Another option you may want to consider is using Giani granite system. I think I posted some before and after pics on it here months ago....I can repost them if you want.
Basically, it is a high quality faux coating that you "paint" on your existing countertops to make them look like granite. We had yucky looking PINK countertops in our Florida home....plan on gutting the kitchen in a few years, but could not stand the PINK. We used the Giani and they look great!
Cost for the whole house....two baths and the kitchen as like $60.00. It was a fun project.
Hope it was ok to share this...it seems like you were looking for the cheapest upgrade to a granite look....this worked for us. YOu can find this product at
www.gianigranite.com
No, I do not benefit in any way from this....just sharing what worked for us. I found the company very good to work with. This system is WAY better then some of the other systems you find at the "big box" stores.....
Frank
Before
After