Does my kitchen need new countertops?

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

These butcher block tops were here when we moved in. They have not faired well under our care...we're trying to get rid of a couple of mold spots, and there are water rings and small stains on them. My husband is ready to switch to Quartz and a new backsplash. I also wouldn't mind a new sink, as the apron sink is large and causes back pain. Do you think new tops/backsplash/sink would look nice and be more functional, or should we save money and stick with what we have for now? We're slowly transiting to all white appliances, so the black oven/microwave will eventually be replaced. Thanks for any opinions! I'll put pictures in the comments.

Featured Answer

Rawketgrl

10 years ago

LOL funny I am trying to get my kitchen to look like yours. I say keep what you have until you have the money to get the entire kitchen you want. You will save money over all by doing it all at once.

You can scrape (Its what butchers do with their blocks) and/or sand the counters to refinish them to new again. Then seal with mineral oil with beeswax frequently.If the mold spots are stubborn you can try many methods..lemon/salt, vinegar, if all else fails bleach and rinse very well with vinegar and water.

Get a dish drying system that does not rest on the counter, or add wood blocks under on existing one to keep air flowing.

As far as your back pain with dishes there are 2 immediate things you can do.

1. Get a dish pan that is on feet to raise the dishes up a little...

http://bit.ly/2aTpSIu

2. Open the cupboard below and place one foot on the floor of the cupboard, or on a large phone book. Switch feet often. This will allow you to straighten your spine some and will take the pressure off your lumbar disks some.

Good luck and let me know how the back pain is after you try this...

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

Lindsay K
Original Author
10 years ago
jhmarie
10 years ago
If you intend on keeping the cabinets for many more years then there is no reason not to put in new countertops. They do not have to be quartz. You can get a pretty laminate and some granite cost little more than laminate. I would not get new countertops if you plan on getting new cabinets in the next 5 or so years, or if it would be a problem for the family budget.

I do not know much about wood countertops - I have butcher block on my island but it is not expose to water and has not been a problem. You could also look into whether or not the countertops can be "refinished" in any way to be more durable than the present finish.

You will need to have some work done on the cabinet if you are taking out the farmhouse sink and putting in a regular sink. I am not sure why the sink is causing back pain - most under mount sinks will be just as deep if not more so.
Lindsay K thanked jhmarie
Related Professionals
Decatur Interior Designers & Decorators · Vidalia Interior Designers & Decorators · Pittsburg Interior Designers & Decorators · Murfreesboro Interior Designers & Decorators · Auburn Interior Designers & Decorators · Gary Interior Designers & Decorators · Webster Interior Designers & Decorators · Grand Rapids Interior Designers & Decorators · San Bernardino Interior Designers & Decorators · Pittsfield Architects & Building Designers · Erie Architects & Building Designers · Orangeburg Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Grand Rapids Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Nashua Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Vancouver Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
PRO
Tatiana Almieri Designs LLC
10 years ago
Quartz countertops and an undermount sink is always a lovely option. Undermount sink is also much easier to clean! If you want to bring more white color into the space, you can also opt for a composite sink. My favorite go-to for clients is Blanco Silgranite sink. It comes in a multitude of colors, including white.
Lindsay K thanked Tatiana Almieri Designs LLC
Lindsay K
Original Author
10 years ago
The depth of the sink isn't a problem, it's only 7.5" deep...it's the reach to the faucet. I'm not sure if a larger faucet that extends further into the sink would solve part of the problem. The cabinets are staying!
jhmarie
10 years ago
My new faucet is a bit farther back too - not helpful to a short person with short arms:) I do have a single lever and have it pulled slightly to the front - helps keep drips in the sink and it is closer to reach. A faucet with a longer handle that extends forward is a thought no mater what kind of sink you get.
Lindsay K thanked jhmarie
Lindsay K
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
Thank you, rawketgrl. I like the look of the butcher block and farmhouse sink, too. We have tried sanding and bleaching the mold spots, and it faded them but didn't entirely get rid of them. I think we need to sand down farther...I need to watch some you tube videos and see what we're doing wrong. I'll try the tricks with the sink and see if those help :)
PRO
Ace Installations
10 years ago

Consider what cabinet you will use to fill in the space if you change to a different sink. I personally love the sink but not if it's painful. I also like the look of the butcher block but not if it's not sanitary. The thing that would make a huge difference is changing the backsplash to a simple white subway tile or something similar.
Lindsay K thanked Ace Installations