Q. I am remodeling and want to put a "bar' between my dining room and kitchen,only i do not know how to go about it,anyone know where i can find some plans or can anyone walk me through it???

A. Is there a wall between the two rooms? If yes, take out part of the wall. You should hire a professional for this as there could electric or plumbing in the wall that would need to be moved. If there's no wall between the two rooms, install free-standing cabinets to your desired height (or build a wall to the desired height) and place a counter top on top for your bar. The actual process will vary depending on what's currently there.

Q. And it won't crack? I have been looking at granite and quartz, but not sure what others are out there. I'm looking for durable and low maintence too. "Laminate" is not a stone. Does this mean there is no such thing in the stone version I'm seeking?

A. The only natural stone counter top used for kitchens is granite. Concrete, stainless steel, Quartz and granite are the heat resistant counters most people use. Marble is not used for kitchens because it is soft. Laminate isn't heat resistant. Corian is not very heat resistant as it is softer than granite and quartz. Your best bet is probably granite, since you are asking for stone counters, and it is stone and heat resistant. Quartz is great too, but only consists mainly of quartz stones. But be aware that if your pot has crud on the bottom, and is hot, when you place it on any of the counters, it can cause scratches or other marks. It's always a good idea to place it directly on a towel or mat instead of directly on the counter.

Q. My wife and I would like to know how to clean the countertops nice and shiny for my inlaws. Thanks for any info.

A. Any non abrasive cleaner will do the trick. If it is dulling after being cleaned your cleaner is either abrasive or acidic. Both are very bad for stone tops. Use Counter Top Magic, this is made for stainless steel appliances and wont leave scuff marks. Also try resealing your counter top. This will help bring back luster. Good luck.

Q. My kitchen has an odd floorplan. It is open to a sitting room and has an eat-in area, but it has a half wall and strange line dividing carpet and tile. I'm doing away with the eat-in area and adding a very large island. I am doing granite countertops that continue to become the backsplash. I will do a different kind of granite on the floor, or maybe ceramic tile. My question is: Should I match the huge island with the floor or with the counter & backsplash? I'm worried the island, counter and backsplash all the same will be overkill. Opinions? The sitting room will have carpet. Wood flooring is not an option, it is what I am removing.

A. Match island with the counter. It would look od not being matched as it is counter space too, the floor will be enough to break it up look wise.

Q. I am renovating my bathroom, and ordered a custom countertop at Home Depot. Home Depot just sends the order to another company that makes it, and sends it to them. I asked, and the order form clearly states 4 inch holes for the faucet. After waiting a month (and the counter being a week late), when I went to install it I realized the holes are for 8 inch faucets. I went back to the store, I told them, I requested to make it easier and faster that they just buy a new faucet to fit the counter. They said they would phone the company and ask what they want to do. They told me that the manager of that company is away for two weeks and can't authorize them to purchase a $230 dollar new faucet (to be equivalent to the one I already had planned to use), and that they could only remake and ship out a new countertop. So what do I do? I have to wait another couple weeks for a new counter, drive (again) back to the store to return the old counter, and then pick up the new counter. All while my bathroom has a makeshift countertop. Should I demand a new faucet? Or ask for some reimbursement for waiting for a new counter? This is a cultured granite counter, and costs $600.

A. You tell them in no uncertain terms they can pick up the old counter top when they deliver and install the new one including hook up. You don't care who swallows the cost..ensure they do it. Do not talk to a Home Depot employee..talk to the head of the store..higher if needed. This is unacceptable....you have spent a lot of money and waited a long time...they will bend to make ammends to keep your business...be assertive, but not demanding. If they insist they will not deliver/install, then you tell them you will pick up the counter..just do not bring the old one in..if they want it..they can come and get it in 6-8 weeks. Next time go to professionals...deal with the specialists..learn from your mistake. They like their customers happy.

Q. I been told that my kitchen countertop is something called Korean top? And is an expensive material and may crack if it is cut to remodel to fit in my new cooker hob. I havent been able to find a contractor is willing to do it for me? Any suggestions?

A. Because Korea is soooo far away LOL sorry, couldn't help it. Yes Corian counter tops are very hard and difficult to cut. You generally need a "wet" saw to do it well. Contact a Corian or granite counter top fabricator in your area. They have all the tools needed to do the job right. Good Luck

Q. We have remodeled oue kitchen in 2007. I we like to know out of curiosity if the sales tax paid for the kitchen applience,(dishwasher, microwave and stove) the cabienates and the counter top can be deducted from our taxes in this year?

A. Not until 2113

Q. I need to order a custom cut counter top that is 5 by 4 feet....and just a simple rounded edge, nothing fancy. It is not a name brand pattern or anything, basic and cheap top....just wondering if any contractors or people who have ordered something similar would know or could guess? It is for a custom kitchen island my husband and I are installing.

A. If it is a laminate style, probably about $300 - $350.