Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - Kitchen Countertops

I am looking at putting in new counter tops. I have approximately 48 Sq Ft. Part of this is a 40" wide breakfast bar. Is manufactured stone the way to go? I was thinking of Silestone or something similar.

I would appreciate any suggestions or recommendations. I am trying to keep my costs down but want a solid surface. Could I order it to my dimensions and then install it myself? Or would the 40" section need to be seamed together on site?

My sink cutout is only estimated and is not exact but here is a little diagram I did. Also the overall length of the breakfast bar is 7' 5 1/2" Thanks John

<a href="http://s646.photobucket.com/albums/uu182/john69az/?action=view&current=Countertops-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/uu182/john69az/Countertops-1.jpg" border="0" alt="Countertops"></a>

What is your budget?

Granite, Silestone, etc are all expensive, but laminate is the cheapest.

I would NOT measure and install it yourself. Most companies won't even sell you the stuff unless you have them measure and install it, which is good.

One mistake on your part and it's garbage with no warranty.

I would shop around and get some quotes to have them measure and install.

Hi John

Some interesting information about countertop options

Countertop Comparison: Which is the Easiest to Clean? (http://www.doityourself.com/stry/countertop-comparison)
Granite Countertop Measurements and Templates (http://www.doityourself.com/stry/granite-countertop-measurements)
Exploring the Pros, Cons, and Available Countertop Options (http://www.doityourself.com/stry/countertopselection)

The good news is no matter what product you use there should be no seams granite or quartz are usually 120 x 60, well within your limits

You dont show backsplashes, if there are any, you will need to add the square footage.

Both natural granite or quarz are great products. In some cases, granite can be less costly. Depending on your location as low as $39/sq ft intalled for certain colors and within the top 20 colors usually no more than $60.00/sq ft. Quartz will almost always be a little higher. Plan on being charged for 50 sq ft.

Count on extra for the sink cutout usually around $250 or more for an undermount sink (at that price they should mount the sink but not do the plumbing hook ups) The fabricator may charge more yet for the extra polished edge treatment on your peninsula.

The typical granite shop charges around 75.00 to template.
Thats the cheapest insurance policy you will ever pay.

As for installation - this material is heavy and unyeilding it is not a DIY product. My advice is let the pros do it.

I agree with having a pro install. I like Silestone myself. I do not like granite (or any other natural surface) because of the extra maintenance requirements. Laminate will be the cheapest option.

Thank you all for the speedy input. I had not considered the back splash because I was planning on 2"x2" mesh tiles. Should I have both? I don't have a problem with letting the pros do it just at 48 Sq Ft.= $1920.00 Ouch! That's more than the cabinets. Anybody know a inexpensive but good fabricator in Phoenix? John

Anyone have experience doing a concrete counter top?

Ive done a concrete sink and working on a coffee table right now. Just practicing for my kitchen countertops. Alot of fun.

the sink

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/uu209/fresskead/th_DSC00490.jpg (http://s648.photobucket.com/albums/uu209/fresskead/?action=view&current=DSC00490.jpg)

There are products hitting the marketplace that are second to none. Yes, you may have to take a class and practice plenty, but the results can be totally awesome and completely custom. Look what an associate of mine can do!

Wow those are nice countertops. That looks a lot like what Betterpaths co. teaches.
YouTube - Kitchen Countertop Resurfacing Ideas/Bedazzlement (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKtIiPXSbMc)