A Moment of Silence Please

[SHELLY]

Say good-bye to granite countertops

High-end kitchen and bath renovations just aren't boosting a home's value the way they used to. Sellers who succumbed to home over-improvement syndrome are feeling the pain.
By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer
February 29 2008: 2:15 PM EST

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The granite countertop's glory days might be over. :cry:

During the housing boom, updating a kitchen with high end materials like cherry wood cabinets and a Viking stove was a sure bet to boost a home's value. Homeowners often recovered about 80% of the cost when the house was later sold.

But with so much more inventory on the market for buyers to choose from, they just aren't as impressed with the bells and whistles. Now most upscale renovations are returning less than 70% of their cost, according to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Remodeling magazine.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/26/real_estate/remodel_cost_value_ratio_drops/index.htm?postversion=2008022811

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:cry: Top Ramen will never taste the same :cry:


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[Dune-AHH]

Roofs and walls aren't returning as much as they used to either. :lol:

[Bobby J]

This is a sad day :cry:

[SHELLY]

This is a sad day :cry:

The good news is we can recycle them into tombstones.


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[Mango]

Are you just waking up now Shelly?, because based on the time of your post, it looks like this kept you up all night. :eek:

[SHELLY]

Are you just waking up now Shelly?, because based on the time of your post, it looks like this kept you up all night. :eek:

While it's true I am distraught over this revelation--I'm also out of my sleep cycle from following the wacky Far East/Euro markets the past couple nights.

,

[kathydwells]

The good news is we can recycle them into tombstones..

:funn:OMG..drink spewed.:clap:

Glad I kept my laminate. :biggrin:

[Beach Runner]

If not granite, then what?

[30A Skunkape]

If not granite, then what?

Concrete and metals are on the horizon. The cycle will be complete when kitchens are again orange like Mike Brady's (or was it Carol's or Alice's?).

[Johnrudy]

If not granite, then what?
beautiful soapstone.

[Rambunkscious]

Yes, formica, is so avante guarde................................I will forever be impressed with green formica.

[Rambunkscious]

If you dont like granite countertops, you can kiss my a**!!!!!!

[kathydwells]

If you dont like granite countertops, you can kiss my a**!!!!!!

Wow, did someone have a bad day? :shock:

[Johnrudy]

Yes, formica, is so avante guarde................................I will forever be impressed with green formica.
Actually, formica has already made a comeback - along with funky vinyl flooring. I love my formica counter tops. At least when I get tired of them, it won't cost a ton of $$ to replace for an altogether new look.

[SHELLY]

Originally Posted by Rambunkscious

If you dont like granite countertops, you can kiss my a**!!!!!!


Wow, did someone have a bad day? :shock:


No....I think that was first runner up in the New Hampshire State Motto Contest.


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[SHELLY]

If not granite, then what?

Granite-print contact paper over plywood leaps to mind.


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[Beach Runner]

Concrete and metals are on the horizon. The cycle will be complete when kitchens are again orange like Mike Brady's (or was it Carol's or Alice's?).
I can deal with concrete, but metal is too hard to clean -- gets streaky.

Actually, formica has already made a comeback
You must be kidding.


Granite-print contact paper over plywood leaps to mind.

You *are* kidding.:lol:

I heard that Corian is coming back. That's what we have on the island in our kitchen in Georgia, with shiny white 4x4 ceramic tile on the counters. The tile was "in" when we built in 1988, but it's a pain because the grout just won't clean, plus it cracks.

[rapunzel]

Zinc!

[Tootsie]

:funn:OMG..drink spewed.:clap:

Glad I kept my laminate. :biggrin:

call me crazy but I love my formica countertop. we did a complete kitchen remodel a few years ago and I almost went with granite because its all the rage, but it wasn't what I wanted. I love retro and some of the patterns in formica were just irrisistable. plus, if I want to change it out in a few more years it won't cost an arm and a leg.

I went with granite on another cabinet piece (buffet) and I like it too.

corian reminds me of what goes in a bathroom for some reason so I never could put it in the kitchen.

[jdarg]

Mermaid and Merman have the coolest countertops- copper sheeting! Their kitchen has a very European karma....hey Mermy-post some pics of your kitchen!

[Mango]

call me crazy but I love my formica countertop. we did a complete kitchen remodel a few years ago and I almost went with granite because its all the rage, but it wasn't what I wanted. I love retro and some of the patterns in formica were just irrisistable. plus, if I want to change it out in a few more years it won't cost an arm and a leg.

