countertops (by Cheryl [CT]) Oct 15, 2019 5:56 PM
countertops (by CX [WA]) Oct 15, 2019 6:51 PM
countertops (by gevans [SC]) Oct 15, 2019 7:13 PM
countertops (by Deanna [TX]) Oct 15, 2019 7:31 PM
countertops (by plenty [MO]) Oct 15, 2019 7:32 PM
countertops (by razorback_tim [AR]) Oct 15, 2019 8:42 PM
countertops (by RR78 [VA]) Oct 15, 2019 8:58 PM
countertops (by JAC [OH]) Oct 15, 2019 9:15 PM
countertops (by RentsDue [MA]) Oct 16, 2019 8:24 AM
countertops (by Frank [NJ]) Oct 16, 2019 9:15 AM
countertops (by Mickie [OH]) Oct 16, 2019 9:58 AM
countertops (by fred [CA]) Oct 16, 2019 10:21 AM
countertops (by Chris [VA]) Oct 16, 2019 11:44 AM
countertops (by Hoosier [IN]) Oct 16, 2019 12:54 PM
countertops (by Robert.OntarioCanada [ON]) Oct 16, 2019 2:51 PM
countertops (by 6x6 [TN]) Oct 16, 2019 4:18 PM
countertops (by 6x6 [TN]) Oct 16, 2019 4:30 PM
countertops (by DJ [VA]) Oct 17, 2019 8:57 PM
countertops (by Kathi [OH]) Oct 17, 2019 11:30 PM
countertops (by Kathi [OH]) Oct 17, 2019 11:30 PM
countertops (by Josh [CA]) Dec 31, 2019 1:59 PM
countertops (by Nellie [ME]) Jan 3, 2020 8:20 AM
countertops (by Busy [WI]) Jan 3, 2020 12:21 PM
countertops (by Steve [MA]) Jan 3, 2020 12:39 PM
countertops (by Busy [WI]) Jan 3, 2020 3:20 PM
countertops (by Steve [MA]) Jan 3, 2020 3:24 PM
countertops (by Dorothy [OR]) Jan 6, 2020 4:00 PM
countertops (by Dorothy [OR]) Jan 6, 2020 4:00 PM
countertops (by seagal [CA]) Jan 7, 2020 1:02 PM
countertops (by seagal [CA]) Jan 7, 2020 1:02 PM
countertops (by seagal [CA]) Jan 7, 2020 1:02 PM
countertops (by Nellie [ME]) Jan 7, 2020 2:15 PM
countertops (by Busy [WI]) Jan 7, 2020 6:26 PM
countertops (by Cjo’h [CT]) Jan 8, 2020 5:24 PM
countertops (by Cjo’h [CT]) Jan 8, 2020 5:31 PM
countertops (by Cheryl [CT]) Posted on: Oct 15, 2019 5:56 PM Message:
We are in the process of remodeling a kitchen in a class B rental. We are trying to decide if we should go with laminate or granite. Granite is 3X cost of laminate. Pros and cons to both besides cost so wondering what other landlords prefer to use. --68.14.xx.xxx |
countertops (by CX [WA]) Posted on: Oct 15, 2019 6:51 PM Message:
I have some ideas for you. DIY?
I like laminate in a rental. I have learned how to do it. Easier to handle, can do it myself, no helpers needed, not heavy, nor apt to break where it is thin at the sink cutout (BTDT). Seems to wear well and hold up to tenant abuse (yes even class B abuses) in many ways better than granite. Minor flaws and damages can be repaired with Kampel SeamFil.
I DO like to use granite for a backsplash, 4" x 3/4" x however long strips, that does require two people to handle the longer pieces without breaking. --174.21.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by gevans [SC]) Posted on: Oct 15, 2019 7:13 PM Message:
I bought laminate countertops this week for a kitchen...$300. I'll install them myself.
$2k for granite. I put granite in my class A rentals. Nothing else. --173.233.xxx.xx |
countertops (by Deanna [TX]) Posted on: Oct 15, 2019 7:31 PM Message:
Out of your last 25 turnovers, how many of them got 100% of their security deposit returned?
Out of your last 25 turnovers, how many of them were move-in ready five minutes after they vacated?
