Just wish to clarify the above, that is just price per sq ft for the granite countertop right? Excluding any cabinets? Edit: in one of your posts above you said granite price was RM170 pfr. Here you said it is psf. So, is it pfr or psf?

The price applies to all kinds of granite or is this an average price?

This post has been edited by jchong: Jun 6 2009, 11:22 PM

pfr = per foot run. In other words, cost is measured by the length, not length x width.

That's quite confusing isn't it? Why calculate pfr by 1 meter run? In that case you should call it pmr = per meter run. This is the 1st time I hear that pfr is calculated by 1 meter run.

Your second line about psf also confusing. First u say "if calculate in psf, it means 1ft x 1ft = 1 fts". Then in your example you use meters. There's a big difference u know?

This post has been edited by jchong: Jun 11 2009, 10:14 AM

Those small tiles are called mosaic tiles I believe.

Anyway, I have been told that using those mosaic tiles for the wall behind the cooking hob will cause more work with cleaning and maintenance. This is because with Asian cooking there is a lot of oil being vaporised and flying about. Yes you have the hood to absorb most of the oil, but some will still stick to the wall. Because those mosaic tiles have a lot of groove lines the oil is harder to remove and you need more time and care in wiping. Just something to bear in mind.

Painted wall maintenance depends on the paint type. The cheaper type may be a bit porous so some oil penetrates the paint and cannot be wiped off. Or if you wipe too often the paint will peel. If you use high quality paint it might be better.

Better is to use larger tiles then less groove lines. I've also seen some people use a single sheet of stainless steel or single piece of coloured glass - then wiping is very easy - but it depends if you like the look.

This post has been edited by jchong: Jun 15 2009, 09:16 PM

How much are those mosaic tiles usually?

So, total price for mosaic tiles is 1k for 25 ft2. That means RM40 psf. If the mosaic tiles themselves are RM20 psf, means the tiling workmanship is RM20 psf. I think that's very high for the workmanship!

Hi Erny,

I happened to visit a granite factory and saw that their prices are much lower than what you posted. Example: the popular black galaxy is about RM45 psf. Of course this doesn't include the bullnosing or edge polishing or opening hole for the sink/hob - but these are not too expensive. Your figure of RM170 psf seems too high.

I also asked about this and RM20 psf tiling workmanship, even for Chinese, is high.

Looks like your brother is making good profit margin.

The price you mentioned was for 1 ft x 1ft, so it's psf. If you now say it is pfr then better la

The RM45 I mentioned is already polished. The extra labour for edge finishing and making hole is not much more. Transport and install... depends on how much you're making some places will deliver and install FOC.

The reason I'm comparing to your price of RM170 is because you said this is "Price direct from factory". I know price from showroom is even higher because have to add their profit margin also.

I have also had my house renovated before and during that time did my research on suppliers and prices. Since you are advertising your brother's ID services here (good idea) I just wanted the forummers to be more informed about the prices. I think all forummers want to be sure they are getting good prices.

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Added on June 26, 2009, 4:48 pmI know your brother is not a tiling man. He is the ID and he will co-ordinate the work and sub-contract out to specialised trades like tiling, electrician, carpentry, etc. He will pay the tiler one rate and charge the customer another rate. Again this is normal and that's how he earns his profit margin. Just wanna ensure he charges fairly that's all.

This post has been edited by jchong: Jun 26 2009, 04:53 PM

I cannot remember the name now, but it is past the old Subang Airport. There are a few marble and granite suppliers there.

I think 10" x 8" wall tiles only RM1+ something per pc (for the plain color, normal grade). Those with special designs or colour will cost more.

But I suggest taking bigger so there are fewer groove lines. You can check with the various tile manufacturers like Kimgres, MML, Whitehorse, Guocera, etc.

I don't think anybody would ask such a stupid question. And even if they did I'm sure you know how to answer...

I think the brand is Kimgres. Like I said this is for plain colour (generally white, beige), normal grade. This is the basic tile.

The place is called Kampung Melayu Subang. U can check it out on Google Maps. But yes in Sg Buloh also got 1 or 2 places. I visited 3-4 different places (many of them by the road side) but I don't have their tel numbers any more.

As for the Kimgres tile, I'll check on the price I paid for them later. My documents are in the office.

Update: checked on the tiles price, Kimgres code A82S020 (200x300mm or about 8"x12"). Price each is RM1.30. But I recall this was special price during stock clearance.

This post has been edited by jchong: Jun 29 2009, 02:58 PM

My kitchen top is like this:



I checked back my records. Depth is 600mm (standard) with 3" backsplash and the front is double SE profile (also quite standard). Black Galaxy granite. Plus one opening for the hob. Total length is 9.8 ft and cost was RM1449. So nearly RM148 pfr all in. I got it from a factory in Ipoh (through family friend).

After talking to a few people they said the price quoted by Erny @ 170 pfr is quite reasonable by KL standards. If you approach those kitchen design shops outside would be more expensive (as you've already found out). Do you know if Erny's price includes the backsplash? Also check on what type of granite is being offered. Most people go for black colour - you have Black Galaxy (black with copper flecks) or Shanxi Black (this is more pure black). Shanxi Black is a little bit cheaper I think.

Also, there is advantage in dealing with just one party to tapau the cabinets and tops - they will do all coordination in the background and you liaise with 1 person only and 1 person is responsible for the works. If you split the cabinets and tops to 2 different suppliers, in the event something goes wrong then a lot of finger pointing will happen.

In case you want to look at Kampung Melayu Subang, map is below. Those granite places are along the main road (yellow) after the Subang Airport.



A few other thoughts I can share:

* I feel that granite can last longer than solid surfaces (Corian, LG Hi-Macs, etc)
* Granite looks better in my opinion. Nowadays solid surfaces also have more 'natural stone look' versions but significantly more expensive
* If you like plain colours (like solid white) then solid surfaces will have the look you want
* For solid surfaces they can polish the seams so it looks seamless (important if you have L-shape tops). For granite you will see faint groove line where the L joins. If your top is straight across then no problem.

This post has been edited by jchong: Jul 5 2009, 11:08 AM