I went with granite on another cabinet piece (buffet) and I like it too.

No you're not crazy. I have it too and still love it. But, I am getting a little tired of it and looking at doing something else.

BTW, love your kitchen. :wave:

[Tootsie]

No you're not crazy. I have it too and still love it. But, I am getting a little tired of it and looking at doing something else.

BTW, love your kitchen. :wave:


like what?

[DD]

Granite-print contact paper over plywood leaps to mind.


.

:floor::floor: This would fit my budget perfectly!! Thanks, Shelly for the idea!!

Mermaid and Merman have the coolest countertops- copper sheeting! Their kitchen has a very European karma....hey Mermy-post some pics of your kitchen!

Oooooooooooh! I wanna see, Mermy!!! Pics, pleeeeeeeeez. :clap:

I really am thinking of new countertops this summer. I want concrete, but know nothing about them really. Anyone got 'em? Advice?

[elgordoboy]

A quick material comparison...
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/kitchen/kitchen-remodeling/countertops/countertops-8-07/types/0708_counter_types_1.htm

[DD]

8CONCRETE

Best for a modern, high-tech look. It can be dyed, textured, or customized.


But it requires periodic sealing and is easily damaged by heat, knives, and rough objects. Compare countertop materials: Durability depends on the fabricator's skill and type of sealant. Can develop cracks.


Price $80 to $120 per square foot, installed; $4,400 to $6,600 for an average-sized kitchen.

Yeow!!! :blink::yikes:I will never get mr. dd to go for this. Especially if we're going to sell within a year or so. And, then if I did get them, I might not want to sell. I better go with formica. The next owners can spring for the concrete.

[Mermaid]

Mermaid and Merman have the coolest countertops- copper sheeting! Their kitchen has a very European karma....hey Mermy-post some pics of your kitchen!

You will have to allow me some time to clear off those countertops. :lol:

We got the inspiration for those countertops about ten years ago when we were staying at Seaside. Remember the wine bar, where Cafe Rendezvous is now? We were sitting there sipping our wine and eyeballing the copper countertop bar at the same time (I don't think they ever had anyone examining the underside of the bar, not sober, at least ;-)), thinking that we could do the same. Voila! A roll of copper roof sheeting and ten million clamps later, we had our own. It wasn't hard to construct, either.

It complements our granite countertops beautifully.

[sowalgayboi]

You will have to allow me some time to clear off those countertops. :lol:

We got the inspiration for those countertops about ten years ago when we were staying at Seaside. Remember the wine bar, where Cafe Rendezvous is now? We were sitting there sipping our wine and eyeballing the copper countertop bar at the same time (I don't think they ever had anyone examining the underside of the bar, not sober, at least ;-)), thinking that we could do the same. Voila! A roll of copper roof sheeting and ten million clamps later, we had our own. It wasn't hard to construct, either.

It complements our granite countertops beautifully.

Has it aged and gotten any kind of patina on it? Just wondering if regular cleaning will prevent it. :idontno:

[Beach Runner]

corian reminds me of what goes in a bathroom for some reason so I never could put it in the kitchen.
Corian was chic and expensive in 1988. Yes, we have Corian in the bathrooms, too. I have been thinking about re-doing the countertops in the kitchen and was about to put in granite. Glad I got the 411 that it's out (according to Southern Accents magazine and this message board). I would have been :pissed: if I had put in granite last fall when I started considering it.

To save some money, we put Formica in the laundry room/butler's pantry. I have always been embarrassed by it. Guess now it's stylin'!

[TooFarTampa]

Corian was chic and expensive in 1988. Yes, we have Corian in the bathrooms, too. I have been thinking about re-doing the countertops in the kitchen and was about to put in granite. Glad I got the 411 that it's out (according to Southern Accents magazine and this message board). I would have been :pissed: if I had put in granite last fall when I started considering it.

To save some money, we put Formica in the laundry room/butler's pantry. I have always been embarrassed by it. Guess now it's stylin'!

Quartz composite is a nice clean look, and I think it can be done without seams. If it is too shiny I think you can have it honed but I am not sure. The only things I don't like about formica are the edges (unless you have a rolled top, which is hard to do if you have anything but a straight counter) and the lip around the sink. I like having an undermount sink.

