tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post1741521014776439967..comments2024-01-26T06:20:28.369-06:00Comments on Cupboards Kitchen and Bath: When Trends Attack! Granite Tile CountersNick Loveladyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08559118263073230914noreply@blogger.comBlogger90125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-13305614444335511642016-05-27T17:40:17.164-05:002016-05-27T17:40:17.164-05:00I am 30 year tile journeyman an was doing 12x12 gr...I am 30 year tile journeyman an was doing 12x12 granite tops before their wer slabs. It is an art to get them flat. In my house i did a black uba tuba. 12x12 on my counters, then i did the entire kitchen floors perimeter with the same tiles then inlayed hardwood matching the cabinets color it was goergouse. Cant do that with slab. Wat i really like about it is idint look like the neighbors an the other neighbors an the other neighbors. To compare laminet theirs no comparison , although their is some very nice laminets. Dosnt make u cooler cus u have a slab. Thanks for listening to my opAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09601852875701881563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-30204301985453771442013-12-05T11:17:44.712-06:002013-12-05T11:17:44.712-06:00Thanks for the comment! Good luck with those floor...Thanks for the comment! Good luck with those floors... ;-)Nick Loveladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08559118263073230914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-47916704161955500002013-12-05T11:16:10.584-06:002013-12-05T11:16:10.584-06:00This comment has been removed by the author.Nick Loveladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08559118263073230914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-46805097582290273002013-12-05T11:09:20.633-06:002013-12-05T11:09:20.633-06:00Haha, I love this post!
I had the Formica 180FX i...Haha, I love this post!<br /><br />I had the Formica 180FX in Antique Mascarello installed in my kitchen a couple years ago. When I first moved into my house, it was baby blue countertops... (hey, at least it wasn't mauve). For the most part I am happy with the Antique Mascarello. Formica is pretty easy to care for, softer surface in the case of dropped dishes (common with me), and I don't have to worry about stains if I knock over a glass of red wine or accidentally leave a pool of olive oil when cooking. <br /><br />But sometimes... usually when I am watching too much HGTV... I wonder if I should have just paid the extra and upgraded to granite, since I was already shelling out so much to replace countertops anyway. But... what are you going to do. I think it's easy to get caught up in "keeping up with the Joneses".<br /><br />Still need to do something about the sheet laminate floor that are still, you guessed it, baby blue. Maybe granite tile? (kidding!)Alihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09842733800112637422noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-44384063994292878122013-09-28T19:55:05.933-05:002013-09-28T19:55:05.933-05:00Anonymous,
I am a humble 50+ year old professional...Anonymous,<br />I am a humble 50+ year old professional designer with a degree in interior architecture. I agree with you 100%. Tile counter tops have been around since sliced bread, lol, and I and many others love them. As you said, not everyone can afford granite slabs - as a matter of fact, most cannot afford them. I, personally, would much rather see porcelain or granite tiles used in a kitchen than artificial materials like laminates (I also don't like laminate flooring, which is a picture of wood, not real wood). Porcelain and granite tiles are more durable and heat resistant choices and if the homeowner can install them, very affordable. If grout is a concern, use an epoxy grout and sealer with narrow joints. As far as cleanliness is concerned, you are again correct (I actually have taken microbiology and chemistry in college as well as interior architecture). Vinegar or any antibacterial solution can be used to clean tile counters (vinegar is acidic and kills bacteria). I'm not saying that you should be stupid about handling raw meat; however most people don't cut raw meat on their countertops anyway, lol. They use a cutting board. Myths about wooden cutting boards being unsanitary are just that - myths. There are natural antibacterial properties in wood and plastics retain more bacteria for longer periods than wood. I would not recommend that anyone cut raw meat on their laminate countertops. Anyone can search "wood vs. plastic cutting boards" and get numerous results (including a study at U.C. Davis), that back this statement up. There is nothing cheap or tacky about tiled surfaces - they are beautiful to many of us. Granite slabs look best with wood floors or plain floor tiles, imho, and they often make selecting a floor tile that doesn't fight with the pattern in the slab a real challenge. To those who disagree, I would say that opinions are like noses - everyone has one and doesn't need to be attacked for theirs ;). "Peace out". Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-74371939473017216592013-04-10T07:28:36.026-05:002013-04-10T07:28:36.026-05:00This is a good one...
