I have found that the price difference is probably not a big enough factor to sway you either way.
There are pros and cons either way.
Solid top replacement means that the old tops need to be removed, and this can be messy, and
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you'll need to remove or protect the items already inside your cabinets. Edge profile options are plentiful with solid counters. The product is definitely strong, and will last forever.
This is my preferred choice. I'm not much for hiding the old, I'd rather replace, than cover.
The overlay type of tops will cut down on mess and hassle, maybe even a little on cost, but there is a noticeable seam on the front edge, where they wrap the material over the front edge. Edge profiles are limited because of the thickness of the material. The structural part is what scares me, because if your existing tops are loose, or not well installed, there could be issues down the road with sagging or even stress fractures. I've hear success stories with overlay type tops, so it's really a matter of choice, budget, and convenience. Please report back with what you end up choosing, and maybe even a before and after photo! I'd love to also hear about your experience with this! Good Luck!
The price difference for materials shouldn't be much, but I would guess (and maybe Imagery knows better than I do) that the labor costs would dive up the price of replacement.
I would certainly at least have someone check out the existing installation for structural integrity, as Imagery said.
I have found that the price difference is probably not a big enough factor to sway you either way.
There are pros and cons either way.
Solid top replacement means that the old tops need to be removed, and this can be messy, and ...»
This is my preferred choice. I'm not much for hiding the old, I'd rather replace, than cover.
The overlay type of tops will cut down on mess and hassle, maybe even a little on cost, but there is a noticeable seam on the front edge, where they wrap the material over the front edge. Edge profiles are limited because of the thickness of the material. The structural part is what scares me, because if your existing tops are loose, or not well installed, there could be issues down the road with sagging or even stress fractures. I've hear success stories with overlay type tops, so it's really a matter of choice, budget, and convenience. Please report back with what you end up choosing, and maybe even a before and after photo! I'd love to also hear about your experience with this! Good Luck!
I would certainly at least have someone check out the existing installation for structural integrity, as Imagery said.