DIYbanter - Best kitchen counter?

On Sep 14, 8:33*am, mike wrote:
On Sep 13, 8:09*pm, 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

Once you consider that quartz countertops (like Silestone) will last 4
to 10 times as long as formica, you realize that it is not more
expensive.

Silestone is stain proof, requires no sealing, is stronger and more
crack resistant than granite, and calcium deposits around faucets can
be scraped off with a razor blade once every few years to keep it
looking brand new.

It's the closest to maintenance-free as you're going to get.

Sounds great. I asked another kind member about edging around a
sunken sink. How would granite handle that?

HB