We don’t have any stains or burns, despite our abuse and neglect. I don’t understand what’s “natural” about any type of countertop, It’s mainly a functional surface we wanted and have not had issues with our Corian. I fail to see how stone or butcher block look more “natural” on a countertop. We also love our stainless steel, whether or not it’s “natural.” It has taken decades of abuse and neglect and still looks great! We can put hot things on it with no worries as well.
I am replacing my Corian (original to the house) with Quartz. The Corian is 19 years old, taken a lot of abuse, and still shows no signs of wear. The only reason I’m replacing it is because I’m updating my kitchen and want a different look. I love the look of marble, but don’t want the maintenance, so I’m opting for a marble looking Quartz.
I have Corian as well, in a cream color. It doesn’t hide everyday stains as well as dark granite, but it’s worn just fine. There is one very tiny chip from where something very heavy dropped, but otherwise it looks brand new. I just use Windex.
I walked into my kitchen this morning and immediately started thinking about my desire for new counter tops, so I was delighted to find this discussion! I currently have laminate in that fake butcher-block design from the 70’s. It came with the house. The back splash is the same laminate extending all the way to the bottom of the upper cabinets. I hate it more with each passing day. A different back splash would make a ton of difference until I am able to replace the whole thing, but does a tile back splash work with laminate counter tops? I’m thinking like maybe a white subway tile.
I suppose that would work, but I would caution you to think down the road about what countertops you would like, so your options aren’t limited by the backsplash you chose.
Thanks, FMTTM, I do need to think about that. Because of budget constraints, I have to do one little project at a time but I do need to have an overall finished design in mind. I was just wondering if hard surface back splashes went with laminate counter tops. It’s an idea that just popped into my head this morning, so I haven’t thought it through.
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Can you remove the backsplash without removing/damaging any of the countertop? I would think that would be difficult.
If you have to do one project at a time, then can you remove both counter and backsplash yourself (save on that cost) and ONLY put in a countertop for now. Then go to one of the HD classes that shows you how to put up your own backsplash. Then watch for tile sales/discontinued ones, etc, and voila.
I went to such a class about a month ago. putting up a subway tile backsplash is surprisingly easy…that was part of the demo/class.
Even easier was another tile project shown…the backsplash tiles that don’t even need grouting afterwards. I’ll post a pic link.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Solistone-Modern-Opera-12-in-x-12-in-x-9-5mm-Marble-Natural-Stone-Mesh-Mounted-Mosaic-Wall-Tile-10-sq-ft-Case-4025/100632891
I went with Corian when we remodeled our kitchen. What I most wanted was a no-fuss, low maintenance surface with no seams that could continue up the wall beneath the cabinets. I did not want tile with grout mold issues, etc. What I most love about my Corian is that the backsplash behind the stovetop can just be wiped clean with a sponge whenever substances such as tomato sauce or grease splatter on it. Where the counter meets the backsplash was simply heated at installation to form the corner and has a slightly rounded (rather than strict 90 degrees) transition. I actually chose to have a somewhat speckled patterned counter and the backsplash is a coordinated solid but again there is NO SEAM between them – the Corian was heat molded to achieve this. This kitchen redo is now over a decade old and I am still delighted with my decision, and surprised that I do not see other counters that continue the same surface up the backsplash.
I have a second home with pre-existing marble kitchen counters but the seam between the counter and the short backsplash is constantly grungy looking and I hate it – guess I have to have it regrouted.
I think you can out any backsplash you want with any countertop. We decided to actually paint our backsplash with a slightly darker color than the walls…using a semigloss paint. Maybe someday we will,get tile…or something!
I have a tile backsplash above my laminate counter top and it looks good. I may replace it when I change out the countertops next year (I hope!). The backsplash wasn’t very expensive to do. I think it was under $500 for mine and I think I have an average size kitchen.
@mom2coIIegekids – that backsplash looks like it would be hell to clean. How do you get tomato or oil spatters off of it?
OTOH, it could look totally cool lining a stairwell or something like that.
We still have formica, but I’m thinking about soapstone. However, the large island in the kitchen is also were guests gather at parties. (The island is about 3" higher than normal, and people seem to love standing around it.) I’m thinking of getting some posterboard and painting it the color of soapstone and putting it on the island to see how the room feels with that big a color change. (Current formica is a peachy/pink.)
I kind of like the natural stone look but all I can think of when I see it is “dust and grime traps”.
Go to Gardenweb kitchens to really understand the choices for CTs and backsplashes.
Just as I met many granites, quartzite a, and quarts that I liked in the stone yards, there are also amazing choices for backsplashes at tile stores. I used Encore subways, which are handmade, so show color variation and cracks.
DOSCHICOs, My kitchen is over a year old, and I’ve never had a stain on CTs or backsplash. A sponge is all I need.
@bookworm - I should have been more specific. I’m referring specifically to the link mom2collegekid’s posted above - the stone with all the textured nooks and crannies.
My bad.
I guess I’m encouraging people to go to specialty shops, with experienced sales help who can direct you to products that don’t require upkeep.
We have an embossed steel backsplash that I got for very little because it wasn’t yet hip. I think I paid $16 a sheet. The company mostly makes tin ceiling. Only issue: a real pain to cut around outlets. I had a roofer friend do that because he regularly shapes sheet metal. Not as easy to clean as a solid surface. Our first choice was glass with a background insert (that you can change), but the cost was stratospheric.
I think it’s fine. Subway tile is pretty neutral in any event - so it’s likely to look fine with whatever you choose in the future.
In my first kitchen I could really only afford one splurge. I had white laminate counters with an “oak” beveled trim and a Italian tile blue and white check border tile I just loved. Cabinets were white slabs with white pulls. That kitchen was very late 80s/early 90s, but it made me happy. And it was an infinite improvement over what had been there before.
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that backsplash looks like it would be hell to clean. How do you get tomato or oil spatters off of it?
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lol…good point. Probably would NOT work well when the stove top is a separate from the ovens (or is a drop in) where there is no “back” of the range
Used Corian in all of the bathrooms with integrated sinks- no seams to get yucky, less harsh than stone. However- do NOT get a Corian kitchen SINK- my neighbor’s cracked with hot liquids- it looks terrible. We used Corian in our kitchen desk area. Debated between quartz and granite for the kitchen- with a stainless steel sink. Chose granite because I liked the available patterns best. Next time I may choose quartz. I like my Colonial Gold because it is lighter and has a nice wave to it- not just speckles. Good news- crumbs et al do not show, bad news- can’t easily tell if counter is dirty… We went with a 3" granite backsplash- I like painted walls above counters/below cabinets. Personal preference.
Check out both quartz and granite at various places in you locale- stone yards, Home Depot and Lowes for example. Check on costs and sealant warranties.
I’m soon re-doing two bathrooms. One a total redo and the second a new vanity and countertop. We have granite in the kitchen and basically have no problems. It’s dark, shows no stains. I did chip it once, around the sink. I kept the chip and had professionals in to repair. It is still noticeable if you are looking. But not bad enough to pay the thousands to replace the whole countertop!!
I am wondering about marble. Is it true it can’t take a lot of water? That would be bad for a bathroom.