[Moorf]

I'm having a "sort the house out day".. can you tell?

Having always preferred wooden benchtops I am curious to know what others thoughts are on materials such as granite/stone/corian/formica etc as I need to replace all the work surfaces in our kitchen. I thought that stone based tops might be a bit dangerous or lead to breakages?

[Avalon]

The only thing I can really say is that I truly would love to afford granite surfaces. When I was doing my last kitchen - I was going to sell the house so there was no point.

I did decide not to have wood though - basically cos im too bone idle to look after it.

My persoanl preference is for surfaces with a high gloss sheen - that look like granite but dont break the bank - or your toes when you drop it. In this place we have a dull textured surface and im really not a fan - whereas my one in the UK was sparkly and stunning (imho) - :wah

[G&K]

Granite EVERY time if you can afford it - and it IS worth it

http://www.trethewey.co.nz/granite.htm

G

[GeorgeM]

We used a material call Quarella which is a quartz composite very similar to granite but supposely easier to build to custom shapes and to maintain over time. Comes in a huge range of colours.

I believe that it's easier to work than granite - we've got draining grooves worked into the surface round the sink, for example.

We've had no problems with it (in 15 months or so) and so far (knock knock knock) haven't smashed anything on it.

Details at http://www.tilewarehousechch.co.nz/ps/

By the way - if you're doing things to your house have you been to the Home Ideas Centre on Mandeville St (Placemakers end, other side of the road to Placemakers) which is like an exhibition centre for all sorts of things? Well worth a visit. http://www.homeideas.co.nz/

[clg]

We had granite in our last house in the US. Really liked it. When we rework our kitchen here we will do granite again, no hesitation. Pricey but helps with future sales, looks good no matter what you do to it.

[Moorf]

Thank you, all.

Definitely leaning towards granite as it would "suit" this house, and will investigate GeorgeM's quarella. No, we haven't yet been to the home ideas centre, keep meaning to pop in but rarely in Chch these days.

[Moorf]

http://www.granitesouth.co.nz/pricing.htm

$1500 for 5m... not bad at all.

[Debbie]

Just to add my 2pence worth,
Had our kitchen done in granit 9 mths ago and it has been the big wow factor with every UK house viewer but check that you are getting polished and sealed. In the UK we found some selling polished but not sealed and granit is porous so leave water or any thing on it long term it could stain, (example if you get water under a pot plant on your sil). I broke 4 bits in the first few weeks but am getting used to there being no forgiveness factor. (and Im a clutts).
The man that fitted ours advised only to use hot soapy water or dettox type spray to clean as bleach is a no no and to dry it after with a shammy (sp) leather. So far it's been great, totally indisructable with 2 kids and rock hard dried weetabix, daughter drew on it with wax crayon, I cut scones dirrect on it and do all the usual baking things and there have been on ill effects.
Im very heavy handed,I definatly go for function rather than form, and expect everything in my house to survive being in the house and to do its job. Only had the granit a little while but so have so good. Has the advantage of looking good as well which is a .
P.S Just out of interest how do you stop a wood top from staining and scratching up? Just interested to know, I know Jamie Oliver recommends wood but the throught of using it frightened me.
Debbie

[Moorf]

Thanks for that Debbie... :nice1

Re wood - we had oak tops in the UK and they did require some effort to keep them looking their best - we would use a special linseed oil mix and would oil them monthly as they can dry out. You also have to be vigilant as it could stain and cut easily - I wouldn't recommended them if you have kids that are active in the kitchen or if you worry about dints and stains!! :no I had an old marble top "pastry" table that I used for messy stuff....

[sizzlingbadger]

We've got varnished rimu tops and rimu units (unvarnished) here. They're fantastic although not as indestructable as granite. We've got a few marks in it but we can sand the tops down and re varnish if they get to horrendous.

Have to say I'm also a big fan of granite because of the 'wow factor' it gets. If you can afford it go for the granite option.

[Moorf]

Well the granite templaters are in today - we plonked for high gloss totally black granite - the cost of a small family car but, hopefully, worth it!!

[marcia]

Don't forget the piccies when its done Helen! :nice1

[Moorf]

Well here's a before - although some of the base units and cupboards are in albeit without any handles yet - old benchtop is resting on top whilst granite being cut, old flooring in place (in fact if anyone out there has a suggestion for flooring I'd welcome it, I'm a bit stuck for ideas - the kickplate and splashbacks are all s/steel) and old sink is currently plumbed to the waste pipe only, I'll have no taps or running water in the kitchen for a while :o cos 4 weeks until tops are finished!! :wah

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c389/Moorf/kitchenbeforeMedium.jpg

[jubjub]

We have got ceramic tiles, a nice grey colour, but they have a sparkle in them too, only disadvantage is they are cold with bare feet! But could think they would look good with the granite. (our tops are black formica with grey speckles!)

How about a wood floor, as long as its sealed well, or the water resistant laminate?

