Hi all:
I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What are
your experiences? I presently have Brazilian Green granite and wanted to
compare the two for durability , cost, staining etc etc.
I will be building another kitchen and am trying to decide ...light
white/grey granite or carrera marble for counters. Island to be another
colour granite or material.
Any help appreciated, Aileen

Aileen wrote:
> Hi all:
> I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What are
> your experiences? I presently have Brazilian Green granite and wanted to
> compare the two for durability , cost, staining etc etc.
> I will be building another kitchen and am trying to decide ...light
> white/grey granite or carrera marble for counters. Island to be another
> colour granite or material.
> Any help appreciated, Aileen
>

I don't have marble or granite countertops, but marble is *much* less
durable than granite. It is etched or stained by acids, and it is
softer than granite.

You might also look into "soapstone" for a countertop material.

Best regards,
Bob

zxcvbob > wrote in news:c1g4c0$1i08ra$1@ID-
63726.news.uni-berlin.de:

> Aileen wrote:
>> Hi all:
>> I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What are
>> your experiences? I presently have Brazilian Green granite and wanted to
>> compare the two for durability , cost, staining etc etc.
>> I will be building another kitchen and am trying to decide ...light
>> white/grey granite or carrera marble for counters. Island to be another
>> colour granite or material.
>> Any help appreciated, Aileen
>>
>
> I don't have marble or granite countertops, but marble is *much* less
> durable than granite. It is etched or stained by acids, and it is
> softer than granite.
>
> You might also look into "soapstone" for a countertop material.
>
> Best regards,
> Bob
>

There is a concrete product out there that actually looks nice, comes in
various shades and coloring. That is quite reasonably priced. And easily
repaired.

--
Once during Prohibition I was forced to live for days on nothing but food
and water.
--------
FIELDS, W. C.

In article >, Aileen
> wrote:

> Hi all:
> I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What are
> your experiences? I presently have Brazilian Green granite and wanted to
> compare the two for durability , cost, staining etc etc.
> I will be building another kitchen and am trying to decide ...light
> white/grey granite or carrera marble for counters. Island to be another
> colour granite or material.
> Any help appreciated, Aileen
>

Doesn't answer your question, but Lynn Rosetto Kasper (NPR's host of
"The Splendid Table") says that stainless steel is the new thang. That
granite and marble scratch. Beats me.
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> updated 2-19-04 -- Dufus picture posted!

Melba's Jammin' > wrote:
> In article >, Aileen
> > wrote:

> > Hi all:
> > I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What are

> Doesn't answer your question, but Lynn Rosetto Kasper (NPR's host of
> "The Splendid Table") says that stainless steel is the new thang. That
> granite and marble scratch. Beats me.

And stainless steel doesn't? Must be some form of stainless
I'm unfamiliar with,

Bill Ranck
Blacksburg, Va.

In article >, wrote:

> Melba's Jammin' > wrote:
> > In article >, Aileen
> > > wrote:
>
> > > Hi all:
> > > I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What are
>
> > Doesn't answer your question, but Lynn Rosetto Kasper (NPR's host of
> > "The Splendid Table") says that stainless steel is the new thang. That
> > granite and marble scratch. Beats me.
>
> And stainless steel doesn't? Must be some form of stainless
> I'm unfamiliar with,
>
> Bill Ranck
> Blacksburg, Va.

Sure. She mentioned another kind of finish to it -- brushed, I think.
Hey, I'm just reporting what I heard -- in pieces. "-) Peace.
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> updated 2-19-04 -- Dufus picture posted!

Melba's Jammin' > wrote:

>In article >, wrote:
>
>> Melba's Jammin' > wrote:
>> > In article >, Aileen
>> > > wrote:
>>
>> > > Hi all:
>> > > I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What are
>>
>> > Doesn't answer your question, but Lynn Rosetto Kasper (NPR's host of
>> > "The Splendid Table") says that stainless steel is the new thang. That
>> > granite and marble scratch. Beats me.
>>
>> And stainless steel doesn't? Must be some form of stainless
>> I'm unfamiliar with,
>>
>> Bill Ranck
>> Blacksburg, Va.
>
>Sure. She mentioned another kind of finish to it -- brushed, I think.
>Hey, I'm just reporting what I heard -- in pieces. "-) Peace.