Firstly since I do get paid...This is a good one...<br /><br />Firstly since I do get paid to give my opinion, I would say that it's worth more than someone who doesn't. After all, money is what makes things worth something.<br /><br />Secondly, no one said that more expensive is better. In fact, my suggestion as an alternative to granite tile is less expensive.<br /><br />Thirdly, concrete is the absolute last suggestion I would make as a suitable alternative to granite tile. It is neither better that both, less expensive than either, or easier to maintain than either.<br /><br />Thanks for chiming in, but it was a strike out.Nick Loveladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08559118263073230914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-52780150539790901092013-04-09T18:51:22.553-05:002013-04-09T18:51:22.553-05:00Two thing I hate to read............
My opinion ...Two thing I hate to read............ <br /><br />My opinion is worth 10 times yours because I have a business card. BLA BLA BLA<br /><br />It's more expensive so it's better............<br /><br />So how about skip both sides of this argument and go with concrete. It's better than both and can be whatever color, size and shape you want.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-30953475432171652432013-04-02T12:06:58.861-05:002013-04-02T12:06:58.861-05:00Donna- There are a few of the 180fx patterns that ...Donna- There are a few of the 180fx patterns that have smaller movements. Also, many of the more standard colors are available with the high definition finish like 180fx so you'll still be able to get a great look for you kitchen, much like the radiance finish). I think you'll be really pleased with a nice laminate edge as opposed to the wood edging... You'll notice the durability almost instantly.<br /><br />Keep us posted on your progress... As always, we'd love to see pictures!Nick Loveladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08559118263073230914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-10511178510790355922013-04-01T20:30:49.726-05:002013-04-01T20:30:49.726-05:00Hi Nick, I'm not about to jump into this ridic...Hi Nick, I'm not about to jump into this ridiculous argument of granite tiles vs. no granite tiles. Frankly, I hate the look of the lines and I could give a crap about being able to say "I have granite". My question is an easy one. I have a modest sized kitchen, 12'x18", U-shaped work area with additional countertop surface on the opposite wall. The U-shape area consists of a 6.5' pennisula, natural cherry cabinets, oak floors. For past 23 years, I've had a laminate with wood edging. I want to go Formica again, new edging, but I'm afraid the 180fx series might be too large a pattern (busy) for my kitchen. Maybe I'm better off with something like Formica 6222-RD Brazilian Brown Granite (radiance). I can't decide and I don't want to be sorry afterwards. Thanks, DonnaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-51077000799054471582013-03-24T19:00:14.085-05:002013-03-24T19:00:14.085-05:00My take is this. If you are using granite to impr...My take is this. If you are using granite to impress then you are so funny. You don't even know how insignificant you are. If someone judges you based on your countertops then why would you care a fraction about that person.<br /><br />Granite Tile: I have seen some very nice countertops done this way. If you say you never have then you need to get out more.<br /><br />Then there are those who would pick laminate over tile because the grout in tile would be a place for germs. OK, what are you going to do, prepare your food on the countertop? Are you going to be cutting? Not on laminate. But serious folks, you people go to restaurants and eat the food without having a clue as to how it was prepared and on what surfaces and by whom. But suddenly you are worried that a freakin grout line might make you sick. LOL.<br /><br />It is a matter of opinion. I know a person who has granite tile...that person is a wonderful person. Nobody enters her home and thinks any less of her because she has granite tile. I know another person who is a complete ass. Has granite slabs. I don't like him or think any higher of him because of his granite slabs.<br /><br />I have seen many granite tile jobs that I would pick over these laminates.