Whats under the current floor, any nice old tiles you could clean up? (We had that lino in your pic in our first UK house... :))

[jubjub]

Just had another idea, it was on a design show ages ago, you can get this stainless steel stuff that has little raised bits on it, its called ______ feet/foot I think (cant remember!) they had tiles made out of it and put in down, but again cold on the little tootsies

[Caroline and Dave]

For those of you who would like to just upgrade your work surfaces, friends of ours used granite transformations in the UK. They are also based in Auckland and will put a granite section over the top of your existing surface. I was dubious at first but when I saw it it was fantastic . It comes with a 10 year guarantee and costs a fraction of solid granite and I could not tell the difference
www.granitetransformations.com/

Dave and Caroline

[Smiler]

Just had another idea, it was on a design show ages ago, you can get this stainless steel stuff that has little raised bits on it, its called ______ feet/foot I think (cant remember!) they had tiles made out of it and put in down, but again cold on the little tootsies

I think know what you mean Sal, the pattern you see on fire escapes or industrial floors. :confused: I've seen it in tiles too.

[Ana&Steve]

Originally Posted by jubjub
Just had another idea, it was on a design show ages ago, you can get this stainless steel stuff that has little raised bits on it, its called ______ feet/foot I think (cant remember!) they had tiles made out of it and put in down, but again cold on the little tootsies


I think I know what you're talking about...it's called "diamond plate" in the US; not sure why. :confused:
I've noticed it being used alot more for decorating, as opposed to industrial. They have it on the walls at "No Fear" at the mall, my pizza place has it in the bathrooms, and you can buy little fridges for your garage all decked out in the stuff.
Ana

[Moorf]

Jub - it's called "kick plate" - and it's what we first intended to put down until we decided on the s/steel surrounds and now I think it will look too overdone. Underneath is concrete (house built 1976 - "kitchen / len ellis / 28th Aug 1976" written on wall when old units removed!)

[sizzlingbadger]

Have a look at Karndean flooring, a bit like posh vinyl tiles :D Also cork flooring seems to have come back into fashion again. If you're going for black granite tops it will probably look good with white tiles or go OTT with black flooring as well :nice1

[Moorf]

Yes Sizz, I had considered black floor but I think there's just too much surface area for block colour. Are Karndean like Amtico? We had Amtico in the UK and it was fantastic but expensive and I've pretty much run out of budget for a posh floor (have you SEEN the price of a decent tap :o!!)

I'll check out cork - have seen some ads on telly recently for coloured cork flooring.

Wood - no. It won't suit the house. It's a very retro/70's house so I can get away with modern stuff but nothing fussy/patterned.

Keep them coming guys! It's getting the creative juices flowing!

[Moorf]

Oh no - I've just checked out the Karndean site and found a floor tile I love :roll - daren't ask for price!!

[Smiler]

Oh no - I've just checked out the Karndean site and found a floor tile I love :roll - daren't ask for price!!

Oh please ask. :wah I'm in suspense now.

[Moorf]

But now I've found the cork site and there's some great funky stuff on there! :clap Phew!! http://www.corkconcepts.com

[kiwidebs]

I was going to suggest something like Amtico - but you already know about it and it's obviously not cheap (but we loved our Amtico flooring in the UK). We can't afford to do our kitchen yet, but will be looking for tips in a year or two when we save up some cash. Looking forward to seeing the after photos once it's all done!!

Debs

[jubjub]

thought of cork as its warm on your feet, but did not think you would go for that idea! We had it in the rental, and its easy cleaned too if its sealed properly.

[Moorf]

Until I looked at the cork site I did think.. "cork? Naaaah".... but now I'll certainly investigate - anything that has the ability to insulate has got to be good!!! :laugh

[jubjub]

Just checked out the site, I reckon Nero edge with lichen for the rest would look funky.

Cork is not half as boring as you think eh?

[Moorf]

Yes, I liked the lichen and the black nero edge would hide the dirt ;) - lichen or stone...

You're right Sal, I'd never have looked at cork before - glad I did!

[sizzlingbadger]

Moorf, don't think that Karndean is a lot more expensive than vinyl. We had a quote for the kitchen, laundry and bathroom, around 40msq, came in at just under $5000 for the vinyl and just over that for the Karndean :nice1 Just finding someone to fit it isn't always easy. My in laws have it back in the UK and it really is hardwearing and worth the expense.

In the end we've just done the bathroom with tiles which OH's dad did for us :) They're cold and I wouldn't choose them for a kitchen, too many breakages.

[Moorf]

Ohh, not too bad then Sizz - I have a budget of around $1200-$1500 for supply and fit of the kitchen floor area. Thought that might be a bit tight...

[Paul]

Ohh, not too bad then Sizz - I have a budget of around $1200-$1500 for supply and fit of the kitchen floor area. Thought that might be a bit tight...

Hi Moorf
We have Karndean "warm oak" flooring here in UK and I would have thought your budget may be a bit tight for supply and fit. Not directly useful I know but we paid about £1200 for an area roughly 20ft by 10ft and our flooring was one of the cheaper ones in range.
Basically the floor has to be screed(sp?) totally flat and level first and then the flooring is fitted on top. It is a very fiddly DIY job and any mistakes will notice - glad we had it done professionally!

Also if you go for the plank style flooring of any sort, consider having it laid at a diagonal to units to create more interest.