My kitchen sink is brushed stainless steel. It has been in used for
almost 30 years and does not look too bad. Of course I am not one to
wax the kitchen sink. We are moving and the new sink is a deep double
white. Looks like I may have to spend a little more time on it.
--
Susan N.

There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary and those who do not.

>susan_r23666@yahoo
>
>My kitchen sink is brushed stainless steel. It has been in used for
>almost 30 years and does not look too bad. Of course I am not one to
>wax the kitchen sink. We are moving and the new sink is a deep double
>white. Looks like I may have to spend a little more time on it.

There are stainless steel sinks... and then there are STAINLESS STEEL SINKS.

This is not your momma's $39.95 Home Depot special: http://www.elkayusa.com



---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

"Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
...
> In article >, Aileen
> > wrote:
>
> > Hi all:
> > I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What are
> > your experiences? I presently have Brazilian Green granite and wanted to
> > compare the two for durability , cost, staining etc etc.
> > I will be building another kitchen and am trying to decide ...light
> > white/grey granite or carrera marble for counters. Island to be another
> > colour granite or material.
> > Any help appreciated, Aileen
> >
>
> Doesn't answer your question, but Lynn Rosetto Kasper (NPR's host of
> "The Splendid Table") says that stainless steel is the new thang. That
> granite and marble scratch. Beats me.
>

Anyone remember the DeLorean car of the early 1980's? It was designed with
stainless steel body panels to give it a sleek look but owners quickly
became frustrated when they realized that the gleaming showroom appearance
was impossible to maintain.

Last year we had custom fabricated stainless steel countertops installed in
our clubhouse kitchen which is equipped with commercial appliances. The
stainless countertops certainly have practical advantages and are easy to
clean but you have to be willing to accept compromises with the bright,
shiny appearance that you might expect from stainless steel. It is just the
nature of stainless steel to reflect and magnify every little surface spot,
blemish and fingerprint. That is OK in most commercial kitchens. But a
homeowner could quickly find that to be a matter of serious irritatation.

In article >, "Sam D."
> wrote:

> "Melba's Jammin'" > wrote in message
(snip)
> > Doesn't answer your question, but Lynn Rosetto Kasper (NPR's host
> > of "The Splendid Table") says that stainless steel is the new
> > thang. That granite and marble scratch. Beats me.
> >
>
> Anyone remember the DeLorean car of the early 1980's? It was
> designed with stainless steel body panels to give it a sleek look but
> owners quickly became frustrated when they realized that the gleaming
> showroom appearance was impossible to maintain.
>
> Last year we had custom fabricated stainless steel countertops
> installed in our clubhouse kitchen which is equipped with commercial
> appliances. The stainless countertops certainly have practical
> advantages and are easy to clean but you have to be willing to accept
> compromises with the bright, shiny appearance that you might expect
> from stainless steel. It is just the nature of stainless steel to
> reflect and magnify every little surface spot, blemish and
> fingerprint. That is OK in most commercial kitchens. But a homeowner
> could quickly find that to be a matter of serious irritatation.

The thing I didn't mention about Kasper's remarks about the SS counter
is that her caller (radio program) said she had three little kids -
alluding to the fingerprints and marks. Kasper talked about various
finishes available -- brushed, I think. Designed to hide those kinds of
hazards. I'm not promoting it, just clarifying. :-)
--
-Barb, <www.jamlady.eboard.com> updated 2-19-04 -- Dufus picture posted!

>"Sam D." says:
>
>>"Melba's Jammin'" wrote:
>>>Aileen wrote:
>>
>> > I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What are
>> > your experiences? I presently have Brazilian Green granite and wanted to
>> > compare the two for durability , cost, staining etc etc.
>> > I will be building another kitchen and am trying to decide ...light
>> > white/grey granite or carrera marble for counters. Island to be another
>> > colour granite or material.
>> > Any help appreciated, Aileen
>> >
>>
>> Doesn't answer your question, but Lynn Rosetto Kasper (NPR's host of
>> "The Splendid Table") says that stainless steel is the new thang. That
>> granite and marble scratch. Beats me.
>
>It is just the
>nature of stainless steel to reflect and magnify every little surface spot,
>blemish and fingerprint. That is OK in most commercial kitchens. But a
>homeowner could quickly find that to be a matter of serious irritatation.

Only those with obsessive-compulsive disorder.