If you're looking at 100%, chances are, they're able to both appreciate granite as well as take care of granite. If it's less than 50%... the answer would be a firm no. If it's somewhere in between, I'd look at a combination of what the competition is offering, and how much more the unit would rent for with the upgraded countertops vs how much it would rent for with just the laminate. If it pays for itself in (whatever a reasonable amount of time is for you), I'd consider it... but if it doesn't pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time, I wouldn't worry. --96.46.xxx.xx |
countertops (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Oct 15, 2019 7:32 PM Message:
Shop around for a better price on the Granite. --173.127.xxx.xx |
countertops (by razorback_tim [AR]) Posted on: Oct 15, 2019 8:42 PM Message:
countertops (by RR78 [VA]) Posted on: Oct 15, 2019 8:58 PM Message:
For me Granite has more to do with marketing.
A porous surface has no business being used in a food prep area. And high maintenance.
Yes you apply sealer. But it is water based and where to you think it ends up so you have to reapply.
Even careful people can have juices from food eat thru the seal and leave it open for stains.
So quartz or laminate.
Laminate unless class A or B+
--73.152.xx.xxx |
countertops (by JAC [OH]) Posted on: Oct 15, 2019 9:15 PM Message:
Rentals get abused. New laminate designs look great and you get a 8ft countertop at Lowes from $80-$120. They have matching side splashes for $10. Granite is pretty until a tenant puts a hot pan on it and it burns in a permanent mark. --66.42.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by RentsDue [MA]) Posted on: Oct 16, 2019 8:24 AM Message:
We just replaced laminate with granite in a class A. It is impressive and provides a “WOW” effect because the competition does not have it. We are currently rehabbing a class C and debating the granite. The rehabbed units sell themselves anyway so the extra 2 K might not be needed. Laminate is junk once the tenant uses it as a cutting board. --71.10.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by Frank [NJ]) Posted on: Oct 16, 2019 9:15 AM Message:
In re doing our kitchen we shopped....hard. laminate was about 300 cheaper than granite. We dropped the cost of granite by getting a remnant. --174.225.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by Mickie [OH]) Posted on: Oct 16, 2019 9:58 AM Message:
I put in granite countertops in a place I was rehabbing earlier this year. I didn't go with slab but instead used 12x24 granite floor tiles - and used epoxy w/pigment mixed in for the seams. Used granite trim for the front edges for a finished look and came in at about 600.00 for what would have cost 2700.00 for slab. When I showed it Mama said Oooo granite countertops. It was a way for me to get the bling affect without breaking the bank. --71.213.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by fred [CA]) Posted on: Oct 16, 2019 10:21 AM Message:
For class B, laminate won't do.
If you know how to lay tile, you can lay granite squares (like Mickie OH explained above).
If your objective as a LL is to maximize profit, you got to control your expenses, since there is not much you can do about how much rent you can collect. DIY is one way. --99.59.x.xxx |
countertops (by Chris [VA]) Posted on: Oct 16, 2019 11:44 AM Message:
I prefer laminate in rentals in our Class B homes. For Class A homes, I think quartz would hold up way better than granite.
We had an old laminate countertop resurfaced in May after an 11-year tenant moved out. We'd never done this anywhere before, and the result was stunning. I picked up Wilsonart countertop samples at big box stores to leave for guidance for the technician, so he'd know what look we wanted to achieve. (He added talc to reduce the glossiness of the finish since we didn't want a high gloss finish.)
We paid $450.00 to resurface the relatively small countertop, and there was no need to uninstall/install or to deal with the plumbing.
The company that performed the work was "Superior Resurfacing" - which you can search on facebook to see their photos. --71.246.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by Hoosier [IN]) Posted on: Oct 16, 2019 12:54 PM Message:
I prefer laminate in a rental. If you want to go solid surface, there are other options much less costly than granite, such as soapstone or similar. Granite requires sealing periodically also...a spilled glass of wine on a white granite? YIKES!!
