Great prices! Less than $20/sf. Most expensive I saw was a huge slab for $18/sf. The smaller pieces go for much less per sf.
We just replaced laminate with laminate and I have no regrets. It was quick and cheap. My main problem with the old counter was the ugly color. This way, if we get sick of it in 10 years we can just do it again. I felt like spending the money on stone was a big commitment, whereas laminate wasn't. That, and the other finishes in our house don't justify fancy schmancy counters.
Post by hbomdiggity on May 30, 2012 14:34:52 GMT -5
We found a small stone guy willing to make a deal. This was back in 2006 and it was the uba tuba (which is a bit dated now) and its was prob more like $20sf.
On the HGTV show (Biggest Bang for Your Buck?), there was a couple that has some sort of concrete/fiberglass countertop. I can't seem to find a picture of it. It was in some renovated factory and it was curvy. IDK.
On the HGTV show (Biggest Bang for Your Buck?), there was a couple that has some sort of concrete/fiberglass countertop. I can't seem to find a picture of it. It was in some renovated factory and it was curvy. IDK.
What about corian or something like that? I think they're slightly less expensive, but still have that seamless look. I like the patterns a bit more as well.