---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

"Sam D." > wrote in message
...
>

> Last year we had custom fabricated stainless steel countertops installed
in
> our clubhouse kitchen which is equipped with commercial appliances. The
> stainless countertops certainly have practical advantages and are easy to
> clean but you have to be willing to accept compromises with the bright,
> shiny appearance that you might expect from stainless steel. It is just
the
> nature of stainless steel to reflect and magnify every little surface
spot,
> blemish and fingerprint. That is OK in most commercial kitchens. But a
> homeowner could quickly find that to be a matter of serious irritatation.
>

I've had stainless steel counters for just over a year now and I actually
think it is an advantage that they show spills, etc. more than most
countertops. It is less of a temptation to let a thorough cleaning slide
because it doesn't look dirty. Plus once I take the few minutes it takes to
clean the counter it looks great. I also like the idea that the things are
just about indestructible.

They were also fairly inexpensive. Rather than going to a cabinet shop to
get the counters, I had thick plywood tops built and brought them to a sheet
metal shop nearby for the stainless steel application.

-Mike

On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 13:01:13 -0800, "Sam D."
> wrote:

> >
>
> Anyone remember the DeLorean car of the early 1980's?

Oh, yes I do... except I didn't realize the body was
UNPAINTED ss (I'm not a car nut).

http://www.delorean.org/dmc12.asp


> It was designed with
> stainless steel body panels to give it a sleek look but owners quickly
> became frustrated when they realized that the gleaming showroom appearance
> was impossible to maintain.

Not impossible, just difficult and I was raised on ss
appliances/sinks (let's talk '50/60s).

IMO: Our perception of what ss should look like has changed
.... I don't know if ss has changed much over the last 50
years, but I do think that the finish, NOT the guage,
determines our opinion of how it looks as a well used
appliance or sink.

I have a ss cleaner that actually makes my appliances look
brand new after I use it. The product is called "Weiman
Stainless Steal Cleaner & Polish". It wasn't recommended by
anyone, I bought it on a whim one day and it worked for me.

>
> Last year we had custom fabricated stainless steel countertops installed in
> our clubhouse kitchen which is equipped with commercial appliances. The
> stainless countertops certainly have practical advantages and are easy to
> clean but you have to be willing to accept compromises with the bright,
> shiny appearance that you might expect from stainless steel. It is just the
> nature of stainless steel to reflect and magnify every little surface spot,
> blemish and fingerprint. That is OK in most commercial kitchens. But a
> homeowner could quickly find that to be a matter of serious irritatation.
>

If you can find Weiman, try it www.weiman.com



Practice safe eating - always use condiments

On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 12:58:50 -0600, Melba's Jammin'
> wrote:

>In article >, Aileen
> wrote:
>
>> Hi all:
>> I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What are
>> your experiences? I presently have Brazilian Green granite and wanted to
>> compare the two for durability , cost, staining etc etc.
>> I will be building another kitchen and am trying to decide ...light
>> white/grey granite or carrera marble for counters. Island to be another
>> colour granite or material.
>> Any help appreciated, Aileen
>>
>
>Doesn't answer your question, but Lynn Rosetto Kasper (NPR's host of
>"The Splendid Table") says that stainless steel is the new thang. That
>granite and marble scratch. Beats me.

Well the granite would certainly scratch any stainless steel as would
anything that would scratch the granite. Maybe the decorators have
just found something that is even more expensive than granite to have
fabricated and installed.

> >
> >Doesn't answer your question, but Lynn Rosetto Kasper (NPR's host of
> >"The Splendid Table") says that stainless steel is the new thang. That
> >granite and marble scratch. Beats me.

New thing? It was in every house in Levittown PA in the 1950's. One piece
counter top and sink.

il Thu, 26 Feb 2004 03:57:46 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski" ha scritto:

>
>
> > >
> > >Doesn't answer your question, but Lynn Rosetto Kasper (NPR's host of
> > >"The Splendid Table") says that stainless steel is the new thang. That
> > >granite and marble scratch. Beats me.
>
> New thing? It was in every house in Levittown PA in the 1950's. One piece
> counter top and sink.

Got one of those. Probably that old too. Easy to clean. What I hadn't
known was that chlorine bleach corrodes stainless steel.

At least with a marble top one could do some clay kneadiing as well.
;-)

--
Cheers,
Loki [ Brevity is the soul of wit. W.Shakespeare ]

we are selling our house, and in order to update it alittle i have
granite tops put in the kitchen...................I HATE IT!
i hate keeping it shiny............................EVERY drop of
water shows...............

i had CORIAN in a previous house, and am looking forward to getting
it back in our new house.........................

