Get matched with top stone countertop pros in Baxter, MN

Yes, updating your countertops can increase your home's resale value. High-quality, stylish countertops play a significant role in a property's overall appeal and can attract potential buyers. The impact is greatest when replacing outdated, chipped, or stained countertops, or when upgrading from a low-end material like laminate to a high-end, durable one such as granite, quartz, or other natural stone. While you may not recoup the entire cost, investing in attractive, durable countertops is a smart move, as kitchen and bathroom updates often have the most significant impact on a buyer's opinion. For the best results, ensure they are professionally installed.

The cost to install a kitchen island can range from $900 to $6,500, with an average price of around $4,800 for most homeowners. The final cost depends on whether you choose a prefabricated or custom-built option. It is generally cheaper to buy a prefabricated island than to build one from scratch. A budget-friendly prefabricated cart can cost between $150 and $900, while a permanent prefabricated stationary island costs from $900 to $5,000. Custom-built kitchen islands average $4,800 but can cost $10,000 or more, depending on factors like materials, size, design complexity, and accessibility.

If you have light renovation experience, you should be able to build your own countertop made from wood or laminate. These tend to be the most DIY-friendly materials, but you’ll need to be comfortable using a circular saw and taking precise measurements. When it comes to installation, leave anything that involves plumbing, electricity, or gas lines to the pros.

Yes, Corian® and other solid surface materials can be cut with standard woodworking tools, such as a circular saw or a jigsaw. However, it is crucial to use the correct type of blade to avoid damaging the material.

For a circular saw, a tungsten carbide-tipped blade is required; a triple chip grind blade is highly recommended. For a jigsaw, you should use a fine-tooth down-cutting blade. Do not use blades designed for cutting wood, as they can cause microfractures that weaken the edges of the countertop. A diamond blade is also unnecessary, as those are designed for harder materials like natural stone, which Corian is not.

After cutting, the edge will be rough. It is essential to sand and smooth the cut edge to prevent microfractures, which can eventually compromise the integrity of the countertop.