--99.92.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by Robert.OntarioCanada [ON]) Posted on: Oct 16, 2019 2:51 PM Message:
For durability a concrete countertop stands up where the countertop can be made by making a form then pouring concrete with a colour added. You Tube has videos on how to make a concrete countertop with a colour added to the concrete. Quartz will cost less along less maintenance. As long as the tenant does not use the countertop for a cutting board then the countertop will last. Do not forget that the lower part may have to be reinforced as Quarts and Granite are very heavy. A lot of kitchen cabinets are made of pressed materials. --147.194.xxx.xx |
countertops (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Oct 16, 2019 4:18 PM Message:
If I had a class A rental I might consider Granite other wise I would use Formica laminate countertops. There is a plant here where I live that makes the laminate tops so for my rental I measured out the pieces I needed, went there and ordered them, later went and picked it up and they even gave me the contact cement and routed out the end caps for me to apply after I scribed the countertop to mach the wall(old house) and cut it to length I needed. I then cut out for the sink. First one I ever did. It turned out perfect. I think I paid around $120 for the counter top. It has a Granite look and hides everything. I thought I got it cheep enough and if I made a mistake I would just buy another one and try again. --73.120.xx.xxx |
countertops (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Oct 16, 2019 4:30 PM Message:
I forgot to mention as well that Robert OntarioCanada [ON] is exactly right in that the cabinets need to be strong and sturdy to support the weight of the Granite, if you go that route. I also like Mickie[OH] idea. I may have to try that some day. Also Granite will chip or crack if something heavy gets dropped on it and care is not taken. --73.120.xx.xxx |
countertops (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Oct 17, 2019 8:57 PM Message:
Laminate with the fancier, ogee edge. --68.10.xxx.x |
countertops (by Kathi [OH]) Posted on: Oct 17, 2019 11:30 PM Message:
Be aware that many granites naturally have low levels of radioactivity.
--134.228.xxx.xx |
countertops (by Kathi [OH]) Posted on: Oct 17, 2019 11:30 PM Message:
Be aware that many granites naturally have low levels of radioactivity.
--134.228.xxx.xx |
countertops (by Josh [CA]) Posted on: Dec 31, 2019 1:59 PM Message:
Granite all the way baybeeee! I only select dark color granite. Lighter color granite will stain. I just finished my last granite countertop kitchen. They are all done now. Yippie! --71.9.xxx.xx |
countertops (by Nellie [ME]) Posted on: Jan 3, 2020 8:20 AM Message:
Don’t forget that the floor joists needs to be strong enough for the granite, in addition to the cabinets. And if there is foundation movement that could potentially cause the granite to crack. --70.20.xx.xxx |
countertops (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Jan 3, 2020 12:21 PM Message:
6X6, what tools did you use to cut out the sink? My husband has a router, but I haven’t learned to use it. I probably have all of the other tools. Just curious to see how you did it.
Mickie, that’s what Cimba does on his rentals too, granite tiles. Good look at much less cost. And, I would imagine, if a tile were damaged, it might be able to be replaced just as any other tile can.
DJ, I concur. Home Depot has in stock one that would be perfect for my houses. Nice thing about the ogee edge, it is easier on little heads that run into counter edges. And, less tempting for tenants to try and open the pickle jar by smacking it on the countertop edge. --70.92.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by Steve [MA]) Posted on: Jan 3, 2020 12:39 PM Message:
Busy, whenever I need to make a sink cutout in a laminate top, I use a drill & a jigsaw with a downward cutting blade. I find the centerline for the sink, use either the actual sink* or the template from the box to layout for the cutout, drill a starter hole in each of the corners, cut across the front & the back** first, lay a wood scrap across from front to back & attach to cutout with a couple of screws*** and make the side cuts. You could also do this using a router but using a jigsaw is faster & easier.
*if you use the actual sink for the layout be sure to make your cutout smaller than the OA size of the sink
** sometimes if there isn't enough room to fit your saw next to the back splash you have to cut from below
***this helps prevent cutout from falling through & damaging the rest of the counter top --71.174.xxx.xx |
countertops (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Jan 3, 2020 3:20 PM Message:
Thanks Steve!
I was going to ask some follow up questions, then realized you answered them very effectively with your asterisks. Great reply!