--
read and post daily, it works!
rosie

"how wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before
starting to improve the world.
...................................anne frank



"Aileen" > wrote in message
...
> Hi all:
> I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What
are
> your experiences? I presently have Brazilian Green granite and
wanted to
> compare the two for durability , cost, staining etc etc.
> I will be building another kitchen and am trying to decide
....light
> white/grey granite or carrera marble for counters. Island to be
another
> colour granite or material.
> Any help appreciated, Aileen
>

On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 13:37:32 -0600, " *rosie*"
> wrote:

>we are selling our house, and in order to update it alittle i have
>granite tops put in the kitchen...................I HATE IT!
>i hate keeping it shiny............................EVERY drop of
>water shows...............
>
>i had CORIAN in a previous house, and am looking forward to getting
>it back in our new house.........................

Thanks so much. I was thinking of having new counters put in and
couldn't even begin to know what kind. I have a finish carpenter
coming to do some work and just needed a knowledgable suggestion. It
will be corian.

aloha,
Thunder

http://www.smithfarms.com
Farmers & Sellers of 100%
Kona Coffee & other Great Stuff

"smithfarms pure kona" > wrote in message
...
> On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 13:37:32 -0600, " *rosie*"
> > wrote:
>
> >we are selling our house, and in order to update it alittle i have
> >granite tops put in the kitchen...................I HATE IT!
> >i hate keeping it shiny............................EVERY drop of
> >water shows...............
> >
> >i had CORIAN in a previous house, and am looking forward to getting
> >it back in our new house.........................
>
> Thanks so much. I was thinking of having new counters put in and
> couldn't even begin to know what kind. I have a finish carpenter
> coming to do some work and just needed a knowledgable suggestion. It
> will be corian.
>
> aloha,
> Thunder
>

No no no, she is all wrong. Granite is terrific - I love ours! Get some more
opinions before you decide.


--
Peter Aitken

Remove the crap from my email address before using.

" *rosie*" > wrote in message
...
> we are selling our house, and in order to update it alittle i have
> granite tops put in the kitchen...................I HATE IT!
> i hate keeping it shiny............................EVERY drop of
> water shows...............
>

You must have some weird-ass granite. Ours hides the dirt and water spots so
when I clean it I have to wipe every square inch because I cannot tell the
clean areas from the dirty. After 3 years of daily use it is still almost as
shiny as when new.


--
Peter Aitken

Remove the crap from my email address before using.

On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 22:06:49 GMT, "Peter Aitken"
> wrote:
>
> You must have some weird-ass granite. Ours hides the dirt and water spots so
> when I clean it I have to wipe every square inch because I cannot tell the
> clean areas from the dirty. After 3 years of daily use it is still almost as
> shiny as when new.

I think that's the difference between plain black or white
and everything inbetween.

;-)


Practice safe eating - always use condiments

I am about to purchase granite countertops and you say you have had goodluck with it. I want black with a bit of a sparkle to it. Do you think it will be very difficult to keep clean and shiny? Of course the salesman says it will always stay beautiful because of its natural state. Can you advise?

On Thu, 27 Oct 2005 02:24:20 +0000, JayneKG
> wrote:

>I am about to purchase granite countertops and you say you have had
>goodluck with it. I want black with a bit of a sparkle to it. Do you
>think it will be very difficult to keep clean and shiny? Of course the
>salesman says it will always stay beautiful because of its natural
>state. Can you advise?

There is some maintainence like sealing the granite finish once a
year...but have you considere quartz? Never needs sealing. We
chose Space Black nice sparkle.

http://www.zodiaq.com/zodiaq/a/en/h/...paceBlack.html

Protect your knives.....neither are gentle on blades.

"JayneKG" > wrote in message
...
>
> I am about to purchase granite countertops and you say you have had
> goodluck with it. I want black with a bit of a sparkle to it. Do you
> think it will be very difficult to keep clean and shiny? Of course the
> salesman says it will always stay beautiful because of its natural
> state. Can you advise?
>

First of all, all granite is not created equal. Aside from getting a slab
that looks the way you want, there are differences in porosity which in turn
affects how much, if at all, stains are absorbed. Basically you will pay
more for better stone and to some extent you haver to trust your supplier.
Our slab has been in daily use for 6 years and we certainly do not baby it.
We reseal it every year or two, takes about half an hour. Looks like new.
One word of advice be *SURE* to see the actual slab you will get before
buying, do not make your purchase based on a photo in a catalog.


