Granite countertop

Here's another project where splurging a little adds a nice noticeable BANG (in my opinion). A granite countertop simply feels awesome. Backsplash to come later will probably be tile.
But for what BUCK, you ask?

$1,216 total cost, including sink

Compare to:
$584 laminate
$2,116 Corian
$2,503 Richlite eco material
(full comparison at right)