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pamelake · 04-18-2007, 10:26 PM

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 · 04-18-2007, 10:49 PM

Quote:

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 · 04-18-2007, 11:03 PM

Quote:

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 H** · 04-18-2007, 11:18 PM

How about bamboo?

Totally Bamboo:Counter Tops

Non toxic bamboo plywood - renewable, sustainable, no formaldehyde

pamelake · 04-18-2007, 11:30 PM

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 · 04-19-2007, 12:10 AM

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 · 06-16-2007, 04:10 PM

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 · 06-16-2007, 04:23 PM

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 · 06-16-2007, 04:26 PM

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

LI Pets · 06-16-2007, 04:53 PM

How about stainless steel

thecatsandi · 06-16-2007, 04:55 PM

Stainless: scratches are hard to remove.

LI Pets · 06-16-2007, 05:05 PM

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 · 06-16-2007, 05:58 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-16-2007, 07:03 PM

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

3Ms75Argosy · 06-17-2007, 05:20 PM

Marmoleum and linolium (the real stuff) are actually bacteriostatic (they resist bacteria) naturally. That's why it's used in hospital settings.
Marc

cameront120 · 06-17-2007, 08:44 PM

FYI, Marmoleum is linoleum. Marmoleum is just the brand manufactured by Farbo.

drjudy · 10-20-2007, 12:20 PM

Stainless can be brushed to give it a toned-down look.

jerbear315 · 11-06-2010, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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

I have been researching the Marmoleum as countertops. It's green, it is lightweight, it is less expensive than retro countertops such as "cracked ice." It has patterns that lend to a retro look.
My understanding SO FAR is that Marmoleum puts a separate finish on those used as countertops, it is sealed, therefore non-porous. However, most folks use a cutting board to cut foods on, not their countertop. The countertop will nick or gouge, but color goes all the way though it. So far, I have seen people really like it when they have used it.
Nice alternative to stone everything-ack. Even Wilsonart seems to have all stone type patterns or plain colors. Formica has some textures or patterns, not much retro though.

Jerri

triplenet · 11-06-2010, 03:56 PM

Pam,
We removed our counter top and took it to a stainless steel fabricator to be used as a template.
We designed a 1/2 round sink.
They made the sink and top in one piece.
We like to look and gained quite a bit more sink area.
I think it was about $950.
Bob