Granite--WTF
Who declared that granite countertops are the be-all end-all of kitcheny goodness? I can't stand the stuff but it seems that an army of contractors is swarming the city installing it in every house I look at (often just before it goes on the market!). Can whoever's in charge of this stop it now please?
Comments
"The newest kitchen trend has hit the markets with a resounding thud and appears to be pushing granite out of the way.
If you want to update your kitchen with the latest decorating fad your bank account will appreciate your trendy taste.
Granite countertops were so popular in the last decade that they almost became a staple of new homes. I challenge anyone to go to a parade of homes and find a home without any granite. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration but I wouldn't be surprised if it was true.
Granite is attractive and practical because of its durability and resistance to stains but it's very heavy and carries a pretty weighty price tag as well. So move over granite as stone compound countertops take over."
With formica you can change the color every few years if you want at minimal cost, especially if you are good with a router, and besides, granite has a tendency to crack. Forget soapstone, that stuff is too soft. I think the chemistry benches from high school were made of that stuff.
I think we've seen the revival of the cliche "1950's kitchen" with all the granite and stainless, only this is the 2004 version of the same.
Personally, my favorite kitchen "look" is old-fashioned ceramic tile, in a pretty color or two. Not as practical, what with the grout and all, but it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. In our house we're currently planning I want either ceramic tile or wood countertops... and reclaimed marble on the island because it's cheap, and I want it to look old and loved (I do a lot of pastry making).
Yup.
Ten years from now, people will be saying "Uggh! Granite and stainless, that's so 90s." Stainless will be the new avocado, or harvest gold! And (gasp) bright colors on appliances will be all the rage! I can just see the RE flyers now: "Kitchen just pops with hot pink appliances and OSB countertops."
I was watching some home-improvement show on TV and they were going over all of the maintenance you have to do on granite to keep it nice--yuck! And the stuff stains too.
But Formica isn't what it used to be--due to hazardous waste issues (not sure exactly which compounds), it isn't as hard and durable as it used to be. I'm with you though--I have it in my kitchen from previous owner's remodel--looks good, works fine, low maintenance, plan on keeping it for a long time.
I've seen some 2-3" thick honed slab granite with rough edges that are pretty sweet and will probably hold the test of time.
I do however think that appliances will follow the colored enamel coated style rather than stainless in the future with the exception of the "true" stainless appliances (Sub-Zero/Wolf/Viking etc) that are fully wrapped rather than just the doorfront.
Marble countertops will stain far worse than granite (both need to be sealed) Butcher block is a PITA and needs to be "sanitized" and sanded on occasion.
Regardless of material...I think that cluttering up nice counters with $19.99 toasters, blenders etc. has got to go.
Acquantance of mine was showing me his counters. They were some sort of composite material - apparently made by some arm of boeing. Looked like labtop but they were WARM and made of a "green" material.
wish I could remember the brand name
No, wasn't corian. I've had that before.
I think it's some kind of paper-based material. I know that sounds odd, but he loved it. And his business is owning a restaraunt. Loves to cook. The kitchen was all done with commercial quality stuff - so I don't think durability is an issue.
http://www.richlite.com/countertop/benefits.html
Thanks!