--
Peter Aitken
Visit my recipe and kitchen myths page at www.pgacon.com/cooking.htm

On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 13:37:32 -0600, " *rosie*"
> wrote:

> we are selling our house, and in order to update it alittle i have
> granite tops put in the kitchen...................I HATE IT!
> i hate keeping it shiny............................EVERY drop of
> water shows...............

You must have put in BLACK. If you installed something with
"grain" like Dakota Mahogony, it wouldn't be an issue...
unless you're a slob.
>
> i had CORIAN in a previous house, and am looking forward to getting
> it back in our new house.........................

You're welcome to it! In fact - side your house with it and
do your roof too.

Corian looks cheap, but it was cost equivalent to granite
(including installation) the last time I checked. So, if
it's a choice between Corian and Formica, I'd go with
Formica because you get what you pay for and I like the
designs these days.




Practice safe eating - always use condiments

> You must have put in BLACK. If you installed something with
> "grain" like Dakota Mahogony, it wouldn't be an issue...
> unless you're a slob.


that is EXACTLY what we have..............................and no,
i'm not a slob, i wouldn't worry about those damn water marks if i
was, now would i!



> >
> > i had CORIAN in a previous house, and am looking forward to
getting
> > it back in our new house.........................
>
> You're welcome to it! In fact - side your house with it and
> do your roof too.


i believe that we were discussing countertops only.

>
> Corian looks cheap, but it was cost equivalent to granite
> (including installation) the last time I checked.


"to each his own"..............................

Someone wrote:
>
>Corian looks cheap, but it was cost equivalent to granite
>(including installation) the last time I checked.

Last time I checked decent granite cost like 4 times as much as corian.... you
sure you're not talking WOPish C-ment... Yo, Carmine, **** inna da wheelbarrow,
make-a her more-a juicy.


---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

>Chris Webster wrote:
>
>> I replace the whole top... last time I replaced a counter top a few years
>ago
>> the price was like $20 or so a running foot depending on which laminate --
>Home
>> Depot will supply counter top to your measurements in a vast array of
>> laminates. This kitchen has 24' of counter top (would cost about $500), a
>fully
>> covered backsplash up to the bottom of the cabinets (three full sheets 4' x
>10'
>> should do it, about $100 worth), and one 8" x 3' windowsill (about $50)..
>well
>> under $1,000. How many thousands would I need to spend for stone?
>
>
>I spent $500 for 12" granite squares, installed. They were $5 each or
>$10 a linear foot. I also have 24' of 24" deep counter top.

That's not a solid stone counter top... with all those crevices must get
friggin' filthy and look like dreck.... they would have to pay me $5 each to
schlep those tiles to the land fill.


---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

On 25 Feb 2004 19:28:52 GMT, (PENMART01)
wrote:

> Someone wrote:
> >
> >Corian looks cheap, but it was cost equivalent to granite
> >(including installation) the last time I checked.
>
> Last time I checked decent granite cost like 4 times as much as corian....

The last time *I* checked (locally), I checked out the cost
of the materials AND the cost of the installation.

....They were almost equal in total costs.

Maybe that's the difference between the W. & E. coasts, but
Corian was so close to the cost of granite that installing
granite was a no brainer.

The good part of granite is that it will last practically
forever. The bad part of granite is that it will last
practically forever.

LOL



Practice safe eating - always use condiments

> Any help appreciated, Aileen
>

When we recently re-modeled our kitchen it came down to Granite vs.
Formica. Though SS didn't occur to me. At first I couldn't find any
granite I liked (we were on the 12" tile thing), too many veins that had
to be matched, weird colors. Finally I found some plain old gray
Yosemite style granite. Not only that it was only $5 a square. $500
for granite and installation.

While formic is not particularly indestructible, it's cheap enough to
replace every 5 years.

>"Christopher J. Webster" says:
>
>While formic is not particularly indestructible, it's cheap enough to
>replace every 5 years.

And that's exactly what I do, gives my kitchen a fresh new appearance for very
little money, and other than for futzing with the sink I can remove the old and
install the new myself with little more than a screw driver. I really don't
see the point in spending what amounts to a year's worth of groceries on a
stone countertop just to impress the neighbors... I'd rather have the cash to
spend on good vittles.... but who am I to speak, while I type 70 sq yards of
brazilian cherry floor is being installed in my kitchen... six cats locked in
the spare bedroom and me in my office... dust up the kazoo!