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-29900017314756653272013-03-12T04:52:26.938-05:002013-03-12T04:52:26.938-05:00GRANITE TILE IS SOO WHITE TRASHY. You may as well ...GRANITE TILE IS SOO WHITE TRASHY. You may as well hang a sign on your door that reads "white trash castle". Seriously, and if your friends/family have told you that your "dang'd ole, high falootin, fancy schmancy granite tile countertops from the flooring department up over yonder at'away" looks good, they were simply sparing your feelings. <br />BTW, I do not have granite countertops because I cannot afford them. I did non settle for the rootin tootin damned near cant tell" tiles! hahahaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-1135951563910375652013-03-02T16:19:41.607-06:002013-03-02T16:19:41.607-06:00You have indeed shown some awful examples of grani...You have indeed shown some awful examples of granite tile installations. Even if any of these people had chosen the Formica surfaces, there's no guarantee they'd have chosen complimentary back splashes. Your comparison is somewhat like apples and oranges. When the granite tile is placed against a mismatched background it's obviously going to look worse than an island covered with any other material.TrikingMamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11160027729225502763noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-30567210473090372082013-01-23T11:06:15.575-06:002013-01-23T11:06:15.575-06:00Read the post again. As the "someone in the b...Read the post again. As the "someone in the business", I suggested a LESS EXPENSIVE alternative to granite tile. <br /><br />I'm sure people are suffering in the world, but this is the line of work I'm in and my job is to help people make smart decisions about their homes. Thanks for powering through the embarrassment to read the post and comment!Nick Loveladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08559118263073230914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-50272741249677519432013-01-23T10:30:39.944-06:002013-01-23T10:30:39.944-06:00What a sad society we live in that kitchen counter...What a sad society we live in that kitchen countertops spawn such vile comments.<br /><br />Open up your closed minds, people. There is a whole world out there. The world does not revolve around tile or no tile, granite or no granite countertops. They are not important. They are only countertops.<br /><br />Of course a blog by someone in the business who tries to make people spend the most money possible is going to stick up his or her nose on less-expensive options.<br /><br />People are suffering in the world. Such misplaced energy is spent on worrying about the the "right" countertop. It's embarrassing to be an American.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-65358217412813996642013-01-11T10:38:46.737-06:002013-01-11T10:38:46.737-06:00Wow ... Beautiful interiors. An awesome blog givin...Wow ... Beautiful interiors. An awesome blog giving so much knowledge and very keen regarding learning. Keep it up well done. Business IT Support Londonhttp://www.xinix.co.uk/it-support-london-small-business-computer-network-services-uk/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-13735497764898378822013-01-05T00:17:03.945-06:002013-01-05T00:17:03.945-06:00Marble Kitchen Countertops
This is highly informat...<a href="http://www.kitchenbathcolorado.com/granite.html" rel="nofollow">Marble Kitchen Countertops</a><br />This is highly informatics, well-written and smartly described blog. Through this blog blogger has fulfilled his objective to provide maximum information on desired topics in a simple and effective manner. I have really enjoyed reading this blog.<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13727179494594530357noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-85278643648122741122012-12-05T10:30:59.062-06:002012-12-05T10:30:59.062-06:00Honestly I have granite tile countertops....and th...Honestly I have granite tile countertops....and they look damn good if I might say.... I didnt use the cheap granite tiles I actually used pure black with the silver flecks in it called black galaxy. I put the smallest allowable grout lines on them (for expansion etc) and instead of using regular water based grout I actually bought black epoxy grout (no need to seal and staines bacteria etc arent a problem) from far away it looks like 1 solid slab of granite the only time you can tell thats its just tile is when your upclose. I also have cherry cabinets and I opted to put a cherry wood trim on the outside of the counters as an edging of course (sealed very well) I've had this for aprox 5 years and havnt had a single issue to date....the grout is not a problem because it is epoxy microban type I love the way it looks and it cost me 1/3 of what a slab would have costAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-34793786678449294812012-10-15T17:40:56.066-05:002012-10-15T17:40:56.066-05:00I have lived with tile, formica, granite and Coria...I have lived with tile, formica, granite and Corian and they each have pros and cons. Aa a baker I love granite but it is expensive and requires maintenance. As a parent I love Corian: the stuff is indestructable. As the owner of a midcentury modern house I love formica; the colours are fabulous (I admit I would never choose a granite look, but it is unforgiving to knives and hot pots). As a cottage owner I love tile; it gives during the cold winters and hot summers.