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February 26, 2009
Granite Countertops
This photo is how our kitchen came when we bought our home. We've already replaced the appliances and are now looking to remove the existing backsplash and put up new glass stick mosaic tile. I'd also like to have a larger sink put in (I'm sure you've heard me complain about this stupid little one before). While we're at it the granite could also stand to be polished and resealed.
My question are:
- Number one, given that there is only about 5 inches of space between the existing sink cut edge of the countertop (wall) is it even possible to cut in for a bigger sink? How much of a (granite) lip should be left? There's a few inches to be spared on the side next to the dishwasher but I'd like it to be centered with the cabinet. Would it be better to not do another undermount sink?
- What order should I do this in? I was thinking, remove the backsplash, remove the counter, have them do the sink cut, polish, reseal the counter while I'm installing the new backsplash. Then put the counter and the sink back in. Do they even need to remove the counter at all, can it be done in place?
- What is the approximate cost of polishing and resealing? There is quite a bit more counterspace along the other wall (not pictured). Is it priced per sq/ft?
Have any of you done this before that can give me some insight?
Thanks!
Comments
I don't have any tips about the granite but have questions about why you don't like the sink. What size is it? Length Width Depth. What don't you like about it? I want to get a single compartment deep sink for my small kitchen, and I'd like to go as small as possible since I have very little counter space. Any info you'd like to share would be greatly appreciated!
Posted by: Bessie at February 26, 2009 1:18 PM
I'm not sure how many counter top suppliers are going to be interested in doing the recutting thing. If they are short of work maybe.
A whole new counter will run you $50-65 psf including the cuts, as a rough guide.
One word of caution....make sure you apply the thinset mortar correctly if you are using glass tiles. You apply it with the flat end of the trowel. Do not use the grooved or notched portion as the notches will show through the glass when dry.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at February 26, 2009 1:28 PM
It's (approx.) 17(L) x 16(W) x 8.5(D). It's hard to see in the pic but the back of it is curved so it takes away from the basin even more. The main problem is, it doesn't fit my biggest size stock pots and roasting pans. It was infuriating to have to bring those down to the basement and wash them in the slop sink at the holidays. Now I avoid cooking things that require using them because of the hassle. Even when washing smaller items there's less room for the "splash factor" so unless I'm careful I have to wipe up counter floods.
Just make sure you measure your pots, pans and cookie sheets before you decide on sink size. You can always get a rolling butcher block cart or something for extra counter space.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 26, 2009 1:40 PM
THL: I'd go one farther and get a new countertop as oppised to cuting and trying to fit a new sink. You might also want to consider fliping the locations of the dishwacher and sink if posible. There's nothing worse than being up against a wal while trying to wash dishs or in your case pots.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at February 26, 2009 1:50 PM
Quite honestly I don't like the thought of being so wasteful and discarding such a nice slab of granite just to gain a few more inches of sink. I'd prefer finding someone to make the cut.
Additionally, the sink is right next to the window which I really like. To move it to the center would cut into my prep area too much.
It looks black in the pic but it's actually Golden Jade Granite so it really pulls together nice with the cabinet color. The stick tile is going to be a mosaic of gold and honey hues.
http://www.marble.com/stone/Golden,Jade,182.html
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 26, 2009 2:10 PM
What about adding a sprayer, either separate (cutting a hole in the counter) or switching out the faucet for one with an integrated sprayer? you still couldn't fit the big pots IN the sink, but you could wash the inside with the pot sitting on the counter. that way you don't have to waste the sink or the counter.
Posted by: BHS at February 26, 2009 2:54 PM
BHS- The faucet does have the pull down sprayer head and it certainly helps. The thing is, we're going to be in this home for a long while and since I actually use my kitchen I want it to function conveniently.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 26, 2009 3:12 PM
Related: I've love a recommendation for someone who will come and replace just the countertop (quartz or stone) and sink in a kitchen. Most places will only install if you are getting all new base cabinets.
Posted by: parkslopemom at February 26, 2009 3:27 PM
Not true--Of course places prefer you to buy the granite and get the cuts, but call a yard...you'll find someone. Or ask a contractor. He/She will know someone who does smaller jobs. You should fax them the measurements, and your preferred sink size (so that they can determine whether it really can be done), and you'll probably need about 2-3 inches lip on either side or risk breaking it. Broken, or cut cleanly, it can be seamed.
If you do decide to replace the countertop as BRG suggested, you could always use the slab as a vanity top in a bathroom, or as a bar top.
Posted by: Minmin at February 26, 2009 6:17 PM
i've got about $300 of green glass tile left over if you want to make any offer.
would only make sense if you were interested in the same tile etc, they are 1 in high by 2inch wide and come attached to a backing mesh in sheets of 12" x 12"
nothing wrong with them just way overestimated the amount we required.
Posted by: deancollins at February 26, 2009 6:19 PM
Hi
If you are looking for a contractor and would like us to come out and take some measurements, we provide this service free of charge. Please take a look at our website.
www.newarrowconstructionllc.weebly.com
Thanks in advance
Christine Stephen
Sooknarine Sookhai
(347) 227-5834 (office)
(347) 484-8187 (cell)
Posted by: nightingale at February 27, 2009 9:07 AM
Thanks Minmin, good idea.
Dean- Not the color we were looking for but thanks anyways!
Posted by: TownhouseLady at February 27, 2009 2:09 PM
Granite can be tempermental. I would have to take a look at it to see if there is enough room to cut. My company (Emerging Enterprises, LLC.)has a very experienced hard surface counter top guy that I work with. Please give me a call @ 917-548-4665 to set up a appointment.
Thanks,
Carl
Posted by: josephcarl at February 27, 2009 4:49 PM
Unfortunately, I don't think it's possible unless you have the countertop picked up, brought to a stone shop, and recut. And even then, it might not be possible for them to do because of the prior cutout. It also doesn't seem like anybody would want to go through all that effort unless you payed them a lot for the work.
If you want to be "green" and maybe recoup some money, order a new countertop and list the the old one along with the old sink on Craigslist or even Brownstoner.
When it comes to construction, trying to "refurbish" old thinks can often end up costing more in terms of time, aggravation, and money than just going new.
Posted by: IronBalls at March 1, 2009 8:52 PM
The site http://www.livingstonesurfaces.com/ has some countertop advice.
Posted by: johnbabe at October 16, 2009 6:52 AM
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