Hopefully in about a week my kitchen will look like this:
http://www.woodfloors.org/consumer/d...action=post&rm
1=ki&sp1=bc&di1=ve&rm2=dr&sp2=ac&di2=ho


---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

PENMART01 wrote:
>> "Christopher J. Webster" says:
>>
>> While formic is not particularly indestructible, it's cheap enough
>> to replace every 5 years.
>
>
> And that's exactly what I do, gives my kitchen a fresh new appearance
> for very little money, and other than for futzing with the sink I can
> remove the old and install the new myself with little more than a
> screw driver.

I thought it took a bucket of contact cement and a router. Or do you
mean a prefab countertop and you replace the whole top?

> I really don't see the point in spending what amounts to a year's
> worth of groceries on a stone countertop just to impress the
> neighbors...

It's so you can break dishes and cups whenever you sit them down too
hard or they tip over.

> Hopefully in about a week my kitchen will look like this:
> <http://www.woodfloors.org/consumer/designStudioInteract.asp?action=post&rm1=ki&sp1=bc &di1=ve&rm2=dr&sp2=ac&di2=ho>
>
Looks nice (but dark). What kind of finish does it have?

Regards,
Bob

> zxcvbob writes:
>
>PENMART01 wrote:
>>> "Christopher J. Webster" says:
>>>
>>> While formica is not particularly indestructible, it's cheap enough
>>> to replace every 5 years.
>>
>> And that's exactly what I do, gives my kitchen a fresh new appearance
>> for very little money, and other than for futzing with the sink I can
>> remove the old and install the new myself with little more than a
>> screw driver.
>
>I thought it took a bucket of contact cement and a router. Or do you
>mean a prefab countertop and you replace the whole top?

I replace the whole top... last time I replaced a counter top a few years ago
the price was like $20 or so a running foot depending on which laminate -- Home
Depot will supply counter top to your measurements in a vast array of
laminates. This kitchen has 24' of counter top (would cost about $500), a fully
covered backsplash up to the bottom of the cabinets (three full sheets 4' x 10'
should do it, about $100 worth), and one 8" x 3' windowsill (about $50).. well
under $1,000. How many thousands would I need to spend for stone?

>> I really don't see the point in spending what amounts to a year's
>> worth of groceries on a stone countertop just to impress the
>> neighbors...
>
>It's so you can break dishes and cups whenever you sit them down too
>hard or they tip over.
>
>> Hopefully in about a week my kitchen will look like this:
>>
><http://www.woodfloors.org/consumer/d...p?action=post&
rm1=ki&sp1=bc&di1=ve&rm2=dr&sp2=ac&di2=ho>
>>
>Looks nice (but dark). What kind of finish does it have?

That's the natural wood, no stain is used on brazilian cherry, and it gets a
bit darker with reddish purple tones over time when exposed to light. I wanted
something dark and with some character... it will get four coats of some
expensive ($80/gal) urethane type finish made in Sweden... used the same stuff
to refinish the living room when I first moved in, beautiful job. The entire
rest of the house is floored in a light colored oak, this area will have a very
different look, I chose wider boards too (3"), all the rest is 2" width. The
original owners used commercial grade vinyl tile, 12" squares, in a *horrid*
green and white marblized pattern... they lived with that grotesque kitchen
flooring some 41 years, I don't know how. And all the rest of the kitchen is
beautiful custom cherrywood cabinets and wall paneling, all from the same tree
that was cut from the property... in fact all the doors in the house are from
that same tree. The fellow who is doing the floor now, his father did the
original woodwook, Norwegians do gorgeous wood working, perfection fanatics who
take great pride in their work, they work alone, takes a little longer, but no
stinkin' illegal alien minimum wage helpers to fercockt things up and steal
stuff.

I haven't checked stone recently but I'm positive a stone countertop will cost
more than my entire 70 sq. yd. flooring job ($3,300).


