In article , "olddog" wrote:

Thanks....I'll check it out again. Last I looked most of the engineered
stone and solid surfaces were cheaper here and I liked the look of those
better.

FWIW: I'm not going through HD. I need mine "professionally" installed. ;-)

Here's my granite countertop tips:

* Do shop around on prices. I ended up paying half the Home
Depot price and HD was reasonable compared to some places.

* Check the prices on demolition and haulaway of your old
countertop and/or consider doing it yourself. I was quoted
prices of between $200 and $2000.

* Select a stone that is darker and non-porus is you're
concerned about staining. Apply a good sealant from time
to time.

* Select individual slabs that are free from cracks and
fissures.

* When it comes to replumbing the sink, do it yourself, and
save another chunk of change. Use new drain pipe -- don't
bother trying to re-use the old. Unless your existing garbage
disposal unit is very new, just replace it.

* Take the opportunity to carry out any minor repairs or
retouching on the lower cabinets after the old countertop
has been removed and before the new is installed. It's a
LOT easier!

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