Would you put granite c-tops on 20 year old cabinets?
#1
08-20-07, 02:32 PM
Would you put granite c-tops on 20 year old cabinets?
We are are doing a mini kitchen renovation. The kitchen is 20 years old. We are painting the cabinets & plan to replace the countertops. The cabinets are in ok shape. They were not super high quality to begin with, I believe. The shelves are particle board, and the do not have backs (when you look in, the back is the kitchen wall).
I'm wondering if it's worth it to put granite countertops in, or if we should just stick to laminate. For resale, granite looks better, but I feel like it's kind of silly to put such expensive countertops on such old cabinets.
Any thoughts?
I'm wondering if it's worth it to put granite countertops in, or if we should just stick to laminate. For resale, granite looks better, but I feel like it's kind of silly to put such expensive countertops on such old cabinets.
Any thoughts?
#2
08-20-07, 03:19 PM
Granite is kind a high end addition to old cabinets, not what I would look for in resale value. But to the question. Backs are not necessary, a support board can be secured to the house framing at the back for support. But the cabinet construction should be something other that particleboard, IMHO. And the cabinets MUST be absolutely level all the way across.
#3
08-20-07, 06:38 PM
Don't know how much countertop and cabinets you're talking about... but I would guess that - for a small amount of $$ more than the granite, you could replace both the cabinets and countertop - with a different countertop surface (tile?).... assuming, of course, you're an avid DIYer willing and able to tackle the job.
#4
08-20-07, 06:39 PM
Group Moderator
I wouldn't do it without someone qualified coming out and determining that both the cabinets and the floor can handle the weight.
#5
08-22-07, 04:18 PM
Thanks for your responses. I think I'm going to go with laminate- they have so many nice choices, and the purpose of our renovation was to give the kitchen a low-budget, high-impact facelift. I think granite is too much $$$ and who knows if the cabinets are suited for it. Thanks!
Rathat
Rathat
#6
08-22-07, 05:03 PM
Member
Formica and Wilson Art both have laminate selections that look very much like granite if you squint your eyes. For far less impact on the budget you can update the kitchen with laminate counter and new hardware. If necessary, a new paint job will do as well if cabinets are in good condition.
#7
08-22-07, 08:08 PM
You are right- I have a Wilsonart sample that I really like that is laminate but looks like granite. We are painting the cabinets white (they are beadboard, so I think it'll look really nice), and replacing the hardware and painting the walls. For less than $2500, I think it's going to be a huge improvement to a dingy 1987 kitchen!
