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granite-girl · 07-01-2010, 01:59 PM

What did you decide ? Here's a few paragraphs from a consumer reports article
:

Quote:

Granite remains the biggest seller, having accounted for 56 percent of kitchen-countertop sales in the past year, according to the NPD Group, a market-research company. Quartz (Caesarstone and Silestone) and laminate (Formica), each with 13 percent of the countertop market, trail granite in popularity, followed closely by solid surfacing (DuPont Corian).

Granite earned its spot as the most popular counter courtesy of its good looks and durability. Indeed, in our countertop tests, granite was the only stone that could resist heat, scratches, and, when properly sealed, stains.

That's good enough for me..... And it is so beautiful!

Leslie · 07-31-2010, 09:22 AM

I agree with what many have posted above. While granite is definitely an awsome way to go with some of it having some very beautiful, dramatic movement, a quartz countertop is going to be the most maintance free. Now that being said, it's appearance is pretty consistant so from an aesthetic point of view, it's perfect for a very streamlined look or it also inables you do do some really dramatic things with your backsplash tile since the countertop is static in appearance

ChrisVanities · 08-06-2010, 03:00 AM

I have also installed granite countertops because of the strength and durability. I have seen some other countertops that I really like more than the granite, but I'm sure they will not be nearly as durable and will cost you double the amount if you have to replace them in a few years time.

rnddude · 10-19-2010, 08:37 AM

I did concrete, which is not for the faint of heart. It has been pretty low maintenance, but hairline cracks are almost a guarantee, unless you pour very thick, which requires substantial cabinets to support the extra weight. You can check out this site for a gallery of photos.....Concrete Exchange - Cheng Concrete Countertops - Design Gallery, Training, DIY Products, Contractors

rnddude · 11-15-2010, 09:52 AM

OK, here is a photo that shows my concrete countertops on both sides of the range and also in the right-hand side of the photo...

gmicken · 11-15-2010, 06:37 PM

Don't use Formica Solid Surface. As a Contractor, I get the same questions from customers. I like sealed granite. I just remodeled my kitchen and my wife wanted Formica Solid Surface. Its not much cheaper than granite, she wanted the sink and top connected so there is not a grove to clean. $3,800.00 later and 6 months of use, the top is so scratched it drives me crazy. A cardboard box will scratch it. if you slide anything but a smooth bottom glass, it will scratch. All of the kids are grown and gone. Also if you put anything on it from the stove, it will melt. Save your self the headache and go stone.

HomeAdditionPlus · 01-06-2011, 11:40 AM

If you are adverse to granite then look at Silestone or one of the other Quartz based products. I've used both and both have held up extremely well.

Alyssa · 01-07-2011, 10:52 AM

I've seen people use regular, high quality floor tiling as counter top. it's extremely durable 7 so many different options available!

Marble_com · 01-20-2011, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kimg30

I'm remodeling my kitchen and have looked at all of the countertop options. I've realized that I'm not a granite person, but I'm leaning in that direction because it seems to be the most durable of the options. It can take heat, you can't really stain it (like other surfaces), and it cleans up like new after every use. I can't think of any other options that are as resistant. I have kids who like to cook and I don't want to worry about my countertops, so I'd love to know if someone has a better suggestion.

Kimg30, you must let us know why do you feel like you're not a granite person! Is it the fear of maintenance? Or you just don't like the look of granite?

If it's the fear of maintenance, fear no more as granite does not require alot of maintenance, all you have to do is reseal the stone every few years to keep it stain resistant, and that's easy as 1...2...3. You just apply sealer, let it sit on the stone for the required time and soak in(directions on bottle) and wipe off the excess. That's it! As for the rest, granite does not scratch, is stain resistant, naturally antibacterial, and structurally sound. It's natures beauty so I hope you will give it a chance!

joecaption · 01-21-2011, 07:50 AM

To the last poster, it's best if you go back and post your own post and not add to someone elses. It gets to confusing talking to two people at the same time.
Go to Home Depot and look at the new formica countertops there starting to carry that look just like granite and even have a Roman Ogee front edge to them, not the old cheap looking preformed ones.