Soapstone is heavenly but it is not for everyone. :wave:

[TooFarTampa]

Also BR I wouldn't worry this time about what is chic, but what suits your beautiful home and what is most functional for you. Granite actually is functional for many reasons but obviously designers have tired of it.

[DD]

You will have to allow me some time to clear off those countertops. :lol:

We got the inspiration for those countertops about ten years ago when we were staying at Seaside. Remember the wine bar, where Cafe Rendezvous is now? We were sitting there sipping our wine and eyeballing the copper countertop bar at the same time (I don't think they ever had anyone examining the underside of the bar, not sober, at least ;-)), thinking that we could do the same. Voila! A roll of copper roof sheeting and ten million clamps later, we had our own. It wasn't hard to construct, either.

It complements our granite countertops beautifully.

I'll buy the sheeting...you bring the clamps. :biggrin:

[Johnrudy]

Quartz composite is a nice clean look, and I think it can be done without seams. If it is too shiny I think you can have it honed but I am not sure. The only things I don't like about formica are the edges (unless you have a rolled top, which is hard to do if you have anything but a straight counter) and the lip around the sink. I like having an undermount sink.

Soapstone is heavenly but it is not for everyone. :wave:
yes, I'm holding out for soapstone eventually.

[Beach Runner]

Also BR I wouldn't worry this time about what is chic, but what suits your beautiful home and what is most functional for you. Granite actually is functional for many reasons but obviously designers have tired of it.
Right now I just want something timeless that won't look dated in 10 years. But maybe that's impossible.

[sowalgayboi]

Stainless steel counters are beautiful, but in the wrong light you'll go blind.

[Beach Runner]

We rented the Pappas house on Eastern Green at Rosemary once while we were building. They have (or had) stainless steel counters. They are impossible to keep clean and streak-free. I would buy a bottle of Windex a week if I had stainless steel counters.

BTW that house is gorgeous!

I read that stainless steel appliances were going out because they're so hard to keep streak-and spot-free. What's the alternative to that? I saw in a magazine -- can't remember (Southern Living?) that had brown enamel appliances just like we had in our first house. I've also heard that gold and avocado green appliances were coming back in. Yikes!

How about marble countertops? That's what my sister put into her spec house in Seagrove. They look great.

[Johnrudy]

I love the look of marble too. The traditional white with grey veining.

[hnooe]

I have tried it all the the countertops around including cement and all the various shades and materials on appliances--I have permanently settled now forever on all matt black appliances and Zodiac countertops.

[TooFarTampa]

I have tried it all the the countertops around including cement and all the various shades and materials on appliances--I have permanently settled now forever on all matt black appliances and Zodiac countertops.

Zodiaq is a great choice! It's been a couple of years since I researched this, but I do remember that Silestone was significantly better priced than Zodiaq (it's because of the Dupont name), so if you can find an equivalent in Silestone you will save some bucks.

Marble countertops are stunning (and I definitely want some someday) but you need to do two things so you lessen your chances of going crazy: hone them to a matte finish and then seal the heck out of them. The same goes for limestone, which is also a gorgeous but very brave choice for a counter from a maintenance perspective.

Honing the stone means that any etching that happens when the counter comes in contact with something acidic (lemon juice, wine, etc.) will be much less noticeable. If you install shiny marble counters, the inevitable etching will make you crazy.

Honing does open the pores of the stone more, so proper sealing (reapplied when necessary) is what you need to do if you to avoid stains. Stains and etching are different things but can be equally as annoying if you are a perfectionist.

Soapstone :wub: does not stain, but to get that velvety black oxidized look you need to oil it, at least at the beginning.

Mermy I am so impressed with your countertop ingenuity. :clap:

[scooterbug44]

Right now I just want something timeless that won't look dated in 10 years. But maybe that's impossible.

Anything that is tasteful, functional, not matchy-matchy, and not the inferior desecrater finish du jour won't look dated.

I love a mix of stone (especially soapstone), butcher block, concrete, and laminate countertops depending on their location and function. My grandmother's white laminate kitchen counters are on their 4th decade!

Tile countertops always looks uneven or I worry about keeping the grout clean/uncracked. Metal countertops (esp. copper) are cool, but not very functional IMO.

[elitrope]

Here's a couple of other suggestions for counter top alternatives. IMO granite is over done and it's certainly not an environmentally sensitive material, though perhaps there will be a great use for all those granite counters that will be ripped out over the next 10 years.

