Kitchen

[violann]

I have spent almost two years in a state of distaste for my old, drab, Formica counters, which unfortunately were built into my retro golden oak cabinetry which, again unfortunately, DH loves and has drawn a line in the sand against replacing.

SO, I am desperately looking for some semi temporary way of both concealing them and making them more functional until I come up with another solution.

Has anyone ever used tempered glass panels, like the ones that are (or were) sometimes used as desk top covers, for kitchen use? All I can think of doing is that or a neutral tile. The wall of the backsplash is very retro, very dated patterned tile, that I love.

THOUGHTS?

[lolakimono]

@violann

Have you seen those DIY "paint" kits?

[Ibby114]

I think tiles are a great compromise- there are so many choices too! My cousin used granite tiles, but not a smooth granite. It looks nice but not that functional. She would preferred a smooth tile now that she's lived with it - plus seal the grout. 

[JeanLouiseFinch]

For a long time, I kept thinking I wanted a tiled kitchen counter.  I've seen some that are beautiful.  My home is not southwestern or Mexican at all in its design or decor, but I LOVE the look of Talavera tiles and tried to make it happen.  DH wasn't for it, and I suppose I have to say I'm glad I didn't do it after all.  Tile looks nice but what if a can of something falls from the cabinet?  Plus, I'd wonder of bacteria growing in the grout.  Resealing it would be regular maintenance.

Keep in mind, the tempered glass panels could still get scratched and maybe chip or crack under certain circumstances.  Plus, how would you attach them?  Without being secured some way, unless they're thick and heavy, they'll be sliding and it would get aggravating.

Other options:

There are ways to use sheets of laminate to go over existing countertops.  Unless someone is very proficient in measuring, cutting, and installing, I think they would be rather complicated to miter, not to mention if there would be seams in awkward places.  If the person gluing everything misses a spot you could have peeling down the line.

Along the same lines, but more custom, would be an actual overlay that would be made to go over the existing countertop.  

Resurfacing kits or painting kits would probably be your least expensive option.  I have no experience with them, but they look like an attractive option.

ETA - I wanted to mention...I have an old wooden desk in my office.  I purchased a large vinyl desk protector for it - it covers nearly the entire top of the desk, just a few inches short on one side.  That thing slides so I need to adjust it often.  Even more aggravating than that is the edge is flush with the edge of the desktop.  Random crud like dead skin from my arms resting there, crumbs if I happen to eat at my desk, dust, etc. gets between the protector and the desk along that edge so I have to lift the protector and clean that out regularly.  No, your arms wouldn't be resting on your countertop edge, but there's always the possibility of something getting between your countertop and the glass panel you're considering.  It would be a pain in the neck, having to remove them to clean.

[In-x-s]

Believe it or not, in my previous home I was so sick of the countertops and cupboards that I went to the Dollar Store and bought boxes of peel and stick floor tiles and "tiled" my countertop.  They were not standard size and to have a custom made counter was too costly and not practical.  The tiles are super easy to cut with scissors.  I first painted the cupboards then did the countertops, sealed the surface good after applying (and often) and used large glass cutting boards in frequently used areas like between the stove and sink.  It was suppose to be a temporary facelift that lasted for years and years!!

[debcakes]

Check with the DIY stores and kitchen stores. Some of the new Formica is so good, it really likes like something else. My DD moved into a new house and I thought it had granite countertops, but no, Formica. Maybe that would be affordable.

[Elri]

@violann

If you don't want tile, perhaps you would favor a concrete overlay.  You can have it stained to a color you would like.

The concrete countertops are beautiful and sturdy.  No grout lines!   Just an idea.........

[SuesCat]

@violann  I'm sorry i don't have any suggestions, but i did want to comment on the tempered glass idea.  I use a large temp. glass cutting board and boy is it noisy.  Also, i think the glass is terrible for my knives.  I mostly just use it to protect the counter from hot pots and spills.  (I really miss my old wooden board, but DH is so very spill-prone that it was just not practical as far as keeping it nice.)  I can easily disinfect the glass with a vinegar/water spritz throughout the day as needed!

But setting dishes and bowls, etc. down on the glass is noisy!  And sliding something across it makes me cringe like nails on a chalkboard!  LoL maybe it's just me, but that's my two cents worth!

May you find the right solution for you and hubby in short order!  Good luck & best wishes! ~sue

[violann]

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@debcakes wrote:

Check with the DIY stores and kitchen stores. Some of the new Formica is so good, it really likes like something else. My DD moved into a new house and I thought it had granite countertops, but no, Formica. Maybe that would be affordable.

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I had wonderful Wilsonart in my old home and it was just what I’d want now, but (wait for it) THEY NO LONGER MAKE THE PATTERN, and it would be perfect for my current kitchen.

My present counter has custom installed nasty looking Formica that is built INTO the molding. It LOOKS custom too, except the color of the Formica is nasty, and very hard to keep us stained and unmarked. 

My previous Wilsonart didn’t give me ONE SINGLE PROBLEM in the 6+ years we had it.

[RollTide2008]

I work for a hotel management company. Hotels often put a granite topper over an old countertop on bathroom vanities. It might be an option for you.