Kitchen addition - need to figure out counter tops.

[tootsiesmom]

So we have decided with our growing family and incredibly small dining room that we could extend our tiny useless island into a bar with seating for 5 or 6. We have everything figured out except the counter-tops. I want something like granite but understand there are other options available. Don't want corian. Just wondering if anyone has experience with this? If so, what do you recommend? I guess we are looking for something that is low-ish maintenance and won't break the piggy bank. I haven't even priced out granite.

[Paddysmom]

Quartz

[Labs4life]

There are companies doing nice stuff with concrete. I'm not sure on costs and maintenance but it my be worth a phone call.

[somet23]

i just remodeled my kitchen about 1 1/2 year ago. i looked into it. i went with the granite. i think it looked the best. as far as maintanance theres really nothing to it. they have products to clean it on daily basis or weekly. it is kind of expensive if you just buy the stone then get someone to cut and install it for you. and the darker the stone the more expensive. i recomend you get a package deal from a kitchen cabinet company where they do the cabinets and the counter tops. i did that and saved myself alot of money. remember that a kitchen and the restrooms are what make or break a house so dont cheap out

[tootsiesmom]

Thanks for the ideas. I do have another question.....I have a stainless sink and wondering how I should handle that when we do the install. I am thinking we will also need a new sink. Lots to think about.

[somet23]

i would by a new sink. dont try and reuse the old one it would just ruin the new look of the kitchen. i loved the stainless sinks thats what i installed and it matches my stainless appliances. how much do you think your going to spend on your kitchen if you dont mind me asking?

[Allie]

If your sink isn't undermount you will need a new one. I have one that is deeper on one side for big pots and pans and it is very convenient. We have granite and it takes a beating with no issues.

[bett]

love granite.quartz beautiful but might be too porous.ask the stone guys and maybe they'll be honest.

[georgie]

We just remodeled our kitchen last year. I went with dark granite. The sink is set down in the granite. I love it. It has been very easy maintenance. We went to a granite company. They had alot of choices of colors & different cuts for the edges. They did a great job installing it.

[CindersMyGirl]

We found that granite was not much more than the composites. I think the quartz is like the natural version of corian. It's not like the quartz slabs you see tables made out of.

We've done many kitchen remodels and I would never buy my countertops through a cabinet company. I called granite companies on my own and got a much cheaper price. If you live in an area where things tend to be marked up go farther out. You'd be amazed at the difference in price.