From: "Craig" 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers misc.consumers.house
Subject: Re: Kitchen countertops
Date: Sun, 07 May 2006 18:32:55 GMT


"Steve"  wrote...

> Anyone have recent experience shopping for kitchen countertops?  Any
> thoughts on the pros and cons of the various surfaces that are popular
> these days?  Granite, quartz, artificial solids like Zodiaq or Corian,
> etc....

  Years ago, I put Corian in two homes. Very nice, especially with an 
integrated Corian sink.

  In the past year, I moved into a townhouse and had Silestone put in (with 
an undermounted "granite" sink). If you're happy with the color options for 
Silestone, I'd go that way. It is cheaper than granite and requires no 
annual sealing as granite does. Colors and uniformity are more uniform than 
granite as well, but that could be a plus or a minus depending on your 
thoughts.

  With any of the choices you mention, be sure to get a feeling for the 
templating and installer's past experience and qualifications.

  Personally, I'd wait to hear of a sale on Silestone at a local 
hardware/kitchen store, then go with Silestone if I ever had to do another 
kitchen counter.

Craig