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UK diy (uk.d-i-y) For the discussion of all topics related to diy (do-it-yourself) in the UK. All levels of experience and proficency are welcome to join in to ask questions or offer solutions. |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
I'm wanting to replace a beech worktop in our kitchen which is past its
best, particularly where it's been wet, like around the Belfast sink (exposed edges of worktop around the sink, which is mounted beneath the worktop). Looking in the Google archives for advice, it seems that laminated chipboard worktops are a Bad Idea for that style of sink, because of the ease of water getting into the chipboard. And even if we replaced the sink with one which is mounted from above the worktop, from past experience I have doubts about how long the worktop would last before getting damaged elsewhere. Other materials I've looked at are Corian (expensive), and marble (only slightly less expensive). And we don't want another solid wood worktop. Are there any other solutions, priced somewhere between the cheap-and- nasty and the how-bloody-much options? David |
#2
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
"David McNeish" wrote in message . .. I'm wanting to replace a beech worktop in our kitchen which is past its best, particularly where it's been wet, like around the Belfast sink (exposed edges of worktop around the sink, which is mounted beneath the worktop). Looking in the Google archives for advice, it seems that laminated chipboard worktops are a Bad Idea for that style of sink, because of the ease of water getting into the chipboard. And even if we replaced the sink with one which is mounted from above the worktop, from past experience I have doubts about how long the worktop would last before getting damaged elsewhere. Other materials I've looked at are Corian (expensive), and marble (only slightly less expensive). And we don't want another solid wood worktop. Are there any other solutions, priced somewhere between the cheap-and- nasty and the how-bloody-much options? David Could you plate the edges of the existing worktop with stainless steel to make it last a bit longer ? --- http://www.basecuritysystems.no-ip.com/ Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.703 / Virus Database: 459 - Release Date: 10/06/04 |
#3
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
On Sat, 12 Jun 2004 13:36:10 GMT, David McNeish
wrote: I'm wanting to replace a beech worktop in our kitchen which is past its best, particularly where it's been wet, like around the Belfast sink (exposed edges of worktop around the sink, which is mounted beneath the worktop). Looking in the Google archives for advice, it seems that laminated chipboard worktops are a Bad Idea for that style of sink, because of the ease of water getting into the chipboard. And even if we replaced the sink with one which is mounted from above the worktop, from past experience I have doubts about how long the worktop would last before getting damaged elsewhere. Other materials I've looked at are Corian (expensive), and marble (only slightly less expensive). And we don't want another solid wood worktop. Are there any other solutions, priced somewhere between the cheap-and- nasty and the how-bloody-much options? Possibly in the how bloody much range, but these people (and others, but these are the people who actually own the quarry) do slate worktops www.delaboleslate.co.uk (click on worktops down the left, and then gallery at the top right) Prices inevitably depend on how thick you want it Brian |
#4
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
"David McNeish" wrote in message
I'm wanting to replace a beech worktop in our kitchen which is past its best, particularly where it's been wet, like around the Belfast sink (exposed edges of worktop around the sink, which is mounted beneath the worktop). Why not refinsh the rest of the worktops and replace the offending article with a more suitable timber such as teak or iroko? Or do I mean aforomosia? Or teak or iroko or afrormosia? If you want a hand with that, post us some piccies\diagrammes. -- Posted via Mailgate.ORG Server - http://www.Mailgate.ORG |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
David McNeish wrote:
Looking in the Google archives for advice, it seems that laminated chipboard worktops are a Bad Idea for that style of sink, because of the ease of water getting into the chipboard. Fair enough. And even if we replaced the sink with one which is mounted from above the worktop, from past experience I have doubts about how long the worktop would last before getting damaged elsewhere. About 20 years is a reasonable timescale with sensible use. Other materials I've looked at are Corian (expensive), and marble (only slightly less expensive). And we don't want another solid wood worktop. Are there any other solutions, priced somewhere between the cheap-and- nasty and the how-bloody-much options? Tiled is an option, but not my choice. IME laminate worktops are the best solution. They are extremely tough and hard-wearing, a lot more scratch resistant that most of the alternatives, and very reasonably priced. Buy good quality laminate worktops - pay around £100-£150 for a 4m length. -- Grunff |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
"David McNeish" wrote in message . .. I'm wanting to replace a beech worktop in our kitchen which is past its best, particularly where it's been wet, like around the Belfast sink (exposed edges of worktop around the sink, which is mounted beneath the worktop). Looking in the Google archives for advice, it seems that laminated chipboard worktops are a Bad Idea for that style of sink, because of the ease of water getting into the chipboard. And even if we replaced the sink with one which is mounted from above the worktop, from past experience I have doubts about how long the worktop would last before getting damaged elsewhere. Other materials I've looked at are Corian (expensive), and marble (only slightly less expensive). And we don't want another solid wood worktop. Are there any other solutions, priced somewhere between the cheap-and- nasty and the how-bloody-much options? David Granite? |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
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#8
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
Paul Mc Cann wrote in message ...