---= BOYCOTT FRENCH--GERMAN (belgium) =---
---= Move UNITED NATIONS To Paris =---
Sheldon
````````````
"Life would be devoid of all meaning were it without tribulation."

On 25 Feb 2004 19:19:05 GMT, (PENMART01)
wrote:

>
> That's the natural wood, no stain is used on brazilian cherry, and it gets a
> bit darker with reddish purple tones over time when exposed to light. I wanted
> something dark and with some character... it will get four coats of some
> expensive ($80/gal) urethane type finish made in Sweden...

I have a friend who used that. She had to move kids, cats &
dogs as well as adults out of the house for 2 or 3 days due
to the life shortening fumes involved. She has to stay out
of the house for a day or so even when she gives the floor a
"tune up".

> I used the same stuff
> to refinish the living room when I first moved in, beautiful job.

Yes, it is and if I remember her last comment to me about it
correctly, it's also now illegal in CA.

> The entire
> rest of the house is floored in a light colored oak, this area will have a very
> different look, I chose wider boards too (3"), all the rest is 2" width.

It's a "primative" look... sorta like subflooring, but very
fashionable. I had no idea you were such a home designer at
heart! I shoulda knowed when you sent me the arial view of
your property. Sheesh. It's a place where most people
would think that they'd died and went to Heaven if they got
near it.

You actually beat my mother's property.... only because you
have a real river (not a year round stream like Mom's)
flowing past. The best part is that your big river is
between you and the highway! Mom just has 40 acres and a
few trees.

> The
> original owners used commercial grade vinyl tile, 12" squares, in a *horrid*
> green and white marblized pattern... they lived with that grotesque kitchen
> flooring some 41 years, I don't know how.

I don't know if they picked it, but it must have been
something they could live with. LOL. Try living with the
pink & white kitchen with pink & green striped wallpaper on
the ceiling and '60's style funky flowered wallpaper that
came with my kitchen. Eeeew. My bedroom had a bright
orange (gloss) paint and wallpaper that was a brown
grasspaper with and ORANGE background. Yuck. Combine that
with eye-ease green paint on all the walls and some sort of
horrible green carpet that "co-ordinated" with it. Nasty.

> And all the rest of the kitchen is
> beautiful custom cherrywood cabinets and wall paneling, all from the same tree
> that was cut from the property...

Your're so lucky to have the local resourses who can do that
for you! My sister has a very tasteful kitchen that was
done frugally... the cabinets were made with wood from an
old barn. They are full of character! Although I wouldn't
do that sort of thing in my city house, they are absolutely
PERFECT for her country house.

> in fact all the doors in the house are from
> that same tree.

That was a HUGE tree!


Practice safe eating - always use condiments

> I replace the whole top... last time I replaced a counter top a few years ago
> the price was like $20 or so a running foot depending on which laminate -- Home
> Depot will supply counter top to your measurements in a vast array of
> laminates. This kitchen has 24' of counter top (would cost about $500), a fully
> covered backsplash up to the bottom of the cabinets (three full sheets 4' x 10'
> should do it, about $100 worth), and one 8" x 3' windowsill (about $50).. well
> under $1,000. How many thousands would I need to spend for stone?


I spent $500 for 12" granite squares, installed. They were $5 each or
$10 a linear foot. I also have 24' of 24" deep counter top.

zxcvbob > wrote in message >...
> PENMART01 wrote:
> >> "Christopher J. Webster" says:
>
> > I really don't see the point in spending what amounts to a year's
> > worth of groceries on a stone countertop just to impress the
> > neighbors...
>
> It's so you can break dishes and cups whenever you sit them down too
> hard or they tip over.
>
> > Hopefully in about a week my kitchen will look like this:
> > <http://www.woodfloors.org/consumer/designStudioInteract.asp?action=post&rm1=ki&sp1=bc &di1=ve&rm2=dr&sp2=ac&di2=ho>
> >
> Looks nice (but dark). What kind of finish does it have?

We wanted to use cherry flooring in the kitchen - it's just gorgeous -
but were told that cherry darkens dramatically with age, and not being
able to envision how it would eventually look with our cabinetry, we
chickened out! We ended up with a bamboo floor (random planks,
interesting grain).

We did, however, opt for granite countertops. They're good looking,
easy to clean, and stay cool (perfect for rolling pastry dough). We
ruled out marble, as it's too porous and can absorb stains. Haven't
broken any glasses on the counters yet! Actually, we were more
worried about dropping things on the floor, which is why we went with