<br />My favourite solution is too have bright formica with a slab of quartz as a trivet. Quarts requires less care than marble, doesn't dull my knives and can take a hot pot. I don't even get it cut on three sides, i just leave the natural edges.<br />My second favourite is engineered stone. Yes crushed, glued and reconstituted marble, gravel and granite. It comes in lots of colours and is practically indestructable. It is also cheap. <br />Granite is such a snobbish thing; people want it because it costs money. It is really more suitable for tombstones than kitchens. It doesn't come in bright modern colours, it requires regular maintenance, it gets smears and fingerprints on it, and it is only good for gravel when you redo your kitchen. Marble and granite should be for good furniture not kitchens. As for tile? It tends to be busy looking but can look go in an old world or country kitchen. Personally I hate cooking on it not so much because of the ick factor but because of the lumpy factor.<br />As to linoleum floors? , original linoleum is made from linseed oil and cork ('lin' for linseed or flax, 'ol' for 'oil'.) It is renewable, biodegradable, warm on barefeet, and doesn't break your dishes when you drop them on it. It is coming back big time as 'oiled cork flooring.'Izzynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-36675470918040518242012-09-26T14:41:53.492-05:002012-09-26T14:41:53.492-05:00Laminate is GROSS!!!! DISGUSTING!!!!!! how could y...Laminate is GROSS!!!! DISGUSTING!!!!!! how could you suggest it, almost like having linoleum floors, <br /><br />I have laminate counters and cannot wait to burn them in the fire pit, I'm am at an impasse however, as I do not allow contractors in my home, I do the work myself or it does not get completed.<br /><br />so I guess I will explore more optionsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-89116800766131047992012-05-29T14:07:41.298-05:002012-05-29T14:07:41.298-05:00Just a reminder: I'm not a Formica salesman. I...Just a reminder: I'm not a Formica salesman. I spec laminates just like I spec tile. <br /><br />I am 100% in agreement that it's my opinion. What makes my opinion unique though, is that I'm a professional with lots of experience in projects with budgets of all shapes and sizes(from massive, magazine published homes to housing authority apartments). <br /><br />As I've stated over and over, there has yet to be a single kitchen professional tell me that granite floor tile is a good solution as a counter material. The laminate suggestion I made was merely in reaction to the common argument that budget is a reason to do granite tile. No one has given me a legit "pro" about a granite tile counter, though I see plenty of "cons". <br /><br />Thanks for the comment though!Nick Loveladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08559118263073230914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-61253488843645088892012-05-29T13:56:18.153-05:002012-05-29T13:56:18.153-05:00Amen! Thanks for the comment. Some of us out here ...Amen! Thanks for the comment. Some of us out here like Granite Tile and nothing is wrong with that. I don't like how opinions of a Formica sales man should be seen as truth. It's your opinion Nick. Have you ever had a granite tile counter in your home? Perhaps you should live with a nice one before you compare.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-69076658133402805772012-05-27T15:52:03.255-05:002012-05-27T15:52:03.255-05:00My husband and I will be building a house again so...My husband and I will be building a house again soon. We now live in a log post and beam house so we really had to use higher end products to go with the house. While I have enjoyed the granite counters I'm considering Formica for our next house. We,re going more modern next time. My big concern is how to do the sinks.... I actually want wood edged Formica countertops with a wood top island. My husband thinks I'm crazy but I really like Formica! I think corian is outdated and Formica never goes out of style. I should have been a decorator because I can make anything look cool. I agree with earlier poster that granit is overdone now. I don't like the super hard surface of granit and tile!