Concrete? Becoming popular across the pond I believe Could you faux marble the 'crete with a monolithic top layer of white cement and atristic streaking with brick dust?? Regards, NT |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
"N. Thornton" wrote in message om... Paul Mc Cann wrote in message ... Concrete? Becoming popular across the pond I believe Could you faux marble the 'crete with a monolithic top layer of white cement and atristic streaking with brick dust?? Regards, NT http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/..._books_1_1/026 -7066392-8922852 A book called "Concrete Countertops: Design, Forms and Finishes for the New Kitchen and Bathroom" . I bought it for my sister last year as she kept asking about how to cast concrete counter tops. A very informative read if the OP wants to consider that route. |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
On Sat, 12 Jun 2004 13:36:10 GMT, David McNeish
wrote: I'm wanting to replace a beech worktop in our kitchen which is past its best, particularly where it's been wet, like around the Belfast sink (exposed edges of worktop around the sink, which is mounted beneath the worktop). Looking in the Google archives for advice, it seems that laminated chipboard worktops are a Bad Idea for that style of sink, because of the ease of water getting into the chipboard. You're dead right about this! I took extra special care to seal the cut edges around the aperture for my Ikea ceramic sink. I first applied a copious amount of white silicone sealant to the sawn faces of the cut-out in the chipboard, really pushing it into the surface with a putty knife, then I applied the mastic sealant strip that came with the sink and pushed the sink in firmly. Nevertheless, over the last year since the sink was installed, water has obviously managed to get into the chipboard somehow, as the worktop is already showing signs of warping and the melamine surface lifting. MM And even if we replaced the sink with one which is mounted from above the worktop, from past experience I have doubts about how long the worktop would last before getting damaged elsewhere. Other materials I've looked at are Corian (expensive), and marble (only slightly less expensive). And we don't want another solid wood worktop. Are there any other solutions, priced somewhere between the cheap-and- nasty and the how-bloody-much options? David |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
On Sun, 13 Jun 2004 09:57:55 +0100, Simon wrote:
how to cast concrete counter tops. A very informative read if the OP wants to consider that route. What happens to concrete (or marble) if you spill acid on it, like vinegar, citric fruit juice, etc. Like Grunff(?) said modern laminate worktops are pretty tough and hard wearing for most purposes but won't stand up to being around a belfast sink. Refinish the existing worktop and possibly replace the section around the sink, though you may find it will clean up. I can't decide if it's better to apply some really tough varnish to the area around the sink or to leave it natural or just oiled. Once the finish gets damaged any mositure will be trapped and go manky. With a natural or oiled wood it'll dry out. Granite would be suitable but that may well fall into the "How much!" category and is HEAVY additional or upgraded suppurt maybe required. -- Cheers Dave. pam is missing e-mail |
#12
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
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#13
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
Other materials I've looked at are Corian (expensive), and marble (only
slightly less expensive). And we don't want another solid wood worktop. Until my parents decided to pay for our granite, we were going to have Iroko. This wood is absolutely ideal for worktops and Belfast sinks, as it is naturally water resistant, unlike many other hardwoods. It was the typical wood used for laboratory counter tops. Indeed, my school's labs had a wood that looked remarkably similar. It will last much better than the Beech. Shop around, you can get lengths of Iroko quite cheap on the Internet. Christian, |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
Paul Mc Cann wrote in message ... The best answer would be to forget the bloody Belfast sink which is only a style accessory similar the fog lamps on cars. I'm sure it is possible to seal the edge with the right varnish (I'd try Rustins 2 part floor varnish) but it still looks awful, and who wants jigsawn chipboard exposed and highlighted? Are kitchens a working environment anymore or merely a means of arousing envy amongst frineds ? Isn't everything the latter? |
#15
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
Glass mate - its the only way to go !
