On Sep 14, 4:09*am, Higgs Boson wrote:
I have to replace the deteriorated tiles around my sink, so might as
well redo the whole counter. *A while back I researched extensively,
but maybe technology has moved on?

I want sturdiness and easy care, not the delicate kind that dings or
cracks if something is dropped on it. *And definitely STAIN-proof!
However, I probably can't go for the very high-end stuff unless its
value is really worth the price. *Aesthetics, yes, but primarily
utilitarian.

When researching earlier, my head used to spin with all the
conflicting claims. *Surely there is an outside evaluation that truly
sets forth the plusses & minuses?

I figured the gurus here have done their share of installing kitchen
counters, whether professionally or DIY, and have gotten feedback from
their respective SWMBOs.

Any guidance appreciated.

HB

Why not go for what commercial kitchens have? Stainless steel.
Standard sizes are avilable far cheaper than granite/quartz.
Commercial ones are thick and won't "ding".

On 9/14/2010 5:27 AM, harry wrote:
On Sep 14, 4:09 am, Higgs wrote:
I have to replace the deteriorated tiles around my sink, so might as
well redo the whole counter. A while back I researched extensively,
but maybe technology has moved on?

I want sturdiness and easy care, not the delicate kind that dings or
cracks if something is dropped on it. And definitely STAIN-proof!
However, I probably can't go for the very high-end stuff unless its
value is really worth the price. Aesthetics, yes, but primarily
utilitarian.

When researching earlier, my head used to spin with all the
conflicting claims. Surely there is an outside evaluation that truly
sets forth the plusses& minuses?

I figured the gurus here have done their share of installing kitchen
counters, whether professionally or DIY, and have gotten feedback from
their respective SWMBOs.

Any guidance appreciated.

HB

Why not go for what commercial kitchens have? Stainless steel.
Standard sizes are avilable far cheaper than granite/quartz.
Commercial ones are thick and won't "ding".
We've had Formica and tile with epoxy
grout previous to granite. Tile does
wear. We had spots where the finish had
dulled. Even the epoxy grout does wears
and does stain. We now have granite.
We have a "pattern" that doesn't show
anything. Actually, you have to either
wipe your hand across it or look at the
reflecting light to see if there is
anything on it that needs cleaning up.
http://picasaweb.google.com/actodesc...47120867320754
I am a definite granite believer.