Before I invest in replacement vanity countertops

[fkj2]

is granite out or in?

Are other materials more desirable than granite?

TIA

 

[DawnM]

It is still in around here. We just replaced a vanity and put in granite in there. We also plan to replace our kitchen counter tops next year.

Dawn

 

[smacky1]

Im addicted to HGTV and according to bang for your buck, its still in.

 

[pixiewings71]

Well it's been a few years but when we rebuilt we put granite in the kitchen and master bathroom.

 

[JerseyGirl84]

Just saw this on Dr. Oz today about hazards in your home. They actually said that some granite countertops have radon trapped in them and emit the gas in your home. I would just ask if they test their slabs. It was an interesting show.

 

[wdwfan16]

From what I am seeing the "green" materials are in.

 

[dr_zero]

From what I am seeing the "green" materials are in.

The man made stone counter tops kinda like these are cool imho
http://www.vetrazzo.com/products_palette.html

 

[flamingglobessigmund]

Recycled glass counter tops look pretty.

 

[clh2]

I would love to get recycled glass countertops. I think I heard about them on the disboards.

 

[dr_zero]

Recycled glass counter tops look pretty.

I would love to get recycled glass countertops. I think I heard about them on the disboards.

Check out the ones in the link I posted they have come a long way.

There is also another one I saw but cant find maybe you have seen that had smaller bits.

I'm partial to the blue and green pallets. Hmmm I wonder if I could get a hidden mickey tossed there somewhere

 

[fkj2]

The man made stone counter tops kinda like these are cool imho
http://www.vetrazzo.com/products_palette.html

Any input on cost comparisons?

Thanks.

 

[fkj2]

Just saw this on Dr. Oz today about hazards in your home. They actually said that some granite countertops have radon trapped in them and emit the gas in your home. I would just ask if they test their slabs. It was an interesting show.

That's good to know.

Thanks.

 

[dr_zero]

Any input on cost comparisons?

Thanks.

here is one quote "Prices range from $70 to $180 per square foot, depending on availability. By comparison, a widely available green granite called Uba Tuba costs $22 per square foot, although the upper end of granite is similar in price to Vetrazzo,"

and two more to check out

http://www.enviroglasproducts.com/
EnviroGLAS’s EnviroSLAB retails for $50 per square ft.

http://www.enviroglasproducts.com/formulas.asp

http://www.icestone.biz/

http://www.icestone.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=115&Itemid=499

 

[Melrosgirl]

I have granite in the bathrooms. I can't stand them. They look nice, but they show every.single.water. "stain". They disappear after a few hours, but it drives me crazy. (It's a light colored granite which was sealed.)

If I re-did bathrooms, I'd probably do a quartz or a Corian (so easy to clean in a bathroom).

 

[luvmy3]

Just saw this on Dr. Oz today about hazards in your home. They actually said that some granite countertops have radon trapped in them and emit the gas in your home. I would just ask if they test their slabs. It was an interesting show.

Its not all granite that can be hazardous, only that from certain countries (but unfortunately I forget which ones).

I have granite in the bathrooms. I can't stand them. They look nice, but they show every.single.water. "stain". They disappear after a few hours, but it drives me crazy. (It's a light colored granite which was sealed.)

If I re-did bathrooms, I'd probably do a quartz or a Corian (so easy to clean in a bathroom).

I hate this too, but when the water marks are gone my granite counter is beautiful
OP, if you go with a dark granite, you won't see these marks. My friend has beautiful black granite with silver and blue flecks and water marks don't show.

 

[labdogs42]

From what I am seeing the "green" materials are in.

Recycled glass counter tops look pretty.

Yeah, I am hearing more and more about these kinds of materials. I think granite is beautiful, but I have a feeling that it is on its way out and the next trend is "green". I think you'll be on the cutting edge with something like recycled glass!

 

[blanq]

Well, Jeff from "Flippin Out" (he cracks me up! )said two seasons ago that granite is out and that non-shiny stone surfaces are in (honed marble, for example) but all the designers on HGTV keep saying granite is still in... so ...maybe flip a coin? Personally, I have soapstone (non-shiny natural stone that is virtually indestructible) in my kitchen/laundry room and love it. I will be redoing a bathroom soon and am considering zinc counter tops because I love their rustic charm and will be shooting for a period renovation for my 1903 home. My advice is to get what you want, taking into consideration the style of your home as well as resale if you plan on selling in the next five years.

 

[fkj2]

Yeah, I am hearing more and more about these kinds of materials. I think granite is beautiful, but I have a feeling that it is on its way out and the next trend is "green". I think you'll be on the cutting edge with something like recycled glass!

Is it too early to know if light colored recycled glass countertops will show water stains?

I had originally considered a man-made material made by Stonehouse. Then, reason stepped in, and here I am on the Budget Board.

 

[tommya60]

I have granite in the master bathroom and love it---it's a blue gray with some silver and quartz in it. We were able to buy a slab remanent for the space--I was surprized because it's fairly long with double sinks, but it worked.
Our other bathrooms have red oak countertops sealed with marine varnish. DH built them for me when not long after we moved into this house....LOVE them. They work with our home and are completely indestructible. The ones in DD's bathroom have stood up to all kinds of nail polish, etc etc. The ones in the back bathroom have had wet beach towels from the spa on them, the standard poodle stands up there to brush/blow dry after her bath, the Girl Scout troop washes up all kinds of stuff from craft...nothing hurts those countertops. My sister thought we were crazy, but 10 years later they still look great, they were inexpensive and we haven't refinished them or anything.

 

[sunnyday123]

When I show homes in the upper price levels, granite is always a requirement of the buyer. Anytime someone asks what they can do to upgrade, I suggest granite. It's never going to go "out" and you always get a return when you sell.