" wrote in
:

On 04 Feb 2012 14:06:30 GMT, Han wrote:

mcp6453 wrote in
:

Are granite counter tops a fad? Synthetic solid surface materials
seem to have a lot more appeal to me, but I don't know much about
them.

My wife has indicated that she might want some sort of butcher block
counter tops. Are those in vogue any more?

After more than 10 years we still love the Silestone countertop we
have. No maintenance other than a little detergent and water. No
sealing as with granite. No problem putting hot pans from the gas
stove on the counter. No scratches from cutting veggies directly on
the surface.

Not all granite needs sealing. I've never touched ours and there are
no stains whatsoever. Silestone is too soft. Quartz is a really nice
man-made solid surface.

My Silestone isn't soft, and it is quartz
http://www.silestoneusa.com/docs/frequently-asked-questions.cfm:
quote
1. What is Silestone?
Silestone® is naturally beautiful, durable quartz. Silestone is the
world's leading natural quartz surface - a superior stone for myriad
interior surfacing applications because of its ideal combination of
beauty and practicality.

Silestone features a range of more than 65 unique colors, so no matter
what your taste or style, we've got the perfect fit.

/quote
I like the look of butcherblock, but our kitchen is too small. If you
really like wood cutting surfaces (and I do, but don't have them), I'd
suggest small or big cutting boards.

Or at least an easily replaceable section of a butcher block counter,
or better, an island with a prep-sink.

Yes, that would be fine too, but my kitchen is only 8x14 ft, with an
outside door, a basement door, and a dining room door.

--
Best regards
Han
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