I know very little about granite countertops EXCEPT that they are beautiful. I have been in to price having one installed. I think the price for removing our present countertop (laminate, I think) and the same black splash which is roughly 18 inches seems very high. I asked about feasibility of simply placing the granite over what exists which either plywood and glue or simply glue since the condition of the material is excellent. I am told that makes it too thick.