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-22948017646027110772012-05-26T07:05:09.694-05:002012-05-26T07:05:09.694-05:00Great comment! Thanks!Great comment! Thanks!Nick Loveladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08559118263073230914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-27122052581375588122012-05-25T19:47:03.032-05:002012-05-25T19:47:03.032-05:00All of the homes I've lived in (my entire life...All of the homes I've lived in (my entire life) have had laminate kitchen countertops. I do not chop or prep directly on counters. I do not place hot pots and pans directly on them either. As a result, in my experience, laminate wears exceptionally well. Because of the way I treat it, I've never had chips or scratches. I certainly wouldn't say I baby it either. I just understand the limits of laminate as a material.<br /><br />Over the course of my entire adult life, buying and selling several homes, when looking at properties, I've seen very few tile countertops in kitchens. The ones I have seen were CLEARLY DIY weekend projects and boy did they look it! We recently placed a bid on a short sale property. It's a circa 1970's townhouse. It's not a luxury property-it's a middle class home. The layout of the place is great and the bones are solid. The kitchen was redone in the 90's (with laminate countertops). The cabinets are in good condition and only need new hardware. However the countertops need replacing. They look very dated. Would I like to have real stone? Of course! But I don't like the colors available on low end granite and I simply cannot justify the expense of the higher end ones or any solid surface material that I like. To me, tile countertops, regardless of material, look like someone couldn't afford a slab. Grout lines are a huge (MASSIVE) turnoff for me. They look incredibly cheap. Tile countertops might actually be a deal-breaker for me. If someone went *that* cheap on their counters, what else did they do on the cheap? (And generally speaking, the homes I've seen with tile countertops also had other obvious and nasty hack jobs throughout the property.) This is my perspective as a potential home buyer. I'd rather see decent laminate than any tile countertop whatsoever.<br /><br />Context is an important consideration. Like I said, the property we're (hopefully) buying isn't a luxury one. If it were, granite/solid surface would not only be appropriate, but expected in terms of maintaining property value. However in my (hopeful) townhouse, while some in the neighborhood have installed granite in more recent years, laminate is the norm. Granite simply will not raise this home's resale value considerably. I will never recoup the cost. It might make it more desirable down the road in resale, but that's about it. So I have to weigh several factors. The house needs new floors. Hmmm...high end kitchen counters or wood floors throughout? As far as I'm concerned, that one is a no-brainer. Wood floors it is!<br /><br />The kitchen cabinets are white (solid wood) with raised panel doors. I want white subway tiles for the backsplash with polished nickel hardware. Basic? Yes. But subway tiles are a pretty reliable classic and ceramic is appropriate for this house, in this community. I know I can live happily with laminate countertops, because I always have. So after waiting several months (still waiting) for approval on this short sale, I've had plenty of time to think things over and weigh all of my options. Enter my countertop choice: Formica 180fx in Calacatta Marble finish. Anon from upthread might sigh in disgust. That's certainly his/her option. But NONE of the comps in this area or the surrounding areas have tile kitchen countertops. There's a reason for that. I'll stick to laminate thank you very much.Deb in New Englandnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5588228380282275730.post-11660825319550664992012-05-25T13:24:00.243-05:002012-05-25T13:24:00.243-05:00Thanks for the comment!
I'd suggest checking...Thanks for the comment! <br /><br />I'd suggest checking with a local kitchen designer for some input on a coordinating color to match your Formica. The good ones always have something they could suggest!Nick Loveladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08559118263073230914noreply@blogger.com