San Diego Housing Bubble News and Analysis

Put thicker plywood under it and get a thick bullnose - that 3/4 will look the same thickness

The bullnose on the 3/4" wraps around to make it looks really thick. For the 1-1/4", we actually have to pay extra for bullnose and it does not wrap around. It just has a smoother edge.

I'm a laminate person myself.
I suspect that granite is like tile-- if you set your dishes down on it too hard, they will crack (no give to stone or tile).

I'd go for the 1.25" one if you can afford it and want it. It just look more high end. There are edges that you can't do bull nose to, like around the sink.

Granite is a lot harder than tile. I think dishes will break before granite gets a dent. However, if you drop something of similar hardness, then you'll definitely crack it. With granite, it's heat resistant, so you can put a hot pot on it and not worry. Not something you would do w/ laminate.

We went through the same decision a little while ago when renovating our house. We found that the fabrication cost component of the thinner granite made its total cost about even with the thicker granite.

You should talk w/your fabricator to get a true "apples to apples" comparison w/the Home Depot quote because Home Depot (I believe) includes both the labor and material, but you seem to be looking at only the material cost component when you consider the thinner granite.

You also should ask a fabricator the cost differences between the various built-up edges that you'll need with the thinner granite (you can choose any type you prefer - ogee, bullnose, eased, etc - but costs vary slightly between them).

We found that the thinner granite actually looks slightly thicker when the fabricator built it up with the typical edge detail.

Good luck with your renovation!

Considering some of the horror stories I've heard about HD remodeling (both online and from close friends who used them) I wouldn't let them change my toilet paper, let alone do a home kitchen remodel.

If you want a good granite guy call:

Jonathan (Ghiloni Granite Design)
619-261-3595

And tell him that Charles referred you (FishStalker on BloodyDecks). He did my sister's countertops.

Here's some of his work

My DH is on BD, too. :)

I don't like Granite, it's just way too trendy.

I opted for Corian, great stuff, and with the
milled backsplash it was almost seamless.

That meant we had a really easy job of
cleaning up,

Travertine slabs are quite cheap but not sure they are durable enough for kitchens. I think they could be used for bathrooms. Any thoughts on this?

Granite is a very personal thing and I recommend that you select the slabs very carefully.

Consider extending the backsplash up to the cabinets - yes it costs more but it looks way better.