Steve... |
#16
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
On Sun, 13 Jun 2004 12:15:57 +0100, Paul Mc Cann
wrote: In article , says... On Sat, 12 Jun 2004 13:36:10 GMT, David McNeish wrote: I'm wanting to replace a beech worktop in our kitchen which is past its best, particularly where it's been wet, like around the Belfast sink (exposed edges of worktop around the sink, which is mounted beneath the worktop). Looking in the Google archives for advice, it seems that laminated chipboard worktops are a Bad Idea for that style of sink, because of the ease of water getting into the chipboard. You're dead right about this! I took extra special care to seal the cut edges around the aperture for my Ikea ceramic sink. I first applied a copious amount of white silicone sealant to the sawn faces of the cut-out in the chipboard, really pushing it into the surface with a putty knife, then I applied the mastic sealant strip that came with the sink and pushed the sink in firmly. Nevertheless, over the last year since the sink was installed, water has obviously managed to get into the chipboard somehow, as the worktop is already showing signs of warping and the melamine surface lifting. snip The only answer I can think of to insetting a Belfast sink into a laminate worktop would be to have the worktop specially made using 'Formica' applied to marine ply core with edges surrounding the sink finished with the same Formica or possibly a water resistant hard wood such as teak with the laminate overshooting the hardwood lipping. The best answer would be to forget the bloody Belfast sink which is only a style accessory similar the fog lamps on cars. So? Is that any reason why people should not fit one if they like them? You could write off just about anything as a "style accessory". Kelloggs Crunchy Nut has this ridiculous and entirely unnecessary addition of nuts and honey, obviously a melange for consumers with more money than sense. Why can't people just eat bog-standard cornflakes without sugar and be thankful? MM |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
"SteveRoche" wrote in message
om... Glass mate - its the only way to go ! missed the start of this thread but I presume the OP was asking for suggestions for, er, alternative materials for kitchen worktops :-) Some folks I know have theirs made of polished concrete (they hired a concrete polishing machine to do it). Must say I think it looks pretty sh*te, but I guess it's rugged ;-) |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
On Mon, 14 Jun 2004 20:09:49 +0100, Mike Mitchell
wrote: So? Is that any reason why people should not fit one if they like them? You could write off just about anything as a "style accessory". Kelloggs Crunchy Nut has this ridiculous and entirely unnecessary addition of nuts and honey, obviously a melange for consumers with more money than sense. Why can't people just eat bog-standard cornflakes without sugar and be thankful? Hi, I can quite see the attraction of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes but not that of a Belfast sink, just why are they so desirable? I would prefer 2 round sink bowls myself (and two bowls of Crunchy Nut too!) cheers, Pete. |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
On Tue, 15 Jun 2004 21:48:38 +0100, Pete C
wrote: On Mon, 14 Jun 2004 20:09:49 +0100, Mike Mitchell wrote: So? Is that any reason why people should not fit one if they like them? You could write off just about anything as a "style accessory". Kelloggs Crunchy Nut has this ridiculous and entirely unnecessary addition of nuts and honey, obviously a melange for consumers with more money than sense. Why can't people just eat bog-standard cornflakes without sugar and be thankful? Hi, I can quite see the attraction of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes but not that of a Belfast sink, just why are they so desirable? I would prefer 2 round sink bowls myself (and two bowls of Crunchy Nut too!) cheers, Pete. I have a large one in the utility room and it's very useful because of the size for all sorts of things ranging from hand washing of clothes through to stacking pans before they go in the dishwasher, etc. etc. It's undermounted beneath a granite worktop with machined drainage grooves. Works very well. I then have separate undermounted sinks in the kitchen as well which are smaller and geared more towards food preparation. ..andy To email, substitute .nospam with .gl |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
