Hi again,

We went through similar thought processes in our remodel a year or two ago. Three choices come to mind...

(1) Formica and other laminated materials. Cheap, durable, not very exciting. Of course then, there's Corian--very dense and durable, and a lot more money--but also not all that exciting.

(2) Tile: Nowhere near the cost of granite, but still has a touch of class about it. Usually is ceramic (which can be beautiful and can cost anything from cheap to expensive). You can put down granite-look tiles, or even tile made of granite--but I've heard mixed reviews about it.

In our kitchen project (we were definitely on a budget too), we used VERY LARGE (16x24") heavy porcelain tile ("class 5", for use in floors and countertops). It looks great, has few grout lines to clean, but hasn't been perfect (as it still requires the correct sealer--or some stains must be cleaned up with liquid cleanser). But we're happy with it.

(3) Stainless Steel. A friend had a sink/counter combo built (by a restaurant supplier, I think) and it is nice. The sinks are integrated into the countertop as one unit--so it's seamless. I think it's great, except that the sinks are (in my opinion) a little small. But being a custom job, you can make it however you like! And it wasn't all that expensive by comparison to the alternatives. Interesting, I'll say that. Probably best if you have no "ells" in your countertop.

Regards,

-k2 in CO

Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous

I can't think of anything colder or more boring than stainless steel-that's what they use in institutions and prisons. It's certainly indestructible but that's about all it has going for it. If Corian is out of your budget range check out LG HI-MACS or Staron at kitchen dealers or home centers. Both are acrylic based solid surfaces made in South Korea, and are very competetivley priced. HI-MACS currently has a free sink program at ***** until Dec 15, 2004.

though it blocked out the store name but i will do a search on the names...i love Corian, my brother used to make corian and avinite countertops when he was alive, i think i spelt that right...but that is out of the budget for the moment. thank you

I will try again with the name to see if I can fool the censors. It's a home center starting with L and ending with S, 5 letters. Avonite and Corian will be similarly priced with HI-MACS and Staron somewhat lower. The Corian Select Series colors are also very competitive and sometimes you can find a free or low cost sink for it. HI-MACS has a 15 year installed and transferable warranty as opposed to 10 years on the other products.

i got ya know...love that store...thanks for the summary, i will look into those this week, now that i have the measurements it will be easier to price out.