Aluminum Kitchen Cabinets and Granite Counter tops

Post by **Geoffrey** » May 16, 2014, 4:22 pm

I'm looking at remodeling our kitchen with aluminum cabinets with granite counter tops. I looked at some and they seem strong and durable. Has anyone had aluminum cabinets for over a decade? two decades?

I've heard that granite actually is porous or has some small cavities that food can get caught in. Is there any way to treat new granite counter top to prevent this? Any thoughts or experience on this?

Post by **noosard** » May 16, 2014, 5:19 pm

we have a granite top don't think it is porous but watch any joins they might make

Post by **fatbob** » May 17, 2014, 7:14 am

Stay away from the Chinese black granite, extremely porous. Indian black looks the same and is ok.

Post by **Sakhonnick** » May 17, 2014, 8:17 am

Depends on your budget but im in my 3rd house and the kitchen i got from Index Udon is quality, White High Gloss finish and i put black Granite tops on, 9meters long on 3 walls with upper units and fitted appliances and its quality all in around 260,000

Post by **glalt** » May 17, 2014, 11:01 am

My Jomtien condo has black granite or marble, not sure which. It often gets discolored spots so once in a while I just wipe it down with household bleach. That also disinfects it. It works for me.

Post by **Baht Man** » August 15, 2014, 7:42 am

Most granite shops will give you a sealer that you may want to apply. For a test, wet a paper towel andlay it doen overnight. If you notice that it sucked it up, use the sealer prior to future use.

Post by **maaka** » August 15, 2014, 11:50 am

am considering aluminium or stainless steel in my house, but with green marble top, goes better with natural timbers..but as yet havent found a marble shop via net, and all the numbers we tried were to old..

Post by **qon** » September 14, 2014, 1:18 pm

Hi
I am surprised why local people like to do their kitchen in bricks and tiles ?!chunky, damp, heavy, limited in design. If you check on line you will see many howto DIY laminate tops, faux concrete that look like timber or marble and other natural stone. It is very easy with a little practice to do laminate tops and panels using Formica sheets; I think it beats brick and tiles any time. Although some granite and stone tops do look good for the money

Post by **Drunk Monkey** » September 14, 2014, 1:33 pm

Just done the POS , Draft and other counters in the new place with black granite tops , looks great and last a life time without checking the bill i think paid around 3500 k per sq meter for the granite (cut , edged delivered and fitted) .

DM

Post by **Wee Jimmy** » September 14, 2014, 4:36 pm

Have had aluminum cabinets in our kitchen with the normal worktops that you would buy in any big store.
We have them for about 15 years and they are still good.

Post by **kumphawapi** » September 16, 2014, 2:51 am

The aluminium will last indefinitely, but the biggest risk is damage through abuse as structural sizes are a little thin.
They shouldn't be cleaned until shiny - the dull grey surface is a layer of hard oxide that protects from corrosion.
Salt and strong acid can cause corrosion. Copper water pipes in contact with aluminium can also result in corrosion. If using plastic pipes, no problem. Metal units should all be earthed. If you cannot find a suitable earth point drive a couple of metres of thick reinforcing rod into the soil where it stays wet ( beside the concrete rings of a cesspit in our case )
Encourage the cook to continue using the floor to pound spices in mortar, or support a chopping block. Granite and marble are hard but brittle.