Would like to put granite on my kitchen counter tops, but don't think the existing tops could be removed without
by
Jan
+10
damaging the cabinets in my 41 year old house. Is it possible to put granite on top of the existing counters?
13 answers
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Have you looked into Granite Transformation?
L.A. C
on Dec 08, 2011
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I have looked into that, but it is as expensive as the real thing, and I've read mixed reviews about its durability .Thanks for the suggestion, though!
Jan
on Dec 08, 2011
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I think your best bet is to have a couple of good contractors out to your place for estimates. They will need to check if the current setup can support the extra weight of granite, or if they can remove the current tops without damaging the cabinets. I know there are lots of reliable folks in your area who hang out on Hometalk.
3po3
on Dec 08, 2011
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Most kitchen contractors can remove the tops for you so the granite or what ever top you decide to use can be measured and placed down for you. If the existing cabinets are really old, you need to be certain that your new kitchen sink will fit however, Many older sink bases are pretty small and with a granite top your new sink if you want a bottom mount may not fit in place. So be sure this will work for you before you tear it out and find out it does not quite work as well as you would have liked.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Dec 08, 2011
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Most tops can be removed .Some require more effort than others , but our installers are great at removing old tops. As far as the cabinets , if they are 41 years old they are probably in better shape than you think. Most likely , they are made of real wood. I can come out , free of charge to give you an estimate on the new tops , and take alook at the possibility of removing the old tops. Yes , you heard right , free of charge.Let me know if I can help.
Stone Solutions of Atlanta
on Dec 09, 2011
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Stone Solutions has a great reputation too, I had a friend that used them very good at what they do.
Frank C
on Dec 09, 2011
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Having the cabinets evaluated is a good thing its a shame to put thousands of dollars on top of old cabinets that are sub par....it says "short cut" to any potential buyer in a resale situation. That being said I have installed granite over old cabinets a number of times Where the cabinets still had lots of life left in them. .one lower cost alternative is to install large granite tiles. I did a kitcthen renovation earlier this year....new granite tile for a average sized kitchen was about 600 for the tile...not a bad deal for this home owner who was making some rental improvements without breaking the bank. http://www.hometalk.com/Kevin/project/2473
KMS Woodworks
on Dec 09, 2011
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Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.
Jan
on Dec 13, 2011
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Jan, could you share with me how long you will be in the home? what is your budget? These are 2 key factors that should carry heavy weight in your decision. If you are short term, then as previously stated, it could be viewed as a risky investment to put expensive granite on very cold cabinetry. Resale - buyers are going to know and they will not look at the granite as an asset, because it is highly unlikely they can re-use it to bring the cabinets up to date with new features/styles .. or often times, new efficient layout. Budget - we all have one! Below is a link to help you with budgeting if you had not done so yet. It will break down nearly every surface you have available to you .. pros/cons, costs, maintenance, etc. My recommendation, IF you are staying less than 3-5yrs and do not want to replace cabinets? Look at the laminates on the market! There are some AMAZING designs that really come close to the look of granite. Of course it is not as durable, but at least it will give you a fresh look while you are there .. and give you practice on using cutting boards :) COUNTER TOPS CHOICES: http://designsbybsb.com/2009/01/on-the-surface-counter-tops/ Best of luck in making your decision, here for you if you have any other questions!
Designs by BSB
on Dec 15, 2011
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Jan - here is an updated link with the 2012 Surfaces chart! http://cl.ly/1c0O1N2E1q2I1X2X0h0y
Designs by BSB
on Dec 15, 2011
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Thank you, Becky Sue, for the very valuable info, and thanks to everyone for the good informative answers. Didn't realize my old cabinets could be a liability for new counter tops, and don't want to spend the money it would take to completely redo the kitchen. Have decided to use the 4x4 marble tiles on the counter that I had originally planned on. Now I am at peace with my decision and have all of you to thank for it!
Jan
on Dec 15, 2011
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That is why we are here...to help folks make informed decisions based on fact and prior experience... Jan...post some before and after pics...
KMS Woodworks
on Dec 16, 2011
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Will do!
Jan
on Dec 16, 2011
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