We are really pleased with our flooring and it is great for cleaning and very very resilient

Also think you have made a good choice with black granite (although get plenty of cleaning cloths in!!!) as it looks great in any kitchen. We have blue pearl granite and when clean it looks a million dollars. Baby oil works well cleaning it up to a shine (as does windowlene apparently although maybe not ideal for food preparation!). Also just be careful about knocking over any glasses or crockery onto it - they will smash into a million pieces!

Good luck with your choices!

Paul

[wilson182]

Ohhhhhh

Paua shell inlay.......

[Moorf]

Thanks v. much for that useful advice Paul :nice1 - we had Amtico put down in our house in UK and I'd forgotten the faffing they did with the floor first - might get a comparative quote but the cork is looking promising :yes

Top tip on baby oil too! Was only today discussing how to clean them. Can I cut directly on the surface without marking it (will be great for pastry!)?
I'd better go get some cheapy wine glasses from Warehouse and lock up the good stuff - or ban drunk people from the kitchen! :laugh

[sizzlingbadger]

Have to say I'd think we'd seriously consider the cork flooring that's available now. It's probably warmer than Karndean as well.

We've got half our kitchen floor in vinyl and then half in cork. Not our choice but the previous owners :D When we had quotes down they all said it's probably been down since the late 70s when the house was built, still looks good despite it not being our colour choices.

A friend of mine was telling me the other day about the lounge carpet they first had down in the house, a very long shag pile that you couldn't hoover but just comb :nice1 In the end they changed it to a more practical carpet, thank goodness :)

[KerryS]

Moorf - you can cut directly on the granite, but you'll ruin your knives if you do! Best thing is to get a wood block for all your chopping.

Wish I could have granite again, instead of my nasty formica worktops.

[Paul]

Thanks v. much for that useful advice Paul :nice1 - we had Amtico put down in our house in UK and I'd forgotten the faffing they did with the floor first - might get a comparative quote but the cork is looking promising :yes

Top tip on baby oil too! Was only today discussing how to clean them. Can I cut directly on the surface without marking it (will be great for pastry!)?
I'd better go get some cheapy wine glasses from Warehouse and lock up the good stuff - or ban drunk people from the kitchen! :laugh

Moorf we have a couple of glass chopping blocks (easy to clean in the dishwasher!) although you could always get an extra piece of granite made into a chopping board. Wouldn't personally cut direct onto any work service, but as KerryS says you are more likely to ruin your knives than the work top!!

[Smiler]

Moorf we have a couple of glass chopping blocks (easy to clean in the dishwasher!) although you could always get an extra piece of granite made into a chopping board. Wouldn't personally cut direct onto any work service, but as KerryS says you are more likely to ruin your knives than the work top!!

As per Paul's excellent suggestion, couldn't you ask them to make a chopping board from the sink cutout bit? As long as it's not to big and heavy? :D

[Moorf]

Ohhh top tips folks - and love the chopping board from sink cut out bit idea!! :D Bit more of the kitchen fitted today - will get some pics sorted.

[Moorf]

The first lot of granite went in today - v. pleased with it. The rest goes in Saturday and then perhaps I'll have a kitchen after 5 weeks of using the bathroom sink!!

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c389/Moorf/IMG_1985Medium.jpg

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c389/Moorf/IMG_1986Medium.jpg

[Moorf]

Have a look at Karndean flooring, a bit like posh vinyl tiles :D Also cork flooring seems to have come back into fashion again. If you're going for black granite tops it will probably look good with white tiles or go OTT with black flooring as well :nice1

Hey sizz, guess what colour floor we went for - and Karndean too! :laugh

[Paul]

Looks great!

However my previous advice re baby oil was not quite correct according to my wife!!! The baby oil is used for shining up the brushed stainless steel hob and hood apparently.

Windowlene does get the granite up nice and shiny - hope you haevn't used the oil already, sorry :exit

PS good choice with Karndean - we love ours

[Moorf]

:laugh I haven't used the oil yet, no - have been told to use Mr Muscle Glass Cleaner or similar, however this evening I've been obsessively buffing with my sleeves!! :o

[sizzlingbadger]

Love the white units and black granite top :D

Can't wait to see a pic of it finished.

How easy has it been to find someone to fit the Karndean Moorf ? Was it on budget as well ? Looks like you've only got a small section to do so it will look great when it's finished.

[Rose]

Looks really great - clean and sharp. Congratulations for having lasted so long without a kitchen!

Thanks also to everyone for their tips for floor coverings. I have added lots of new web sites to my "favourites" on the computer. We will be coming to NZ soon and, judging from photos on real estate sites, doing a little bit of budget redecorating. So your tips are very useful.

As a matter of interest (not that this will fall into the budget category) does anyone do parquet floors?

Rose

[Moorf]

Well the floor has gone down this week and we love the overall look - now I have to move everything back in, get the kickboards installed and the s/steel splashbacks and it'll be finished.

Here's a bad photo of progress to date....


http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c389/Moorf/IMG_1993Medium.jpg

[kiwidebs]

Looking good Moorf. How much longer till it's finished?


Debs