Comments on Kitchen and Residential Design: Reader question: Can I install my own quartz count...

I installed my own riverstone quartz counter tops ...

2011-03-09T12:44:30.802-05:00

I installed my own riverstone quartz counter tops it wasn't that horrible. They were heavy but a couple buddies and me set all 4 of'em. Installing the plumbing and creating my own custom cabinets were also pretty straight forward. The hardest part was keeping everything level and signing the bill.

Anon: It sounds like you had quite a go of it. Bas...

2010-09-07T19:03:32.651-04:00

Anon: It sounds like you had quite a go of it. Based on your skills and the equipment you mention I'd say you're not a typical DIYer. I'm glad it worked out for you.

Oh, and I'm not the anonymous poster calling p...

2010-09-07T18:36:16.862-04:00

Oh, and I'm not the anonymous poster calling people idiots above. Tools used: circular saw with diamond blade, also moved the blade to a table saw for backaplash strips etc, friend to squirt water from a spray bottle while cutting, alpha polishing kit with diamond hole bits, and ogee bits for edges, clamps for the laminating, belt sander for edges, and a dremel for details.

I did my marble countertops including sink cutouts...

2010-09-07T18:29:57.150-04:00

I did my marble countertops including sink cutouts, faucet holes, backsplash, laminated the edges for an extra thick look and polishing. It was a pain, and a mess, but it saved me $36/ sf, around $3000, minus $400 in equipment. I had woodworking experience, and consider it similar. Lot of man-hours. Would do it again for a smaller project, don't know for another kitchen, though it would be much easier the second time.

Sorry anonymous, but there are some things that ar...

2010-03-08T01:35:29.540-05:00

Sorry anonymous, but there are some things that aren't candidates for DIY and measuring, cutting and installing quartz composite or stone counters is definitely one of them. It has nothing to do with your being an idiot. Working with those materials is not something you can master in a weekend.

Seriously? You guys think every DIYer is an airhea...

2010-03-07T16:15:12.706-05:00

Seriously? You guys think every DIYer is an airhead? Sure, there is always the typical idiot DIYer out there that TV sitcoms are made of, but its not fair to lump all DIYers into that mold. Thought I'd find some useful help & info here. What a disappointment.

Hey there! Thanks for the comment and welcome to t...

2010-01-05T19:00:21.031-05:00

Hey there! Thanks for the comment and welcome to the blogosphere. I'll be watching as your project and your blog unfold this year. From one daily blogger to another, good luck and keep at it!

To increase the budget on counter tops, consider s...

2010-01-05T18:46:45.699-05:00

To increase the budget on counter tops, consider saving money by using pre-fabricated cabinets.

IKEA has a great line of kitchen cabinets that fully utilizes each nook and cranny. As well, the As-Is bin in IKEA usually offers doors at $5-$20 each. If you have time, then this can save you a ton which can then be spent on the counter.

I would invest into a good counter top since most of the cooking happens on the surface and takes the most abuse (i.e. hot pans, knives, accidentally dropped plates).

Again... There are a lot I can do in terms of a kitchen reno (even the plumbing and electrical) but definitely not the counters. Great post!

It's madness. On one hand, home centers get pe...

2009-11-08T07:52:57.514-05:00

It's madness. On one hand, home centers get people thinking about renovations and on the other, home centers trade in false hopes.

The mind indeed does boggle. Great post on the ha...

2009-11-08T02:53:56.075-05:00

The mind indeed does boggle.

Great post on the hazards of DIY projects, Paul. Many of those caveats apply in other areas of design and remodeling as well.

I'm still waiting for your blistering expose o...

2009-11-02T23:14:57.033-05:00

I'm still waiting for your blistering expose of the granite business in Ottawa Kelly.

No way would I even think of attempting to install...

2009-11-02T13:51:26.820-05:00

No way would I even think of attempting to install a countertop myself (well, maybe laminate, but that's it!!) Definitely leave it to the experts. Just make sure the people you're dealing with ARE experts.

Kelly

How on earth does Joe Homeowner lug around a 700-l...

2009-10-31T16:53:35.411-04:00

How on earth does Joe Homeowner lug around a 700-lb. counter with a sink in it? My mind reels.

This is as bad as using your Attorney's letter...

2009-10-31T16:41:32.933-04:00

This is as bad as using your Attorney's letterhead to write a brief for yourself.

Tile counter tops, yes if you know what you are doing. Quartz and granite, no way!

I can see them getting seriously hurt and seriousl...

2009-10-31T13:13:36.776-04:00

I can see them getting seriously hurt and seriously mucking up their counters. Saving a couple of bucks only to have to turn around and spend it all over again when you get in over your head is no way to meet a budget.

Wow - there's no way I would even dream of tac...

2009-10-31T13:02:30.061-04:00

Wow - there's no way I would even dream of tackling a quartz counter install and I know a fair amount.

You're bang on with your answer -- there's a lot of things one can DIY but this? I can see people getting seriously hurt.