the new countertops go in Saturday

[NMDemDist2]

I'll take pics of before and after and I'm going to pack most of the stuff on my counters for a "Designed to Sell" look

if I'da know how cheap it was to replace Formica I'da done it YEARS ago instead of whining and complaining about "Desert Dusty Rose" for 10 years hehehe

I chose the very neutral, but ever popular "Natural Canvas"

[lady lib]

1. Good choice! n/t

[politicat]

2. I like it!!

Not so terribly neutral that it looks boring, but will go with almost anything.

And now you know it's not expensive.

I may have to think about having it done after my contract is up.

[Warpy]

3. It's great, it's a two day job

The first day, a guy in coveralls comes in with a big tape measure, paper and a pencil. He'll measure it all. A few days later, he'll come back with a helper or two, knock the old countertop out of the way and cart it off to his truck, and bring the new one in and install it, hook up the sink, give it a few dabs of sealant, and be outta there in a couple of hours.

I was amazed at how little it took.

Keep the sink cutout, if you can. It makes a great pastry board.

[NMDemDist2]

10. it's totally worth getting a couple estimates

I called a cabinet guy in the yellow pages and he came out the same evening, took a bunch of measurements, I checked the Contractor website and the BBB while he was doing his thing

he was so nice and helpful on how to give the cabinets a down and dirty cheap "facelift" and was so professional and knowledgeable we hired him on the spot and he's coming tomorrow to install

Lowe's gave me a "ballpark" that was more expensive and with a much longer time frame so I think I'm ok

he had 4 colors that were in stock and about a brazillion other chips that would take a couple weeks to order in and since I don't care and needed it fast I just picked the lightest, most neutral of the four choices

I got pics of the before and will take new pics tomorrow but i'm sure it will be great.

[troubleinwinter]

11. Can you tell us a bit about this:

"...cabinets a down and dirty cheap "facelift""?

[NMDemDist2]

12. my cabinets are dried out and have whitish streaks

so he said to scrub em with Murphy's Oil soap, get some Old English in the color of your cabinets or just a tiny bit darker, but not too dark or it will leave dark spots

oil it daily until it looks better then finally "sand" it down with very very fine steel wool and wax it with a high quality wood workers wax like MinWax and buff it out

it won't last forever (unless you wax them regularly) but it will bring the finish back to life

[anitar1]

4. I like it . Very subtle, but it will work well for showing.

Designed to Sell ideas are good.The place I just bought was set up that way, and I asked the owner if she watched the show. she laughed and said she had stored a lot of stuff and followed the advice they give.Looked so good , I bought it. Can hardly wait to move into the house.

[babylonsister]

5. Not the rose! You're getting rid of the rose??

Oh, the humanity! ;):rofl:

Just how cheap is it to replace formica? I have this golden harvest look that has got to go!

I like your selection; very neutral that should work for anyone.

[Warpy]

6. Do a quick measure and drawing of the counter

and it doesn't have to be beautiful. Take it to whatever place you're going to use, kitchen remodeling company or big box store. They'll be able to give you a ballpark guesstimate on the spot.

My counter was 6 feet long, finished on both ends, sink in the middle. The complete job, including replacing the sink, was about $130. Considering what it did for that kitchen, it was CHEAP.

I did use a mid grade counter and edge and I did get an enameled cast iron sink. If I'd wanted to do it on the cheap, I could have gotten out of it for far less than that.

[babylonsister]

7. Thanks, Warpy. That IS cheaper than I would have thought! nt

[Warpy]

9. Check out AzDem's cost

for a more current price. They usually do it per linear foot, add for finished ends and redoing the plumbing.

But yes, it's ridiculously cheap when you compare it to the solid surfaces or even to tile, something that is already looking dated wherever it is. Plus, it never seems to go completely out of style and you can change colors as your ideas change down the road.

And no, I didn't inherit any Formica stock. I should probably buy some...

[NMDemDist2]

8. our U shaped kitchen is getting the treatment for less than $700

installed with tax!

that's with all the weird cuts and end pieces. I'm pleased

:bounce:

[yellowdogintexas]

13. my sister updated with that same color of laminate and then for

backsplash, white beadboard. It totally changed the look of her kitchen.

Nice choice

[NMDemDist2]

16. glad someone's seen it in real life. and hopefully I won't get long to

enjoy it :evilgrin:

[SoCalDem]

14. We are planning on changing ours too, but I cannot decide

I want stainless steel to match our appliances but I also like the look of granite, but cannot decide on a color..

I am getting birch cabinets and have a Mexican-Saltillo tiled floor, so I have to avoid trying to match the floor, and dark colors don;t appeal to me..

Maybe I'll just close my eyes and pick something :)

[NMDemDist2]

15. there are SO many choices! I was so glad when he told me the chips

on the two foot long chain would take two weeks and he gave the FOUR to choose from that they had in stock

:rofl:

[eleny]

19. Sure makes it easy! You chose well

I can hardly wait to see it when you get the chance. The kitchen is so important and you've done so much already.

[babylonsister]

17. I look forward to hearing what you do, SCD. I have the

same floor and a stainless fridge and dishwasher now, so I'll be curious to see what you wind up with. You can be my guinea pig (in the nicest way!).

[Warpy]

21. Ganite comes in an astonishing variety of colors

but I'd still recommend the granite tile over the solid surface. Yes, it's more than a one day job to install (or have installed), but it is far less expensive a proposition and will give you that fashionable look now and be far less expensive and problematic to get rid of when fashion changes.

And it will. Plus, time and hard use will stain and ding even granite and there's just so much you'll be able to pass off as patina.

[The empressof all]

18. Send us a picture when it's done Shannon

I'm so into selling my house and joining you in New Mexico. I have SO about halfway there in his mind but he hasn't accepted that we will be doing this sooner rather than later.

I got lots of work to do before I can sell.

[NMDemDist2]

20. here's the pics (in a DIY thread)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=287x2772