Hi.

We have an island in our kitchen and need to get a new countertop.
We're looking for a type of surface on which we can do things like
rolling and kneading dough, cutting cookies and things like that.
Basically we'd like it to be a good surface for someone who likes to
bake.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

Ken

"Fresh Monniker" > wrote in message
...
> (Ken) wrote:
>
> >We have an island in our kitchen and need to get a new countertop.
> >We're looking for a type of surface on which we can do things like
> >rolling and kneading dough, cutting cookies and things like that.
> >Basically we'd like it to be a good surface for someone who likes to
> >bake.
> >
> >Any suggestions?
>
> Slab granite.

I think that granite is a wonderful choice. However, inexpensive Formica
laminate will also suffice. The only drawback I see is that you shouldn't
cut on it. My primary reason to choose tile was so I could carelessly sit
hot pans on it.

"Fresh Monniker" > wrote in message
...
> (Ken) wrote:
>
> >We have an island in our kitchen and need to get a new countertop.
> >We're looking for a type of surface on which we can do things like
> >rolling and kneading dough, cutting cookies and things like that.
> >Basically we'd like it to be a good surface for someone who likes to
> >bake.
> >
> >Any suggestions?
>
> Slab granite.

Go for the granite. You won't be sorry.

Far as I can tell, someone wrote:
>My primary reason to choose tile was so I could carelessly sit
>hot pans on it.

I had terra cota tile in my last house, and loved it for many reasons,
except the grout was very tough to clean, even though well sealed.

"Petey the Wonder Dog" > wrote in message
...
> Far as I can tell, someone wrote:
> >My primary reason to choose tile was so I could carelessly sit
> >hot pans on it.
>
> I had terra cota tile in my last house, and loved it for many reasons,
> except the grout was very tough to clean, even though well sealed.

I don't mind the grout. It is sealed but has darkened with time - is was
buff color to start with. I did some refurbishing last year and re-grouted
everything after about 6 years of hard use. Next time around, I would use
smaller grout lines and very dark grout. I might choose granite tile, 1/16"
grout lines, and grout that matched the predominate color of the stone. It
would be less expensive than a slab and something that I could install
myself.

In article le.rogers.com>,
Ribitt > wrote:
>
>"Fresh Monniker" > wrote in message
.. .
>> (Ken) wrote:
>>
>> >We have an island in our kitchen and need to get a new countertop.
>> >We're looking for a type of surface on which we can do things like
>> >rolling and kneading dough, cutting cookies and things like that.
>> >Basically we'd like it to be a good surface for someone who likes to
>> >bake.
>> >
>> >Any suggestions?
>>
>> Slab granite.
>
>Go for the granite. You won't be sorry.

But you'll be sad if you move.

AFAIK, Everyone that can afford granite and gets it is happy.


Chuck Demas

--
Eat Healthy | _ _ | Nothing would be done at all,
Stay Fit | @ @ | If a man waited to do it so well,
Die Anyway | v | That no one could find fault with it.
| \___/ | http://world.std.com/~cpd

On Sat, 26 Jun 2004 00:10:03 +0000 (UTC), (Charles
Demas) wrote:

>In article le.rogers.com>,
>Ribitt > wrote:
>>
>>"Fresh Monniker" > wrote in message
. ..
>>> (Ken) wrote:
>>>
>>> >We have an island in our kitchen and need to get a new countertop.
>>> >We're looking for a type of surface on which we can do things like
>>> >rolling and kneading dough, cutting cookies and things like that.
>>> >Basically we'd like it to be a good surface for someone who likes to
>>> >bake.
>>> >
>>> >Any suggestions?
>>>
>>> Slab granite.
>>
>>Go for the granite. You won't be sorry.
>
>But you'll be sad if you move.
>
>AFAIK, Everyone that can afford granite and gets it is happy.
>
>
>Chuck Demas

Howdy,

We are extremely happy with our granite, but I will add...

If your dealer will not show you (in advance) the specific pieces that
will go in your kitchen, run (don't walk) to another dealer.

All the best,

--
Kenneth

If you email... Please remove the "SPAMLESS."

On Sat, 26 Jun 2004, (Charles Demas) wrote:

>>Go for the granite. You won't be sorry.
>
>But you'll be sad if you move.
>
>AFAIK, Everyone that can afford granite and gets it is happy.

I now have ruby red granite. Before I had Corian. I'd take Corian over
granite any day. It is a much nicer surface to work on. It has resiliency.
It doesn't chip at the edges. And with glacier white Corian it is really
easy to see where any debris or dirt is.

As for the hot pot issue, in a new kitchen I would put white Silestone
alongside the range. I don't see any reason why the entire counter has to
be made of the same material.

Of course if looks is what is important to you, and not practicality, then
get the granite and impress your friends.

Don <donwiss at panix.com>.

I have granite in my kitchen that I just remodeled. I really like it. It is
both functional and beautiful.

It is rock. It looks like rock. There are several odd variations which I love.
This might turn you off.

I'd recommend two factors if you are considering Granite for a countertop
material...

1. Before you find a fabricator, browse slabs in Granite yards near you.
Find the stuff that you think you might like. Ask for some pieces to
take back to use in your design/planning. Granite is variable and unique
types exist. The more you look, the more you'll either want to find
good slabs, or bail completely and go with a uniform material.
If you opt for Granite, go pick out the slabs. We used two slabs

2. Once you determine that you'll use Granite, shop around for a
fabricator. Gauge them on the quality of their cutting: some have very good
machinery, and some do not. The intelligence of their cutters: well cut
slabs will save you money and look better. How they deal with you while
being swamped: Granite is very popular--if they have to come back to touch
up, how easy will that be.

The granite in my kitchen looks so good and ties in all the other
design aspects in the new space. I am happy with the choice.


Good luck,
Adam

--
Adam Finkelstein
adamfATradixDOTnet

"Adam Finkelstein" > wrote in message
...
> I have granite in my kitchen that I just remodeled. I really like it. It
is
> both functional and beautiful.
>
> It is rock. It looks like rock. There are several odd variations which I
love.
> This might turn you off.
>
> I'd recommend two factors if you are considering Granite for a countertop
> material...
>
> 1. Before you find a fabricator, browse slabs in Granite yards near you.
> Find the stuff that you think you might like. Ask for some pieces to
> take back to use in your design/planning. Granite is variable and
unique
> types exist. The more you look, the more you'll either want to find
> good slabs, or bail completely and go with a uniform material.
> If you opt for Granite, go pick out the slabs. We used two slabs
>
> 2. Once you determine that you'll use Granite, shop around for a
> fabricator. Gauge them on the quality of their cutting: some have very
good
> machinery, and some do not. The intelligence of their cutters: well cut
> slabs will save you money and look better. How they deal with you while
> being swamped: Granite is very popular--if they have to come back to
touch
> up, how easy will that be.
>
> The granite in my kitchen looks so good and ties in all the other
> design aspects in the new space. I am happy with the choice.
>
>
> Good luck,
> Adam
>
> --
> Adam Finkelstein
> adamfATradixDOTnet


After installing it in two kitchens, I still vote for honed white Carrara
marble. The honing removes the glossy surface, which eliminates the
potential problems with staining...