RichLite makes a composite counter top from cellulous and resin. http://www.richlite.com/

Fireslate is another interesting alternative, also a sort of concrete composite...think old school lab tables. http://www.fireslate.com/pages/home.cfm

and...

last but not least, for an affordable countertop, 3/4" birch plywood with a plaster and water based urethane finish (my special blend). This is what I put in my home for under $200 in materials with the intention of ripping them out as soon as I figured out what I "really" wanted. The thing is, I get so many compliments on the counters and 4 years later, they still look great. I'll probably do a light sanding and throw another coat of matte urethane of them later this year. People can't figure out what it is...looks like slate, or could be concrete, but it's warm to the touch and has a thin profile. It's definitely not for everyone. Just another idea.

[DD]

Here's a couple of other suggestions for counter top alternatives. IMO granite is over done and it's certainly not an environmentally sensitive material, though perhaps there will be a great use for all those granite counters that will be ripped out over the next 10 years.

RichLite makes a composite counter top from cellulous and resin. http://www.richlite.com/

Fireslate is another interesting alternative, also a sort of concrete composite...think old school lab tables. http://www.fireslate.com/pages/home.cfm

and...

last but not least, for an affordable countertop, 3/4" birch plywood with a plaster and water based urethane finish (my special blend). This is what I put in my home for under $200 in materials with the intention of ripping them out as soon as I figured out what I "really" wanted. The thing is, I get so many compliments on the counters and 4 years later, they still look great. I'll probably do a light sanding and throw another coat of matte urethane of them later this year. People can't figure out what it is...looks like slate, or could be concrete, but it's warm to the touch and has a thin profile. It's definitely not for everyone. Just another idea.

Got pics?

[beachmouse]

Ohhh...want fireslate. We've frequently talked about how it would be neat to have lab counters as kitchen counters.

[elgordoboy]

Ohhh...want fireslate. We've frequently talked about how it would be neat to have lab counters as kitchen counters.
That would be really cool. I have a mental flash -cooking in white lab coats, reducing on a Bunsen burner in beakers, mise en place petri dishes hmm.

[Tootsie]

Anything that is tasteful, functional, not matchy-matchy, and not the inferior desecrater finish du jour won't look dated.

I love a mix of stone (especially soapstone), butcher block, concrete, and laminate countertops depending on their location and function. My grandmother's white laminate kitchen counters are on their 4th decade!

Tile countertops always looks uneven or I worry about keeping the grout clean/uncracked. Metal countertops (esp. copper) are cool, but not very functional IMO.

yes, a mix of texture in the kitchen sounds ideal. would not want a butcher block top, but I do have a very large butcher block piece that sits on top of the counter that I can not live without. also cannot live without my funky laminate. but would like to add something different to the mix. no metal please. no tile (done this - not for me). but not sure what.

[sowalgayboi]

Ohhh...want fireslate. We've frequently talked about how it would be neat to have lab counters as kitchen counters.

That would be really cool. I have a mental flash -cooking in white lab coats, reducing on a Bunsen burner in beakers, mise en place petri dishes hmm.

A science themed dinner party, that could be fun. I wonder if any of the medical pros on here could scare up dinner service for 8?

[JUL]

Say good-bye to granite countertops

High-end kitchen and bath renovations just aren't boosting a home's value the way they used to. Sellers who succumbed to home over-improvement syndrome are feeling the pain.
By Les Christie, CNNMoney.com staff writer
February 29 2008: 2:15 PM EST

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The granite countertop's glory days might be over. :cry:

During the housing boom, updating a kitchen with high end materials like cherry wood cabinets and a Viking stove was a sure bet to boost a home's value. Homeowners often recovered about 80% of the cost when the house was later sold.

But with so much more inventory on the market for buyers to choose from, they just aren't as impressed with the bells and whistles. Now most upscale renovations are returning less than 70% of their cost, according to a recent survey from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and Remodeling magazine.

http://money.cnn.com/2008/02/26/real_estate/remodel_cost_value_ratio_drops/index.htm?postversion=2008022811

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:cry: Top Ramen will never taste the same :cry:


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Well, if it makes you feel any better I for one would buy the Viking stove and granite kitchen over the laminate and whirlpool.....Just think of it this way...Your's might sell may not be netting more $$$ but it may sell before the other.:idontno:

[John R]

Zinc!

2x

and of course Paperstone (http://www.paperstoneproducts.com/). The coolest.