AFFORDABLE countertops??

I know there must be someone out there that can recommend where to get decent countertops. I checked HD and Lowes, and both have laminate styles that are very ugly! Naturally, the one that I like (dark, almost black with a hint of copperish orange) is discontinued and I couldn't find any sizes that I need (one 8', one 6').

I am re-doing everything in my kitchen, and refinishing the cabinets. They are already at least 40 years old, but very sturdy and custom sized (only 22" deep). This is why I don't want to buy a more expensive countertop, because I will not be able to use it on new cabinets (not deep enough).

Laminate would be perfect, but it seems very hard to find a quality laminate countertop that isn't ugly. Anyone have any clue? I am in NYC (Queens) to be exact. Thanks for any help!

EDIT: Ikea has really good looking countertops, that are very affordable. Unfortunately you get what you pay for- the ikea countertops are garbage and not durable at all!

Quote from mookie3333 : I know there must be someone out there that can recommend where to get decent countertops. I checked HD and Lowes, and both have laminate styles that are very ugly! Naturally, the one that I like (dark, almost black with a hint of copperish orange) is discontinued and I couldn't find any sizes that I need (one 8', one 6'). I am re-doing everything in my kitchen, and refinishing the cabinets. They are already at least 40 years old, but very sturdy and custom sized (only 22" deep). This is why I don't want to buy a more expensive countertop, because I will not be able to use it on new cabinets (not deep enough). Laminate would be perfect, but it seems very hard to find a quality laminate countertop that isn't ugly. Anyone have any clue? I am in NYC (Queens) to be exact. Thanks for any help! EDIT: Ikea has really good looking countertops, that are very affordable. Unfortunately you get what you pay for- the ikea countertops are garbage and not durable at all!

The Numerär butcher block countertops from IKEA are inexpensive and easy to cut to fit whatever size/depth you need. They are pretty durable, too, as long as you keep them clean and treated regularly with oil. I like Boos Mystery Oil (available at Amazon).

Otherwise, DuPont has a lot of new good colors/patterns in Corian. That might be out of your price range, but you can get it in any size and most of the new designs look very nice. It's really durable too, and the finish can be easily refinished down the road if it gets scratched, etc.

Sent from the official Slickdeals App for iPhone & iPod Touch.

Quote from voltage : The Numerär butcher block countertops from IKEA are inexpensive and easy to cut to fit whatever size/depth you need. They are pretty durable, too, as long as you keep them clean and treated regularly with oil. I like Boos Mystery Oil (available at Amazon). Otherwise, DuPont has a lot of new good colors/patterns in Corian. That might be out of your price range, but you can get it in any size and most of the new designs look very nice. It's really durable too, and the finish can be easily refinished down the road if it gets scratched, etc. Sent from the official Slickdeals App for iPhone & iPod Touch.

Thanks. I was looking into the butchers block countertops as well, but I was really kind of nervous about water damage and rot around the sink area. I figured the best way to deal with this is to poly the crap out of it, 4-5 coats. BUT poly emits voc and maybe isn't good for food contact?

Last time I bought countertops, pretty much all the laminate countertops are what I would consider to be affordable. Am i missing something here?

Did you try going to a place that makes custom countertops?

You can probably order laminate counter tops from Home Depot or Lowes in your narrower width. I know you can from Menards. You may have to pay a little more to get the pattern your want. Get a 10% coupon and/or wait for a sale.

You can also buy the laminate and build and laminate them yourself.

You could also do tile and do it your self or try doing concrete yourself. Just search, you'll find ideas and step by instructions.

If your looking at cheap. I saw product that just covers the existing to make it look better from DIY .Ooops the was for a back splash. Sorry if this is not what you are looking for.

http://www.samsclub.com/sams/coun...navAction=

What is your budget? You'd be surprised how cheap granite can be if you are willing to take leftover pieces and closeouts.

Also if you are handy, consider doing your own concrete countertops. They are all the rage now and very expensive to have done but no more then the price of materials to do yourself.

Quote from mookie3333 : I am in NYC (Queens) to be exact. Thanks for any help!

This may be of interest for you..... http://www.bignyc.org/inventory

Quote from dealgate : What is your budget? You'd be surprised how cheap granite can be if you are willing to take leftover pieces and closeouts. Also if you are handy, consider doing your own concrete countertops. They are all the rage now and very expensive to have done but no more then the price of materials to do yourself.

THanks. My budget would be around $500 for 28 square feet (8 ft slab, and 6 ft slab). How cheap can I get granite for?

Laminate has come a long way...my sister put in laminate, and I was skeptical about it, but it actually looks nice.

Quote from mookie3333 : THanks. My budget would be around $500 for 28 square feet (8 ft slab, and 6 ft slab). How cheap can I get granite for?

That might be a little tough as that # only allows about $20/sq foot but I suggest calling a granite shop (a smaller one) and telling them what you can pay and see what they can do. Frequently they can work within you budget and get what you want. Given the choice of no sale or $500 I think they will find something for you. Granite shops usually have tons of leftover pieces that do them no good sitting there. Get them to throw in an undermount sink to whatever deal you make!

Quote from dealgate : That might be a little tough as that # only allows about $20/sq foot but I suggest calling a granite shop (a smaller one) and telling them what you can pay and see what they can do. Frequently they can work within you budget and get what you want. Given the choice of no sale or $500 I think they will find something for you. Granite shops usually have tons of leftover pieces that do them no good sitting there. Get them to throw in an undermount sink to whatever deal you make!

Good advice, I just didn't have the time to run around to those small shops and get one of them to accept "my price". I will definately keep that in mind for my next kitchen renovation. I actually ended up going with a laminate from Lowes, that seems very durable and actually looks really nice. I ordered a 6 foot slab and an 8 foot slab online for store pickup @ $266. When I got there, all they had in stock was an angled 6, and straight 8 foot that was damaged. They had about 6 10' pieces, which I requested for the same price, and they agreed. So I walked out with 20 ft of laminate countertop for $266! I actually am planning to build a "breakfast bar" type thing in my kitchen as well, which I was going to buy a slab of butcher's block for. Now I have enough scrap to use for that purpose as well, so it worked out great. Thank you all for your input!