Has anyone heard of Okite counter tops?

[CoffeeCat]

I saw these countertops on HGVT last night. They were discussed as a cheaper alternative
to granite and marble. They're gorgeous, and they look like very rich countertops.
Just as beautiful as granite. I guess they're a quart product, with some resin.

The stats on HGTV indicated that this product was half the cost of granite.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Okite? I guess it's made in Italy, but
distributed by Dupont--in the Zodiaq line.

I really want to get rid of our old countertops, but granite and other solid-surface countertops
are so expensive.

I don't know a great deal about any of this, but I am trying to find cheaper alternatives and ways
to save money.

If anyone knows anything about Okite--or has any ideas about how to save money in this area, I'm all
ears. I wish I was talented enough to do an install myself!

[NMDemDist2]

1. I would never get granite

but that's just me :shrug:

have you looked at laminate lately? it comes in any color/pattern including granite. cheap, easy to install and it doesn't outgas nasty stuff like granite.

I have tile now, and after the new dishwasher goes in, I'm ready to pull it out

we had a long discussion in here last year about counter tops

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=236&topic_id=17556

and if you MUST have granite, check out this thread from KingShakaboo

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=287x1766

[CoffeeCat]

2. Hey thanks...

I appreciate the links and the info.

Like you, I don't think I want granite. I have looked at some of the laminates, and they do
look nice. And the cheaper cost is definitely a bonus.

I am always looking for a cheaper alternative to granite. I just can't see spending $5-6k on new countertops.
I like the idea of this Okite. The numbers shown on HGVT looked as if it was half the price of granite, and it
was just as beautiful. I just called a local installer and he said this product was about $70 per square foot,
which doesn't sound cheap to me. My guess is that he was looking at higher-end Okite products, and the product
in the house was cheaper.

If anyone else is interesting, the installer told me that Lowes has a fantastic deal right now on Quartz
Viatera countertops, made by LG. You can get B, C colors for A pricing. He said that this is a savings
of 32 percent. This sale runs until the end of December.

He also said that Lowes is also running a similar sale on solid surfaces. From Dec 1 - Jan 31, you can get
C or D Solid Surfaces for B pricing, plus a free sink.

Also, you can get E price surfaces (which are the very high-end "Volcanic Collection") for C prices. 23 percent savings.

I hope to learn more, as I meander through this process--and I'll be sure to post what information I learn too.

[Warpy]

3. Seonded on the Formica

and there are similar products that are an upgrade from Formica. HGTV is showing houses now where the realtor feels compelled to tell the prospective buyer they're looking at Formica, not granite.

Even the resin based products are vulnerable to acids. In addition, the resin products don't allow you to set things like hot frying pans on them. However, they're far less vulnerable to cracks and staining than stone is.

My own countertops need replacing thanks to an accident with an acid dyebath. I will be replacing them with Formica.

[Stinky The Clown]

4. Life is a series of compromises

Laminate (Formica being one brand) is the low cst option and might also be the least durable ..... or not.

Metal is the high end in durability. Bulletproof and easily can last the life of the house in which they're installed. Also, they can look harsh to some people.

Stone is durable, but can stain. That includes granite.

Quartz is probably the best balance on the market today. Almost as durable as metal but witha softer look.

Now back to laminate. The key to a durable job is the substrate. If you buy them pre-made, like at Home Depot or Lowes, the substrate is particle board, which **will** swell if it gets wet, like from a failed seam.

If you have the counters custom made (not all that much more costly, really) have them made of exterior grade plywood. Those will last a very long time. Add to that a premium pattern (like their new textured stone mimics that are amazingly realistic) and you have a great new counter at a reasonable cost.

Just don't cut on it, put hot pots on it, drop anything sharp or pointed and heavy on it, let a burning cigarette fall on it, etc., and you'll be fine.

[lavenderdiva]

5. Hey, Husb2Sparkly-

I was reading your countertop threads, and came across your very impressive installation of a stainless steel countertop a couple of years ago. I was wondering if you perhaps have any sort of installation directions or secrets for do-it-yourself concrete countertops? Also, do you have any information on coloring the concrete? any help would be appreciated.

Mr. ld and I are going to try to demolish our current kitchen over the holidays and start to remodel into a new kitchen early next year. We both love concrete countertops and feel that we could do this ourselves, given the appropriate information and instruction.

[Stinky The Clown]

6. Hi ld!

Nope, sorry, I don't have any personal tips at all.

My business partner has concrete counters in her kitchen. They're now maybe five years old. Maybe six. Professionally installed. Her house was the model, so it has lots of high end trim and finishes. She lives alone and is a fastidious housekeeper. Her counters are stained and she's not happy with them.

The various DIY teevee shows have all run episodes on these. Lots of homeowners doing it.

Google up concrete counters. There's a guy in (I think) California who sells everything you need (except the really heavy stuff that would be stupid to ship). He has the colorants, the additives, the reinforcing fibers, etc. I don't recall the name of the company, but his name is Asian. He's supposed to be the top guy in the country for this stuff.

Anyway, bon chance!

[lavenderdiva]

8. Thanks for the tip about the California guy

I'll google that.

May I ask why your business partner doesn't like her concrete counters? Is it just the color of the staining, or are there some wear issues she is experiencing?

[Stinky The Clown]

11. I may not have been clear .....

..... in fact, rereading, I was **not* clear! :)

The counters were stained (intentionally) a color when new. A blueish gray (not at all a natural concrete color).

The staining that is the problem are food stains. Food is very acidic and reacts with the concrete naturally. A sealer stops it to some degree, but the sealer wears off. When the sealer wears thin, but still on there, is when the problems happened. Now they can't be removed for two reasons - they've worked under the stain and they've gotten deep into the concrete.

I'll be honest ..... they don't bother me. But she is not pleased. She also doesn't like the hairline cracks that appear. These are normal and to be expected, but if y ou ar4e bothered by them, then concrete is not the answer for you.

Since she bought a model, she had no choice on the counters. Had she the choice, she would have wound up with stainless, like I have.

[lavenderdiva]

9. I think I found the guy you are talking about-

it looks like a GREAT concrete countertop resource!

link: http://www.concreteexchange.com/index.jsp

[Stinky The Clown]

10. Yes, yes, yes! That's him.

[Dervill Crow]

7. I am going to paint my countertops when my husband goes camping in a couple of weeks.

He never likes my ideas, but he usually is okay with them when presented as a fait accompli.

I'm using the Krylon Make it Stone "travertine tan." My kitchen is very small, but I can't afford a real remodel on it and I'm tired of the 1980s blue laminate.

http://blissfullydomestic.com/blissful-home/decorating/transform-your-laminate-countertops-with-paint/

[Whoa_Nelly]

12. Okite info

http://www.bfrandassociates.com/Okite.html