[Greenbuilding] Counters

[Kathy Cochran]

Hi Lynelle,

I don't know what the configuration of your kitchen is, but if you have any
small areas to put counter on, like I have (on either side of my propane
stove) you might see if you have a source that can provide you with some
remnants of soapstone.  I was lucky to be able to get 2 pieces of it (20"
wide x 27" deep) edged all rounded, for about $250 (and I drove to
Sacramento to pick it up).  The nice part of it is that there is NO LABOR to
install it  -  you simply put a bead of construction-grade caulk around the
top of the cabinet, and set it down!  Hot pots can go on it, and you don't
have to seal it (like granite) with anything, but they gave me a tiny bottle
of mineral oil to use on it, which looks very nice, but it really isn't
necessary.  You can clean it with ANYTHING, they say!  It's also a terrific
surface for kneading bread and pasta dough.  

My kitchen is a galley kitchen, the other side, the sink side, is Formica,
which I got forced into because I had a deadline of getting a "final
inspection" so I could go forward with a refinance.  But it's okay, too!
I'll send you some pictures, separately.  

Just my 2 cents..........

Kathy Cochran
San Andreas, CA

-----Original Message-----
From: greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org
[mailto:greenbuilding-bounces at lists.bioenergylists.org] On Behalf Of Lynelle
Hamilton
Sent: Tuesday, July 26, 2011 6:00 PM
To: Greenbuilding
Subject: [Greenbuilding] Counters

Again, I ask the list for advice.  I am now at the point of installing 
kitchen counters. I have had plywood on the counters (3/4 overlaid and 
screwed to 3/8", as a substrate for tile, but have had warping (I'm on 
the water). I don't trust it for tile. I've been told others in the area 
have had this problem. They've generally solved it by installing 
Arborite, something I am loathe to do.

That places me squarely in  a quandary.  I can't find reclaimed granite 
in the size I need--the reclamation folks near me generally sell the 
counters with the cabinets anyway. The budget will not allow for "new" 
granite and I want to use something that screws the earth less than 
other options (particularly given that I've already wasted some 
otherwise good plywood).

I am the installer, so it must be pretty simple.

Any creative ideas out there?

Thanks!

Lynelle
-- 
Effective immediately, please use the following e-mail address to reach 
me: lynelle at lahamilton.com

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