[midiwiz]

Originally Posted by RobertScott

I am not a Dev Basher, but it was in very poor taste for them to specify the formica type counters with a seam against the backboard, and two upward facing seams at the 45 degree slope at the front.

No matter how careful one is, water is going to pentrate that seam, and / or roll down at the bottom, and begin compromising the substrate, especially since the water does not pitch inbound. Thus begins swelling, and crumbling along the bottom.

I understand that the defaults that come with the house aren't top tier, but they shouldn't be made of something that fails fairly rapidly under normal use. We eat out a fair amount as well.

That being said, it would appear that we are going to have to replace the kitchen ones in the near future.

About how much would I be looking at, to replace the L shaped one by the sink, the big one on the island, and the one to the right of the stove. I realize this depends upon what exactly we pick, we do not want stone, would want " solid man made" I guess. I understand this is not a cheap thing to do, but I would like to wrap my mind around some ballpark figure, as I have no idea.

only a few observations -

1) the original "cheap" counters aren't as bad as you say. yes they should be replaced, but the way you stated it you are implying they will have water penetration from day 1 which is completely incorrect. I've redone may houses with these types of countertops and none of them ever leaked anywhere some as old as 25 years. In addition, these guys also overuse screws. and when I replaced them in this house it was PITA because I ran into screws where they shouldn't have needed to be.

2) man made? that only leaves quartz... IMHO not bad, but I and the cook , I love using granite as quartz tops can't take the heat of a pan coming out of the oven or off the stove and will leave marks.

3) we did 2 baths and the entire "modified design" kitchen. L3 granite $8700. That included the sinks, installation, etc.

[SusanStCatherine]

I recently asked what was the least expensive quartz and was told $80 sq/ft if that helps. Probably gotta figure at least $7K. Get at least three estimates. Good luck!

[SusanStCatherine]

There are applications that can go over your laminate and seal it like an epoxy coating. There are options if you are on a budget.

[KsJayhawkers]

Granite Empire of Orlando has Quartz for around $30. This includes removal of your old countertops and installation of the Quartz, including a new sink. They have a variety to choose from in their warehouse.

[SusanStCatherine]

We went through the design process for our custom designer home. We sized our island as large as possible for a jumbo slab of quartz. We have two other counters and no corners. We asked that there be no seams. The designer said, "We will put seams wherever we want." we also asked for a sink cutout that didn't hang out well over the sink and the designer said, "It's whatever is the easiest and most forgiving for the installer which is an overhang."

We priced our Cambria for after closing installation no seams and choice of sink cutout at $7K. The builder was charging $12K. So we got laminate instead. It's a good thing we did because our cabinets had over 400 defects including manufacturing and installation issues. Those defects were remedied at a low level 15 months after closing. I no longer want to spend top dollar on Cambria to place on top of crappy cabinets. In the mean time, the prices have gone way up on all quartz.

[KitCWms@aol.com]

Master Granite just replaced my countertops with quality quartz tops, they also have granite etc. Did the job quickly, very professional 352-207-4481. Tell them Kit referred you.

[dbrooks]

If I was redoing my counters I would choose the high end Formica. If is so durable. If you don't wipe up water around the sink it can start to warp but not necessarily. My daughter chose Quartz and they are nice. You have to be careful about very hot things put on them but they are durable.