What's up there neighbor, hello from Minot North Dakota. One question right off the bat...who is they? Another one, are you talking about in the corner? I'm amazed that someone is trying to charge you extra with a basic self edged top. I've been making these tops for about 9 years and the edges that are charged extra for are the beveled laminate edge or aka: Kuehn edge (http://www.kuehnbevel.com/Home.aspx)
or the Gem Loc edge (http://www.loticorp.com/products/gemloc.html)
or wood edges, but not the self edge, and without a backsplash...give me a break!!!!!!!!!
Get back with me 73stang@mail.com and we can talk more eh.

What you are doing is the cheapest way to do laminate! I was told by one shop that it would cost extra to have no backsplash on some of the post form that would normally come with the 4" backsplash because they have to cut it off for you, or make it "flat deck" special for you. That makes no sense to me either. But, you're going straight edge so it doubly does not make sense in your case!

As for the no miter - I'm no expert. But, if one run is 12', that is the longest that most laminates come in, so it might be impossible to do a good miter there, unless you agreed to a seam somewhere else on that run. There may not be enough laminat to make a good miter cut?

Thanks lamguy. I have sent you an email.

Southernstitcher, the 12' run is taking into account extra. The counter that is in now is mitred.but the old style with a bullnose and backsplash.

Too busy today to go to some retailers, but will in the next few days. Thank you.

Well, I am back again. and it is true that a self edge is much more expensive in my neck of the woods so I have decided on the modern edge (I think this is also called the double radius). My problem now is that I cannot decide between the Formica Basalt Slate and the Wilsonart Oiled Soapstone. I need to put my order in on Tuesday and I need your help. Which one do you vote for? Thank you.

P.S. Iamguy, the email was returned wrong address

I think that both choices are very nice. I decided to go with the Basalt Slate, as I liked the texture of the honed countertop and the streaks of lighter gray running through it which looks like veining to me. However, I think the streaks are going to take some getting used to. As I was trying to wipe all the construction dust off the other day, I kept wiping and wiping and finally figured out I was trying to wipe off the light streaks!

The Oiled Soapstone is also very pretty. I think it is more uniform in color, mostly black all over, and it has a smooth soft surface. I think your choice will come down to personal preference. Do you want a smooth countertop or one with texture? More uniform color or the appearance of veining? I think both are beautiful. You can't go wrong!

Thank you alicia58801. What edge did you get on yours? The sample of BS that I have here has no texture, just a matt finish the same as the oiled soapstone. Does yours have a special finish?

I guess I should've realized that the Basalt Slate comes in different finishes as well! Ours is in the honed finish, so it has a more bumpy texture. Home Depot carries Basalt Slate as an in-stock countertop, and I believe theirs (at least the one I saw) is in the honed finish if you want to check it out. I like the texture, but I think it would be pretty in a smooth matt finish as well.

We decided to get the modern edge also. I was going to do the straight edge, but I also found it to be considerably more expensive. We also ordered it without the backsplash, as I'm hoping to do my own tiling. I was trying to see if I have a good photo of it, but this is the best one I could find. Here it is with a cab door and my probably backsplash tile.

I don't know if this might help you but, I just had my laminate installed last week. I went with Formica's Radiance Collection in "Mineral Jet". It's beautiful. Before I made this choice I was going with a smoother one, but I read somewhere to get your sample, lay it on the table and just gently slide a coffee mug over it to see if it scratches. I did that and the scratches were very visible, so I could just imagine what everyday life might do to it. I tried the same thing with the Radiance Collection and there were no scratches. You might want to try the "coffee mug test" before you make a decision. :-)

Thanks so much for the pictures, alicia58801. It really helps to see it, especially the edge and an end edge at that. I am still torn between to loves, here.
Mrs mom3, thanks for the coffee mug test. Will try that out right away.
My kitchen (I have no pictures) is busy so I am leaning towards the oiled soapstone, although basalt slate might be more forgiving. Mineral jet is beautiful, but too busy for my room. I am going to reconsider the finish, though. My cabinets are a creamy white and the uppers are all frosted glass with a grid door. A cabinetmaker did them for me about fifteen years ago. They are wood and in excellent condition, albeit a little time worn now. I just want to update the look, but not take away from the character of the room.
Thanks again for the help.