If you've read my first article on the basics of what to keep in mind when you're on the search for a new kitchen counter, I'd suggest you check it out.
Or if you think your kung fu is brilliant and you can join us on our journey to countertop nirvana without it, come along! At this point you should have already selected a material and a fabricator.
Now the time comes for a very important question: countertop or countertop overlay? Its an important question that has been asked since the beginning of time (Okay, maybe not the beginning of time but at least since the 80s!).
When it comes to countertops versus countertop overlays there are several areas of competition to keep in mind when considering which type of counter you want for your kitchen.
Traditional countertops require that a great deal of demolition be performed before accurate measurements can be taken and before the new counter can be installed.
The installation process requires that the old countertop be smashed and disposed of and, of course, in order to do this you have to sacrifice your ability to store, prepare and consumer delicious dishes in your kitchen for the duration of the process which can take days if not a full week.
Countertop Overlays, on the other hand, are designed and custom cut so that they can be installed on top of their predecessor.
This small detail makes a world of difference in the total time necessary for installation.
In the vast majority of cases after the older countertop has been precisely measured and the countertop overlay has been custom cut, installation can be done in about 1 day.
Less time installing and more time using!