infiniteMPG wrote:
....
We'd like to get to the truth of the matter but I'd rather throw it
out to the knowledgable public (i.e. alt.home.repair) then from some
vendor or distributor. What's the truth about these materials????

Right--you'll take the word of a zillion anonymous usenet posters over
that of the folks that actually make and install (and stand behind) the
stuff?
....
So what's the truth?????????

The truth is all materials have strengths and corresponding weaknesses.
All of the ones you have listed are manmade stones except for the
granite (again, assuming it is actually granite and not a manufactured
"granite-like" product).

All _will_ scratch, all can be damaged by heat or in various other ways,
all can be stained in varying degrees and all can be harmed by various
chemicals. Many do need surface treatment; obviously the best place to
learn about what any particular product requires is from the folks who
know it best...

All that said, we installed a manmade, "Danae", which is a
similar-to-Corian but less pricey w/ the integral molded sink. It's
been in two years now and is proving to be quite satisfactory w/ only a
modicum of care.

The sink has not scratched and staining has not been an issue...

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