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The cost of granite countertops is around $3,250 for most homeowners, but you could pay as low as $500 or over $4,000, depending on the size of your project and some other factors. In addition to the square feet of granite you need, your pricing will also depend on the following:

• Granite thickness 

• Quality and rarity of the granite, labeled in levels from one to five

• Granite color and texture 

• Countertop design

Yes, Corian® and other solid surface countertops can be cut with standard woodworking tools like a circular saw or a jigsaw, but using the correct blade is crucial for the best results.

The recommended blade is a tungsten carbide-tipped blade, often called a solid-surface planer or triple chip grind blade. This type of blade is hard enough to cut through the material effectively. For a jigsaw, a fine-tooth down-cutting blade should be used.

It is important to note that a diamond blade is not necessary. Diamond blades are designed for harder materials like natural stone, concrete, or brick, and Corian is not a natural stone.

Using blades designed for wood is not recommended as they can cause microfractures that weaken the countertop's edges. While a tungsten carbide blade provides a much cleaner cut, the resulting edge will still be rough and must be sanded and smoothed to prevent microfractures from developing over time.

Countertop overlays can be a worthwhile investment for homeowners looking for an affordable and fuss-free way to update their kitchens without a full replacement. The installation process is budget-friendly, saves time and labor, and can often be completed in a single day as it doesn't require demolition. Overlays are installed directly over the pre-existing countertop, with material options including quartz, granite, and recycled glass. However, for the overlay to be long-lasting, it is crucial that the underlying surface is properly prepped to ensure strong adhesion.

You should use glue and screws when installing butcher block countertops. Opt for a construction adhesive or wood glue applied along the top edge of your base cabinets. For added strength, install support brackets on the base cabinets, then secure your countertop with screws. Make sure you only tighten the screws to the point where the butcher block is snug against the cabinet and don’t overtighten.