Kitchen Countertops

[toggleswitch]

oh heather.
Do post some pics I expect it will turn out *GAWGEOUS*

 

[volvoguy87]

Congratulations

Happy anniversary. Even though I was rooting for Corian, I'm sure you will be proud of granite. It is a great material and you should enjoy it for many years. If you are re-doing your shower in tile (great idea), be sure not to go too cheap on the tile installation. Behind the tile, there should be a concrete-based board, not just drywall. Also Moen makes some great shower valves. They finally came up with a great 2-knob design. One knob for temperature, one for pressure. You can finally adjust 1 without changing the other at all. My folks installed some of these valves about 2 or 3 years ago, and I think they are the best improvement in bathroom design in the last 50 years.

Congratulations,
Dave

 

[gregm]

retro vs new ?

I went retro with the turquoise/shiny/boomerangs , although I am not a fan of laminate and would prefer silestone or something else, I wanted the true retro look in my first home. It was cheap, its easy to clean, with the gloss finish I need to be careful not to scratch or "cut" anything on the counters or put anything to hot on them whereas its "plastic". I also put the MAPLE edge on, real maple wood, couldn't find the "metal/alum" edge that I really wanted.

 

[58limited]

Silestone

I purchased black Silestone countertops two years ago and I love it. Silestone is harder than granite and is less likely to scratch, they say you can even use it as your cutting board, but it will dull your knives rather fast. My parents have lovely granite countertops, but the installer told them they could not clean with anything other than water (not even windex - ???). Silestone can be cleaned with any ordinary cleaner, but don't get oven cleaner on it!

 

[rickr]

Hi David, and welcome to the club. Love your kitchen BTW. The floor looks familiar.<:
Do not know anything about Silestone, but can tell you that real granite is almost impossible to scratch. I was told that the only stone harder than granite is a diamond. I do use my counters as a cutting board, and also set hot Corningware from the oven right on the surface without worry. I use a spray granite cleaner on my countertops about once per month. For everyday cleaning, a soapy dishcloth and just wipe it off. Don't dry it, or rinse either.

So what exactly is Silestone? And is it man made, or a natural material?
Thank you, Rick

 

[dalangdon]

I like your kitchen, Greg. That color is fun, the cabinets are great, and that wall fixture is so cool!

 

[58limited]

Hi rickr,

Silestone is crushed quartz. It is bound with an industrial epoxy. Last time I checked, it was available in 54 colors.

There are more pictures of my kitchen on my website, see link. So far, the only late model appliances I'm using are the dishwasher, Grind 'N Brew coffee maker, and microwave. Everything else is vintage 1940s/50s.

http://users2.ev1.net/~drw2980/kitchen.htm

 

[rickr]

Thanks for the information on the Silestone David. I have learned so much from others on this wonderful web space. Speaking of web sites, I love yours! Will view the rest of it, when I have the time, and can't wait! Looks very interesting and fun. I can tell from your taste in decor, that you have found the right internet club to join. You are just going to love it here! Many of us share your hobbies, and some of us have vintage cars, including myself. I look forward to getting to know you better.

Rick