Help choosing countertops

[Maya V.]

Hi folks, I've replaced the old musty cabinets in my cottage rental. It is a small unit that sits on the same property of my house that I live in. I put in Ikea cabinets and was going to put in the cheap laminate Pragel countertops they sell for $69...I actually bought it and it is still unboxed. However, after reading mixed reviews about the questionable durability of that countertop, I now have reservations about putting it in. I initially liked it because it is black and looks great. I am now starting to wonder if I should just put something like quartz in and spend a bit more money so that I know I don't have to worry about the durability. The butcher block countertops at Ikea were a thought because although you do have to seal them about every 6 mos., if they stain, you can just lightly sand them out and reseal to a new looking counter.

My brain is fried at this point and any and all thoughts are appreciated. Also, the fact that this place is on the property that I live in, I can keep a closer eye on it currently but who knows if my living situation will be the same in a couple of years. Countertops take a beating and I just want something that will go for a while. I've read about folks using formica but not sure where I can find them in the east bay area, Oakland, CA. Sorry if this is too wordy but wanted to explain my situation.

Thanks,

Maya

[Karen Margrave]

How much does your rental go for per month? How big is it? You should be able to get whatever you want at Home Depot, or IKEA.

[Maya V.]

Hey Karen,

Thanks for the reply. It really is small @ about 300 sq. feet and I was getting $1,100/mo. before remodel but now I'm renting for $1,200 after the kitchen update. I've been to both Home Depot and Ikea numerous times and really uninformed about the wearability of laminate. I would love to just slap that laminate counter from Ikea (that I already bought) in but don't want to have to do another install 5 years from now. Any thoughts on that or something more specific? Thanks

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10208783/#/30208782

[Jerry W.]

I do not know the California rental market at all but I assume a $1,200 rental there is low end. While quartz is very durable, it can be broken or damaged. Usually low end rentals seem to be highest risk for damage. Replacing cheap counter tops in 5 years might be better than replacing quartz counter tops in 5 years.

[Maya V.]

Hey Jerry,

Thanks for your reply. It is only at the lower end because it is so darn small. The more I thought about it today, I just decided to put the darn Ikea cheapy in.

[Amit M.]

granite is pretty cheap nowadays and very durable. Installing it costs a bit more, but if your kit counter layout is simple, it's not too bad. Just google discount granite in Oakland- plenty of places sell it. It's also avail in black btw.

[Maya V.]

Hey Amit,

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I'm really over Granite. I actually had black in my house I just sold. When I redo my personal kitchen, I'm going with Quartz. I think though just for poops and giggles, I will price out some stone tomorrow. There is a big granite place in Emeryville.

[Amit M.]

But granite is very practical, it's for a rental not your home. And certainly more durable than laminate.

[Pat L.]

my kids went with quartz in their new build & regret it. Aluminum seems to leave scratches/marks on it. Its also a lighter gauge material & on the install they did crack one piece so I would assume it's prone to stress cracking.

Also be wary of the lighter gauge granite from China it is very prone to cracking & will surface scratch easily.

We have Granite throughout our kitchen & house (14 years now) & it takes an amazing amount of abuse. Our last SFH rehab rental now has granite, which we got as remnants from the guys we deal with. But I did the undermount sinks etc myself. Prior to that we had laminate installed to save money & it was cut, scratched & burned after 4 yrs of abuse by the previous tenants.

[Maya V.]

Thanks folks for replies. I'm going with Granite for the rental and Quartz or Acrylic for me. :)