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Solid surface countertops

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 5:06 pm
by Suzque49
We are thinking about remodeling our kitchen in the next few months, just looking at options now.
I want to do it as inexpensively as possible, but still have a good outcome.
I know I want some type of solid surface countertop, low maintenace, durable. I do not want tile or laminate, and granite/natural stone is way too pricey.
I have been looking online and found counters like "shirestone" "silestone" and of course corian and formica solid surface. I have only succeded in confusing myself even more. The websites dont really answer my questions like weight, installation, price.
Does anyone here have the answers to these questions? Do home improvement stores carry this type of countertop? I like to pretty much know what I am looking for before I actually go shopping. Thanks Susan

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 7:33 pm
by DecoratingChallenged
I can't help you, I haven't even started thinking of counter tops yet, but good luck to you!

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 10:43 pm
by Yanita
You can google home improvment stores by name in your area...most will give you an idea, if not the websites will explain how to measure then call the store for a quote/estimate. Granite generally is sold at specialty shops, I have not seen them at my Lowe's.

Yanita

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 10:19 am
by Greg
You can figure around $100/FT. for Granite, plus the time to have it made for you.
I have done two Tile counter tops that have worked well. The cost on tile is dependent on the tiles you choose.
If you want a solid surface, and have eliminated Granite & tile, that does not leave many options left. Check http://www.ronhazelton.com, He did a concrete top on his show this week, I'm not sure if it's on the website yet.
Personally I think you may want to rethink the tile option, the price may not be as bad as you think. Greg

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 5:50 pm
by Suzque49
Greg
I have tile countertops now and I don't like them at all. The grout is a royal pain to keep clean and sanitized. it's chipped too. I had tile in another house I had and put in formica when I remodel the kitchen in the next home and concrete stains easily if not kept sealed. I dont want maintainence issues.
We will have about 12 ft on one side and probably 6 to 8 ft on the other, so about 40 sq ft of counter and at $100 sq ft that is way too expensive.
I am a real bargin hunter, (We built our 1000 sq ft covered deck for around $8000). I may be crazy, but I am hoping to spend a lot less then $10,000. (New flooring, sink, faucet, cabinets, countertop and lighting and paint).

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 8:38 am
by Greg
OK, depending on the size, I KNOW that (in the North East) you can do kitchen for $10k. I did ours for less than $2500. The key is going to be the cabinets, Sorry but I don't feel that you need to spend BIG money on name brand cabinets and that is where the savings can add up fast. I'm not saying go buy unfinished cabinets either, they are usually made of Partical board (JUNK!!) take your time and look around there are quality inexpensive cabinets made. I found Sunco, they do not have ANY Partical board in them, ALL hardwood & plywood. The only thing that turns some people off is that you have to assemble them. It is a simple job that takes 10-20 minuets to do. I averaged around $150 each when I did ours. I could not buy the materials and make them for that money.
Do LOTS of shopping around, I know with some work you can get the price in your range. Greg

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 3:30 pm
by Suzque49
Thanks, is Sunco a local company or online? We live in Calif and if I could order them online that would be great, I will look for a webpage.
I don't believe in buying "name brand" just for the sake of the name :roll: when I can get something comparable (and a sometimes better) for less money.
No way will I put up particle board cabinets and I dont mind putting them together either.
Susan

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 4:05 pm
by Greg
This is my local supplier, I doubt they have stores on the west cost.

http://www.bargain-outlets.com/

You can google Sunco cabinets and possibly find a supplier near you. Greg

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Tue Feb 02, 2010 5:05 pm
by Suzque49
I did google it and fonnd Sunco distributor in Woodland Ca, up by Sacramento.
I also checked on ebay, found another dealer for "Less Care" cabinets. seems they have all wood cabinets too. the one on ebay was $995 for 10 cabnets, (their standard 10x10 setup). I am sure if I cont to look I will find a lot more.
Thanks for the lead. I appriciate all the help I can get

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Fri Feb 05, 2010 10:22 pm
by JD
We looked at solid surface countertops for a bathroom a while back and ended up going with Zodiaq Quartz. It is heat resistant, scratch resistant, does not require sealants and just plain beautiful. Really happy with the product.

JD

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 8:18 am
by crackur
JD wrote:We looked at solid surface countertops for a bathroom a while back and ended up going with Zodiaq Quartz. It is heat resistant, scratch resistant, does not require sealants and just plain beautiful. Really happy with the product.

JD
what rates of price did you get?

Re: Solid surface countertops

Posted: Tue Feb 09, 2010 1:51 pm
by JD
I don't remember the SF price but I remember that it was expensive, even at my contractor price through my supplier. All things being relative, I remember it was just a little more Corian.

JD