Kitchen Countertops
 

Anyone had their kitchen countertops changed from laminate to granite or Quartz? Need referrals.

We have replaced our cheesy resin or fiberglass or plastic (or whatever they were) sinks, which we found stained easily, in both kitchen and washrooms with real porcelain sinks, but we see absolutely no need to replace the laminate countertops with granite or marble or Corian ones just because they have become a fashionable statement.

The laminate countertops are durable, easy to keep clean, and do well the job that they're designed for. Our countertops are now ten years old and look new. As our auto mechanic up north used to say, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!" Just our opinion; others surely feel differently....

Exquisite Designs Kitchens and Bath, Inc.
(owner) Tony (786) 298-1320


We have used this company for more than one project, in more than one home. Outstanding workmanship.

I have posted countertop photos in past threads.... you can use the search feature at the top of the forum page if you are interested.:)

Express Tops did our granite counter tops.

Use search you will find lots of info

Ditto for this company.

We had Corian in our spec home, and while I liked it, it scratched if you looked at it cross-eyed. I couldn't even put the dog's dish down on it without finding a cloth to put under it. And forget sliding anything, even boxes. Sure you can sand it, but it would have been needed to be sanded so much that there would eventually have been dips in it.

We left it in the bathrooms (still like the paticular pattern we have) and replaced the kitchen with a good-quality granite which Tony from the above company helped us pick out. He will put a lifetime seal on it, and it's worry-free. I still won't take a pot off the stove and put it directly on the counter top--just me.

This is the second time we've replaced countertops with granite. I'm a huge fan. Although granite is slipping from its No. 1 spot in countertop preferences, it has become more affordable, and there are more pattern choices available. We chose our granite at Ultimate Granite on Rolling Acres Road. Tony likes dealing with them and with a place in Ocala.

Another thing about Tony... He will tell you what width slab to choose so there won't be any seams (designer home). he told us not to let them talk us into anything narrower than a certain width if we did not want seams.

If you search, you will find other places recommended as well. Good luck!

We had granite in our baths and kitchen done a year ago by Gil Rivera from Belleview...he's excellent and reasonable

We are very pleased with Minami Granite Designs, in Ocala. 352 671 9800. They have the slabs on site, were the best price (after about checking out at least 3 other companies), came as promised, cleaned up after themselves, and did a beautiful job.

Ditto on Minami. Call and ask for Elizabeth. Quick hint: there is a granite wholesaler on Rolling Acres where you can pick out your slab, reserve it and call Minami for installation. Know your sq ft needed to ensure slab is adequate.

We also used Minami Granite in Ocala. They were exceptional to work with.

I suggest having the finisher/installer come out first to measure. In our case, Exquisite Designs made the templates, gave us a slab width below which not to go, and then met us at the granite place with the templates to see how the pattern would look exactly. No surprises!