hardwood instead of stone or ceramic tile.

I don't think any one surface is "better" than the others. The
choices should suit the people who will be using it, and what they
will be using it for. Just my 2 cents!

- Chris
---
http://www.sudairy.com/

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 10:34:02 -0600, zxcvbob
> wrote:

> PENMART01 wrote:
>
> > Hopefully in about a week my kitchen will look like this:
> > <http://www.woodfloors.org/consumer/designStudioInteract.asp?action=post&rm1=ki&sp1=bc &di1=ve&rm2=dr&sp2=ac&di2=ho>
> >
> Looks nice (but dark). What kind of finish does it have?
>

I'm assuming it's the one on the left... that's my style and
it's not too dark given the setting (light cabinets), IMO.

I LOVE the look of natural cherry, especially when the
different shades of wood are allowed to shine through.

However, if wood isn't bleached - it will eventually darken
with time. So all it takes is a little patience to get a
pretty honey colored wood tone.


Practice safe eating - always use condiments

sf > wrote in
:

> On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 10:34:02 -0600, zxcvbob
> > wrote:
>
>> PENMART01 wrote:
>>
>> > Hopefully in about a week my kitchen will look like this:
>> > <http://www.woodfloors.org/consumer/d...act.asp?action
>> > =post&rm1=ki&sp1=bc&di1=ve&rm2=dr&sp2=ac&di2=ho>
>> >
>> Looks nice (but dark). What kind of finish does it have?
>>
>
> I'm assuming it's the one on the left... that's my style and
> it's not too dark given the setting (light cabinets), IMO.
>
> I LOVE the look of natural cherry, especially when the
> different shades of wood are allowed to shine through.
>
> However, if wood isn't bleached - it will eventually darken
> with time. So all it takes is a little patience to get a
> pretty honey colored wood tone.
>
>
> Practice safe eating - always use condiments
>

Some years ago when we redid a kitchen, we used unbleached natural
cherry. After three years it had mellowed to a beautiful tawny hue.

Wayne

On Wed, 25 Feb 2004 08:20:43 -0700, "Christopher J. Webster"
> wrote:

>
> > Any help appreciated, Aileen
> >
>
> When we recently re-modeled our kitchen it came down to Granite vs.
> Formica. Though SS didn't occur to me.

I like SS, but I think that totally ss counters are over the
top... and way too industrial/commercial for me.

> At first I couldn't find any
> granite I liked (we were on the 12" tile thing), too many veins that had
> to be matched, weird colors. Finally I found some plain old gray
> Yosemite style granite. Not only that it was only $5 a square. $500
> for granite and installation.
>
> While formic is not particularly indestructible, it's cheap enough to
> replace every 5 years.

AND the new designs are great. You want granite? They have
it (and it looks good). You want marble, soapstone or wood?
They have it. You want it to look like Corian? They
probably have something like that too.

;-)

Obviously, I was impressed by the "it's not your mother's
formica". AFAIC: If you don't have a lot of money, but you
need a new countertop - Formica is the way to go. I
absolutely HATE ceramic tile... mainly because most tile
setters today don't know how to set tiles the old fashioned
way: with little to no space between them.



Practice safe eating - always use condiments

Aileen > wrote in
:

> I would like to hear from those of you with marble counters. What
> are your experiences? I presently have Brazilian Green granite and
> wanted to compare the two for durability , cost, staining etc etc.
> I will be building another kitchen and am trying to decide
> ...light white/grey granite or carrera marble for counters. Island
> to be another colour granite or material.

I wrote an article many years ago on marble production and uses in
the late 19th century in Canada. Yes, it was published after passing
peer review, in The Register, volume 6, no. 2, pp. 135-148.

Briefly, polished granite is fairly durable but not impervious to
accidents. Granite is a lighter stone than marble by about 5kg to a
cubic foot and it first gradually and then suddenly replaced marble
as a household and funerary stone in the late 19th century, as marble
sources dried up in the US and the Canadian marble industry was
summarily killed by US tariffs.

By the late 1890's, fashion had reduced marble to a rare stone in
construction except in the most expensive dwellings.

Marble is a calcium silicate which is to say that it has facets, some
soluble, some non-soluble. If the stone is cut precisely to expose
the non-soluble facet (obviously the most expensive cut), the stone
can last a few hundred years without showing signs of fading, at
least as a funerary stone.

On the whole marble would be a better stone, but nowadays, you may
not be able to get a cut along the non-soluble face. I can't say
I've tried to buy marble lately.

--

"I'm the master of low expectations."

GWB, aboard Air Force One, 04Jun2003