--192.243.xxx.xx

B class i do laminate both for rentals and sales --38.248.xx.xxx

What class? --72.0.xxx.xx

I do laminate. For the higher-end places I go to a custom fabricator and get the higher-end laminate. It's not only thicker but it is textured to look like granite complete with rounded edge. I've had lots of people think it's granite when they walk through. It costs about twice what the big box stores charge for standard rack runs but they look so much better and I've never had an end fall off with their heat and pressure sealed ends. --99.64.xx.xx

What HASN'T gone up is cabinet quality :( --73.216.xxx.xxx

Sometime in the next year I'm going to be redoing my own kitchen & I'll use either butcher block or Quartz. or perhaps a combination of the two. --96.237.xx.xx

Cork. It doesn't hurt as much when I bang my head on it after enduring an idiot, which, on rare occasions, is me! --76.35.xxx.xx

If I'm tidying up something that's preexisting, I have other options. Pro epoxy refinishing was one strategy, where I didn't want to remove the preexisting countertops because Reasons. Adding a scrap slab of granite cut-to-size atop a WW2-era wooden countertop that was all-of-a-piece with its cabinetry was another strategy. --172.59.xxx.xxx

I've been putting in granite when I have been redoing the kitchen. it hasn't been that much more expensive if you go and tell the granite people you want some scrap pieces. Most of my kitchens are small and the stove and the sink break up the lengths of granite needed. They can usually accommodate you and it will up the perceived value of your properties and I believe hold up better than laminate counters. --65.188.xxx.xxx

So anytime I install new cabinets we install granite. There are some really nice unusual patterns for not much more money. --162.204.xxx.xxx

If I cannot do a straight run or a simple miter with the prefab tops from Lowes, I put Granite in all of my units even with cheaper cabinets. It holds up to everything and is simple. They measure it within a couple days and within 2 weeks, it is installed including the sink. Super simple and the cost is about the same as a custom laminate top with less frustration and down time. --146.135.xx.xxx

If I cannot do a straight run or a simple miter with the prefab tops from Lowes, I put Granite in all of my units even with cheaper cabinets. It holds up to everything and is simple. They measure it within a couple days and within 2 weeks, it is installed including the sink. Super simple and the cost is about the same as a custom laminate top with less frustration and down time. --146.135.xx.xxx

I've been using Lowe's wood butcherblock for the last four. It looks great and is quite inexpensive, but I don't know how well it will hold up. --216.126.xx.xx

In my area we have a store called Home OUtlet and their 6' slabs run from $165 to $265! --108.44.xx.xx

The edges don't come loose and chip like Formica either. --73.229.xxx.xxx

It looks great but I'm concerned about durability. What do you all think? Anybody else tired this? --98.156.xxx.xxx

Usually the problem with tile is that the grout seams are places for bacteria to thrive. If you're using huge tile, it's less of an issue than if you're using more traditional sizes. I don't know about durability. It might come down to wall tile (thinner) vs floor tile (thicker), porcelain (denser and less porous and more durable and more heat resistant) vs ceramic (softer and more likely to be damaged by heat/water/impact). --172.59.xxx.xxx

I have had good luck with granite tiles with zero grout lines. They hold up well and are done in a day for 1/2 the price --71.47.xxx.xx

Laminate has changed over the years; it’s not nearly as durable as it used to be. You can count on tenants to be reckless and hard on all elements, especially countertops, setting hot casseroles and cast iron skillets directly from oven, piping hot on countertops, gouging and nicking with knives. I upgrade now on all units with granite. I made the mistake of using quartz, then discovering that quartz is not as durable as granite and needs to be protected from heat from crockpots, instant pots, other electric appliances using heat. I recently had 2 large granite trivets made for the house I had quartz countertops placed in and HOPE tenants will actually use them under heat-generating appliances like air fryers. The heat damages and scorches quartz. I don’t go thru Lowe’s or Home Depot to get my granite countertops. I order directly from a local granite dealer who does an excellent and quick job and discounts the price for me since I’m a source of repeated business. For me, granite is the only way to go. I just bite the bullet and do it, replacing the damaged laminate, even in my apartment units not in Mr Roger’s’ neighborhood. The cheapest price isn’t the cheapest price on high use areas like countertops. I also use it in ads with vacancies, which I think is impressive. --99.110.xxx.xx

We bought a modest condo in Florida for ourselves. I had a small budget and put in IKEA countertops. They aren't laminate, more like a sprayed on stuff. But I know we'll be careful for them, so I didn't care about wear. We're old, so they'll outlive us. I've used wood countertops most often in our rentals. --47.194.xx.xxx

One piece man made granite/stone can be purchased by the sheet. If you've got the talent or skills, this would be the best solution for Re-sale down the road. --47.155.xx.xxx

Quartz is the way to go. Granite needs maintenance and laminate is Ghetto. --72.220.xxx.xxx

But the ad for the house said granite countertops and that is all people cared about. --47.227.xx.xxx

Durable is make a mold then add concrete with colour where that is labour intensive. Most laminate counter tops are destroyed when a hot pan is placed on. You Tube has videos on how to make a concrete counter top. A solid plywood base first. --216.110.xxx.xxx

Granite needs very little maintenance. There are some stones sold as granite but are not as hard. Other than occasionally sealing the stone my tops have never needed maintenance. When I say sealing I means 5 years and it takes 15 minutes. --162.204.xxx.xxx

We use butcher block from Menards. When necessary, sand & re-seal at turnover. Very easy & looks brand new each time. --76.16.xxx.xxx

quartz is the go to if the budget allows. since it is manmade the parts cost has dropped lately. granite stains badly with grease and the tenants NEVER clean it properly and I NEVER remember to seal it yearly. laminate is rare here in calif. they WILL be doing away with quartz here...the dust is a VERY REAL danger for those fabricators who don't use respirators...and few do --67.63.xx.xxx

I won't use butcher block again. It requires more maintenance and stains easily with mold. I generally use laminate. --23.28.x.xxx

So far, so good. I have about half SFH, and have manufactured houses, double and single. --216.126.xx.xx

Formica just doesn't make sense anymore, sadly. --99.71.xxx.xxx

Granite Transformations. You won't be sorry. --184.57.xxx.xxx

Hands down Granite. Wears like steel, no issues with maintenance, my fabricator tuned me into a sealer that has 25 year warranty. I use a matt or leather finish so if a scratch would could occur it doesn't show. And in the end when you go to sell will fetch a much better price. All about the scraps and end pieces, such a bargain. Why go with anything that has a shorter life? You don't have to go with a stone with a lot of as they call it- movement. You will pay more. Just go with a neutral matt scrap and you will never have to replace it again. Your investment secured. --173.40.xx.xx

How do you keep the granite countertops from getting stained? --173.69.xxx.xx

The only issue I have seen is that grease can cause the “wet look” if you don’t seal it. --162.204.xxx.xxx