Tip 5: Remember the Classics
Elements of Tile: You’re unlikely to find granite cheaper than the Granite Solutions modular-slab system. The solid granite tiles come in four components—field tiles, outside corners, inside corners, and bullnose pieces—to accommodate a variety of applications. Offered in 14 colors, the field tiles measure 12 inches by 12 inches. The system can be installed for about 50 percent below the cost of slab granite, the manufacturer says. Beni-ssimo Systems. 877-762- 4330. www.benissimosystems.com.
When money is no object, builders have access to a wide variety of cool new products and materials such as quartz or recycled glass countertops. But classic materials such as laminate and wood still work and are a lot cheaper. “On budget projects, we start with basic laminate with a square corner and then typically offer an upgrade to granite or recycled glass countertops,” says Paulus. “We have found that laminate, when installed properly with clean lines, can work beautifully.” Anderson also is a fan of laminate countertops but he keeps it simple. “I never use laminate that tries to look like stone or wood,” says the architect, who believes that no laminate will ever look like a natural product so there’s no point in trying. Instead, Anderson uses solid-colored laminate and enhances it with a metal edge for a top that is cheap and handsome. Anderson also uses granite tiles for countertops. “The cost is in the realm of 10 percent of what monolithic granite costs,” he says.
Metal Winner: It’s a new day for laminate. The manufacturer’s DecoMetal combines easy fabrication with the beauty of metal. It consists of real metal foil laminated to a phenolic core, which makes the product easy to install without the hassle of metal fabrication. Ideal for dry interior vertical and light-duty horizontal interior applications, the product comes in a wide variety of textures, colors, and finishes such as copper, brass, and colored aluminum. Formica Corp. 800-367-6422. www.formica.com.
Walk in the Woods: Wood countertops are beautiful and can dress up an otherwise bland kitchen. They’re even better when you can buy them inexpensively. This company offers tops for a relative steal. Available pre-finished and unfinished, the solid wood tops come in a reddish-colored American cherry and maple. The tops measure 1 1/2 inches thick, 25 inches deep, and 8 or 12 feet long. Prices start at $190. Lumber Liquidators. 800-356-6746. www.lumberliquidators.com.