DIY Network

Kitchens (2 of 2): Countertops, Backsplashes and Islands From "Blueprint for Home Building" episode DBHB-206

Figure A

In the first segment of this final episode on kitchens, host Jeff Wilson reviewed what was covered in last week's episode of Blueprint for Home Building. In this segment he'll explore countertops, backsplashes and kitchen islands.

There are literally hundreds of options for your new home when it comes to countertops. When choosing a large surface such as a countertop, it's a good idea to go directly to the fabricator to take a good look up close. It's hard to get an accurate idea of what the surface, color and texture will be like with a small sample.

Countertops

Countertops come in many natural materials, such as granite and wood as well as man-made materials such as laminates and steel. And to reflect the range of options is a range of cost. You can actually plan, as a rule of thumb, anywhere from $75 to $125 per linear foot for a counter and backsplash to be installed.

• Granite (figure A) is usually the most expensive. The main advantage of granite is it's not damaged by heat, it's completely fireproof, it doesn't chip and it has a high resistance of staining. The negative is weight and installation. In fact, granite is the heaviest choice you can make, short of concrete.

  The biggest caution would be to make sure that the foundation is properly designed to handle the weight of granite.

  The cost differential for granite is extensive. If you use a granite tile that's 12" x 12" in size versus a granite slab, the slab is going to cost approximately $75 per square foot. And the same tiles in low-end granite will run $5 to $6 a square foot. The installation is another $15 to $20 a square foot.

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	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• If granite isn't your cup of tea you may want to consider a man-made product known as solid surface material. These products are extremely versatile and can be cut into unique shapes. More than 100 colors can be offered and with a seamless appearance.

  Compared to granite, these materials are a little more than half the cost.

• Laminate (figure B) is a plastic material that is usually the least expensive choice. The plastic is laminated to particle board, which provides a durable surface that's heat resistant and knife resistant.

• Ceramic Tile is popular for covering kitchen counters. The disadvantage, of course, is the grout joints. They tend to stain and hold bacteria on the countertop.

• Butcher Block (figure C) is another option for your new kitchen counter. It's becoming more popular, especially in traditional- or country-style type homes. The advantage is that it's easy to clean, easy to maintain and you can grind the knife marks right out of it.

• Stainless Steel (figure D) is an alternative selection for kitchen countertops. It's used primarily when a high-tech or industrial look is desired, but you have to be careful that it doesn't end up looking like a hospital.

	Figure E
	Figure F

Countertop Installation

No matter which surface you choose, the process of installation is pretty universal.

• The installers will come in and make a template of the countertop itself and then make it for you and put it back in (figure E). This is usually done on any kind of countertop except tile.

  Everything has to be cut out and designed prior to the countertop being made and mainly because the process is expensive and you don't want the mess at the jobsite.

  Constructive Advice: The code says there must be an electrical plug every four feet along any countertop, but in reality you need to have additional outlets. Be sure to have enough plugs so you don't have to string cords all over the countertop for toasters, blenders, etc.

• There's a continuation of the countertop that extends up the wall, which is called the backsplash. In fact, the walls in a kitchen are basically the backsplash (figure F). You want to complement the countertop with your backsplash. Some homeowners decide to use the exact same material that was used on the counter and others decide to use something different.

  A lot of surfaces are used for backsplashes such as the materials already listed for countertops (granite, tile, etc.) or a different man-made product such as corian.

  Always keep in mind that the backsplash is named for a reason -- splashing from water, oils and other cooking ingredients. You'll want to pick out something that will be easy to maintain.

Figure G

Kitchen Islands

Today's kitchen designs often incorporate another countertop workspace that stands independent from the wall -- the kitchen island (figure G). Islands are a preference and luxury item.

You should consider the following when thinking about adding a kitchen island to your new home:

• The amount of space that you have.

• How will the island affect the plumbing in the kitchen?

• How will the island affect the electrical plans in the kitchen? For example, you can have a disposable sink, work area, bar sink or an area to prepare vegetables (a chopping board can be incorporated into the island) in the island.

• An island has to have a loop vent, which is a foot vent that has to go up and through an exterior wall.

• Gas pipes going up to an island can also be a little more difficult because you're not using a common wall. It's more work to have to separate that line and going underneath the slab or underneath the wood floor and bringing it back up to the island.

In the next segment the lighting and flooring for your new kitchen are explored.

GUESTS :

Al Sain
Homeowner
7117 Fairway Dr.
Butler, PA 16001
Phone: 724-865-3056
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Bob Cheney
Plumbing Expert
2153 Iron Club Dr.
La Verne, CA 91750
Phone: 909-593-0438
E-mail: deache@adelphia.net

John Harmon
Licensed Contractor
Specialized Services
PO Box 1377
Sunset Beach, CA 90742-1377
Phone: 562-592-3831
E-mail: SpecEmail@aol.com

Pierre Abboud
Designer/Sales
We apologize no further information is available.

Skip Weahunt
Homeowner
E-mail: skip@ownerbuildercenter.com

Regina Zernay
CMTS, Inc.
Phone: 310-390-9558

Bob Miller
CMTS
E-mail: robertmillerpe@comcast.net

John Owens
Consultant
1265 South Camino Santiago Drive
Pueblo West, CO 81007