Alternative to laminate countertop?

[pamelake]

Hi, Has anyone used something other than laminate for the kitchen counter top? I am having a difficult time choosing and thought I should consider all of my options. Is tile too heavy? Is there anything else that is light enough? Thanks again, as always.... Pam

[wkerfoot]

Originally Posted by pamelake

Hi, Has anyone used something other than laminate for the kitchen counter top? I am having a difficult time choosing and thought I should consider all of my options. Is tile too heavy? Is there anything else that is light enough? Thanks again, as always.... Pam

Pam,

Look at linoleum flooring for the countertops. I know that Craig Dorsey of Vintage Vacations uses that in some of his restorations, and I saw a Spartan last year at Newport Dunes which used linoleum on the countertop, backsplash and shower walls.

Bill

[pamelake]

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

Pam,

Look at linoleum flooring for the countertops. I know that Craig Dorsey of Vintage Vacations uses that in some of his restorations, and I saw a Spartan last year at Newport Dunes which used linoleum on the countertop, backsplash and shower walls.

Bill

Great idea! I have tried to use 'green' products when I can and they have marmoleum at a local environmentally friendly store. I think it is basically the same stuff. I will look into it. Thanks, Pam

[Janet]

How about bamboo?

Totally Bamboo:Counter Tops

Non toxic bamboo plywood - renewable, sustainable, no formaldehyde

[pamelake]

Janet, I am using bamboo on the floor. I had considered it for the countertop, but I think it might be too much. Especially with the maple cabinetry. Do you think it would all be too light? I thought a darker contrast might work for the countertops. Still thinking..... Pam

[InsideOut]

Marmoleum is also on the countertops of most Starbucks...at the transaction counter where the cash registers sit, so you know it's durable in that application. Great choice...IMO.

Shari

[Ernie2007]

Pam, look at Lowes' site; they have several types of countertops. Tile is too rigid; it will crack from the bumps and vibrations. Ernie

[Gunnyusmc]

Marmoleum is not good for counter top's as it will let germs grow.
I used corion from Lowe's in the 1/2" am

[thecatsandi]

Corian or a knock off would be well suited. You need a non-porus surface inorder to keep it clean.

[LI Pets]

How about stainless steel

[thecatsandi]

Stainless: scratches are hard to remove.

[LI Pets]

There are different grades of SS, I thought it was hard to scratch to begin with. Why are they used in commerical food service??

[cameront120]

Originally Posted by LI Pets

There are different grades of SS, I thought it was hard to scratch to begin with. Why are they used in commerical food service??

This is correct. Stainless is a great, functional counter surface. Too cold for some people's tastes, though. Corian is a good product, available in a good variety of colours. Of all the companies that produce laminates, I'm quite surprised that the OP can't find one. Have you looked at Formica, Wilsonart, Nevamar, Arborite, Panolam, etc? Another alternative, though expensive, are the quartz and granite composite counters such as Silestone or Caesarstone. Finally, you could go with solid maple, for a functional, butcher block style counter.

[SmokelessJoe]

Pam:

We used Marmoleum (to match the floor covering) on the kitchen counter DavidsonOverlander just made for me.

I doubt there is a concern with bacteria. Marmoleum is widely used in bars, restaurants, hospitals, institutions and the like.


Sergei