Full disclosure: I have granite, because I had a rock collection as a kid and I just love stones.

On the advice of my fabricator, I still use trivets or hot pads under hot pans. I don't cut on the granite, because it would ruin the knife. So I don't think I'm getting any more function out of my granite that you would out of Formica.

There is nothing wrong with laminate, IMO, in fact there are many lovely new patterns and textures as well as some great vintage ones they have brought back. I lived with the PO's pink-with-gold-flecks Formica, with a full BS and that chrome trim, for over 20 years. I thought it was pretty. New laminates don't seem to have what I saw as the biggest drawback, that gunk-gathering chrome strip.

Stones are beautiful and durable, but I think they also have a lot of snob appeal. All that House Hunters "I must have granite and stainless" nonsense. But I have seen beautiful kitchens on here done with laminate. Get what you like (which will prove you are an individual and not a sheep) and what you can afford (which will prove that you are wise). No need to apologize.

Granite would probably be better for resale, but if you're not moving, it doesnt matter. I think I have read on here that laminate nowadays is not as cheap as everyone thinks. If you're thinking of granite at all, I would visit some stone yards (with painted cab doors and floor tile) and see if you find one you love..then compare prices with the laminate you love.....if you don't find a granite or the difference is in the thousands...then you have a definitive answer. For a more custom look, have the laminate done just like a granite counter...no 3" panel on the back wall...have the BS tile go all the way to the countertop. Laminate can look as nice and function as well as granite...

:) Laminate is a very good material in itself and outstandingly excellent for the price, so for what it's worth it has my approval too. Your ideas sound very nice. There's a game about to start, the "design around this" thread, with a beach theme this time. It'd be fun to see your design there.

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This post was edited by snookums2 on Wed, Jul 10, 13 at 15:44

Worth repeating and very well said!

"Get what you like (which will prove you are an individual and not a sheep) and what you can afford (which will prove that you are wise). No need to apologize."

Good idea to skip the standard back splash, and the square edge that shows a seam (also prone to damage), for a more custom look.

With laminate being considered the lower end, most cost efficient counter material, it can get surprisingly pricey. And they really get you on install charges, doubling the price, which is a ripoff, imo. So it is good to shop the stone a bit to compare since it is a more durable product, if that's something high on your priority list. If you check that out, honed is a nice soft look that would work well with your seashell theme, but it is more expensive.

This post was edited by snookums2 on Thu, Jul 11, 13 at 16:02

Not surprisingly. Of course the price is pumped up substantially for something a bit different or a bit nicer. This is the kitchen industry, after all.

" I think they also have a lot of snob appeal. All that House Hunters "I must have granite and stainless" nonsense. "

so true. I don't like either.

the newer laminates (FX) are more than the regular type. If you don't like granite it doesn't matter if the price of the laminate you like is creeping up closer to the granite price. You can want laminate even if you can afford granite. I'd much rather have laminate than granite.

There are some granites that are beautiful and I'd like to hang on a wall as art. Not for my counter top.

I see you have tiles right now. I hated my tile countertop so much. Whatever you pick, be it laminate, granite, or solid surface, it will be so much more functional and easier to clean than tiles. Your cabinets seem very new and has nice clean line, definitely a good decision to keep those.