I need to print this answer out and tape it inside my tool locker. I sometimes have trouble following directions I find online, but this really hit the mark! --70.92.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by Steve [MA]) Posted on: Jan 3, 2020 3:24 PM Message:
You're welcome Busy. We usually give the raw edge of the sink cut out a couple of coats of paint or poly to help lessen the change of water damage if the caulking fails. --71.174.xxx.xx |
countertops (by Dorothy [OR]) Posted on: Jan 6, 2020 4:00 PM Message:
I put granite in our upscaled units and now I am just doing a "faux" granite treatment to the existing laminate. Finish it with self-leveling poured resin and it's stunning! Costs about $150 with coupons from Michael's for the resin --66.74.xx.xxx |
countertops (by Dorothy [OR]) Posted on: Jan 6, 2020 4:00 PM Message:
I put granite in our upscaled units and now I am just doing a "faux" granite treatment to the existing laminate. Finish it with self-leveling poured resin and it's stunning! Costs about $150 with coupons from Michael's for the resin --66.74.xx.xxx |
countertops (by seagal [CA]) Posted on: Jan 7, 2020 1:02 PM Message:
GRANITE: Imported granite as pre-finished slabs were so cheap past decade that anyone not putting granite in CA rentals is not really "market competitive". Great selling factor when showing units. I've had one 1/4" chip out of 24 units in six years, and I filled that in with a mix of matching nail polish colors. Let that dry then polished that with a nail buffer and can't see or feel it.
I have my maintenance install a long metal L bar ( lowes Steelworks 1-1/2-in W x 1-1/2-in H x 4-ft L Mill Finished Aluminum Solid Angle) all the way across the front and back of the cabinet run before we put the plywood on and do cutout - never a break at the sink.
Only apts with laminate tops in my area are the LIHTC / low income rentals.
--73.71.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by seagal [CA]) Posted on: Jan 7, 2020 1:02 PM Message:
GRANITE: Imported granite as pre-finished slabs were so cheap past decade that anyone not putting granite in CA rentals is not really "market competitive". Great selling factor when showing units. I've had one 1/4" chip out of 24 units in six years, and I filled that in with a mix of matching nail polish colors. Let that dry then polished that with a nail buffer and can't see or feel it.
I have my maintenance install a long metal L bar ( lowes Steelworks 1-1/2-in W x 1-1/2-in H x 4-ft L Mill Finished Aluminum Solid Angle) all the way across the front and back of the cabinet run before we put the plywood on and do cutout - never a break at the sink.
Only apts with laminate tops in my area are the LIHTC / low income rentals.
--73.71.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by seagal [CA]) Posted on: Jan 7, 2020 1:02 PM Message:
GRANITE: Imported granite as pre-finished slabs were so cheap past decade that anyone not putting granite in CA rentals is not really "market competitive". Great selling factor when showing units. I've had one 1/4" chip out of 24 units in six years, and I filled that in with a mix of matching nail polish colors. Let that dry then polished that with a nail buffer and can't see or feel it.
I have my maintenance install a long metal L bar ( lowes Steelworks 1-1/2-in W x 1-1/2-in H x 4-ft L Mill Finished Aluminum Solid Angle) all the way across the front and back of the cabinet run before we put the plywood on and do cutout - never a break at the sink.
Only apts with laminate tops in my area are the LIHTC / low income rentals.
--73.71.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by Nellie [ME]) Posted on: Jan 7, 2020 2:15 PM Message:
You want a 12-15 teeth per inch blade. And the teeth should always push from the right side of the laminate. --70.20.xx.xxx |
countertops (by Busy [WI]) Posted on: Jan 7, 2020 6:26 PM Message:
Makes sense, Nellie. Thx. --70.92.xxx.xxx |
countertops (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jan 8, 2020 5:24 PM Message:
Cheryl,don’t know where you are in Connecticut ,I’m in New Haven,near Edgewood Park.if you care to drop by for Coffee some time.Instant only.I have been in construction since leaving school.Have installed Granite for a few of my customers,I wasn’t impressed with it..They we’re overjoyed..Have installed laminate in my own house.Dont know how long it’ll last, only has been there since’73.But still holding up.We’ll see...............Charlie.......It’s as good as the day it was inststalled............. --32.214.xxx.xx |
countertops (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jan 8, 2020 5:31 PM Message:
Gevans,yo better get a new Supply House,your being Rooked..........Charlie........Big Time...... --32.214.xxx.xx |
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