When kitchen remodel designers consult with homeowners the vast majority of these clients want granite countertops for their kitchens. And who wouldn't? Granite is as classy and durable a surface as they come and, more than even cabinets, this stonework places the kitchen a notch above the rest. This also hkes the resale value of the home.
But granite is expensive, heavy and unwieldy to install. Many substitutes have come out to simulate granite but these are polymers and they are not impervious to heat and stains. If not sealed properly granite will stain, as well, but these plastics are almost as expensive, so why not get the real thing.
Engineered stone, on the other hand, takes crushed natural stone and mixes it with polyester or acrylic resins resins. This is a European invention that is uses about 93% of the crushed stone and smooths and homes the mix into a granite-like countertop. It is stain-proof and will not scratch. Some engineered products are designed to fit over your existing kitchen or bathroom countertops negating the need and mess of ripping out the present one. And the colors and designs are endless.
Like granite, it is expensive just not as expensive as granite. And the installation coasts are much less
My husband has been hinting that he would like to change our counter tops as they are tiled. He hates having to keep the grout cleaned.
If we replace the current counter tops with composite, granite-like counter tops by placing the new surface over the existing surface, will the height of the counters change much?
I would hate to create second problem while trying to solve the first!
Hi Lydia,
The added thickness all around, according to a leading manufacturer, is 1/4".
Thanks,
Kim Kinrade
Thanks, Kim.
I guess the difference won't be too obvious. I was trying to talk him into that liquid that is used for bar tops.
I think it is some sort of clear polymer. He is afraid ti will get scratched, though.
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