[Shop-talk] Alternative kitchen countertops?

[Scott]

Jim,

I forgot to mention I'm about to take a crack at a DIY concrete 
countertop for the old house. I'll post if it goes well. I thought it 
was too much work, too, but I just can't turn down the (lack of) cost.  
I'm hoping this granite transformations covers the other house. That'd 
be very nice.

Scott

On 1/30/2013 8:00 PM, Jim Franklin wrote:
> Still reeling from the price of granite/soapstone/etc, I was researching
> alternatives. I already have an apron-front sink, which acts like an
> undermount but actually is supported on the sides at the bottom, instead of
> being clamped to the counter underside. Still, I can't really use laminate
> unless I work at waterproofing the edge where the sink is. This isn't a
> forever counter, so it is a possibility.
>
> One material that struck my eye was phenolic resin. I'd need to cut out the
> sink hole; is it easily worked with carbide blades or is it a pain?
>
> Concrete is out, way too much work.
>
> There's too much wood in the kitchen already for butcher block.
>
> Any other reasonably priced alternatives you've used (or heard of)?
>
> thanks,