KLS wrote:
I think we're going to install this as a compromise between regular
laminate and something like granite for our new counters. The designs
and colors are beautiful, so I'm curious whether the cohort can offer
any big negatives (besides the known issues with putting hot stuff
directly on it). Granite or any of the composite surfaces would cost
at least $2k more in our kitchen, and I don't think we'd get our money
out in our real-estate market (a friend did a high-end kitchen to sell
her house and didn't get what she wanted for it), and I think we'd be
quite happy with this new-generation laminate countertop.

Where are you pricing your granite? Where I live, granite is by far the
least expensive counter top material because there are a gazillion
granite stores selling cheap granite from China, i.e.
"http://www.besttilesf.com/granite/countertops_colors.html".

If you're buying granite at Home Depot, or a high end kitchen remodeling
store than it can get expensive, or if you're buying Italian granite it
can get really expensive.

The downsides of granite are that the color and pattern selections are
more limited and that you have to seal it periodically as it's porous.

I just remodeled the kitchen and 3 bathrooms in a rental unit, and all
the counters are granite because I didn't want to spend a lot. Somehow
builders and many stores have many consumers convinced that granite is
some sort of an exotic material that is considered an "upgrade." In
reality, some of the synthetics are better (non-porous) but are more
costly than granite.