"Pete C" wrote in message ... snip Hi, I can quite see the attraction of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes but not that of a Belfast sink, just why are they so desirable? I would prefer 2 round sink bowls myself (and two bowls of Crunchy Nut too!) cheers, Pete. Pete, Of COURSE a Belfast sink is desirable - you can get a bucket in it and under the taps - you can get large bits of engine and other car bits in it to wash them - how can you wash your wellies without them - very practical but be blowed to the 'designer style' angle that's just for insecure wimps who have to follow other peoples ideas G Andrew Mawson |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
On Tue, 15 Jun 2004 21:48:38 +0100, Pete C
wrote: On Mon, 14 Jun 2004 20:09:49 +0100, Mike Mitchell wrote: So? Is that any reason why people should not fit one if they like them? You could write off just about anything as a "style accessory". Kelloggs Crunchy Nut has this ridiculous and entirely unnecessary addition of nuts and honey, obviously a melange for consumers with more money than sense. Why can't people just eat bog-standard cornflakes without sugar and be thankful? Hi, I can quite see the attraction of Crunchy Nut Cornflakes but not that of a Belfast sink, just why are they so desirable? I would prefer 2 round sink bowls myself (and two bowls of Crunchy Nut too!) Hey, Pete! If you already had 2 round sink bowls, forget about any other bowls! Just grab that packet (750 g size) of Crunchy Nut and a litre of ice-cold milk and tuck in, yer at yer aunties! By the way, everyone should try the Tesco's Honey Nut with cranberry pieces and yoghurt-flavoured cornflakes. This stuff is darned expensive, but it is utterly delicious. Especially good when served 50/50 with Crunchy Nut. I don't think those 2 round sink bowls are going to be enough. Maybe the Belfast sink after all... MM |
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
On Tue, 15 Jun 2004 21:48:34 +0000 (UTC), Andrew Mawson wrote:
Of COURSE a Belfast sink is desirable - you can get a bucket in it and under the taps - you can get large bits of engine and other car bits in it to wash them - how can you wash your wellies without them - very practical ... Agreed though I think I'd get into *SERIOUS* trouble if I tried to wash large engine parts in any sort of sink... ... but be blowed to the 'designer style' angle that's just for insecure wimps who have to follow other peoples ideas G It's the under mounting that is the stupid "designer style" thing. If you just had it open with an hand operated pump at one end a proper hard wood drainer the other it would be fine. B-) -- Cheers Dave. pam is missing e-mail |
#23
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Alternative materials for kitchen worktop?
On Wed, 16 Jun 2004 08:36:35 +0100 (BST), "Dave Liquorice"
wrote: On Tue, 15 Jun 2004 21:48:34 +0000 (UTC), Andrew Mawson wrote: Of COURSE a Belfast sink is desirable - you can get a bucket in it and under the taps - you can get large bits of engine and other car bits in it to wash them - how can you wash your wellies without them - very practical ... Agreed though I think I'd get into *SERIOUS* trouble if I tried to wash large engine parts in any sort of sink... ... but be blowed to the 'designer style' angle that's just for insecure wimps who have to follow other peoples ideas G It's the under mounting that is the stupid "designer style" thing. If you just had it open with an hand operated pump at one end a proper hard wood drainer the other it would be fine. B-) It works very well if you have a granite worktop. In our utility room, we had some grooves machined in the worktop next to the sink - same thing with one of the kitchen sinks. THis means that it will act as a draining area but also as more worktop area when needed. Anything being disposed off can be swept easily and directly into the sink without it having to go over a lip and pieces being caught. I don't think that I would attempt an undermounted sink with any other form of worktop - definitely not laminated particleboard and I think that even natural wood is probably marginal especially since two sides will be end grain. I suppose one can face those with lipping, but that is not easy if the inside corners are curved. ..andy To email, substitute .nospam with .gl |
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