Kitchen Countertops??

[ryanpatricksmom]

We have granite, but I would have preferred quartz (unfortunately, it was not a builder option). After a year, I have no complaints.

It does require sealing, and you do need to be careful what you use to clean it with. I use dishsoap to clean, and windex to shine. That's what was recommended by the installer.

Ours is Uba Tuba which is black, green, and brown. We have cherry cabinets and black appliances.

 

[RUDisney]

Originally posted by jrmasm
RUDusney, is your bar in the kitchen? If so what granite are you picking to match the Zodiaq?

When I looked at Zodiaq the dealer showed me the scaling in the finish. We looked only at dark colors but I have decided to go light. Is the scaling noticable in the lighter colors?

We haven't seen the granite samples yet to pick our color. The bug only bit DH this week. I want to get something similar to the color of Zodiaq, but the bar is in a separate room. When I walked into the bar room, I looked at my DH and told him we were home. It is 14' long and has three alcoves behind it for storage and display. We have 6 bar stools in front of it and it is the perfect setting for parties... and the bar is very well stocked. Stop by, I'll show you and make you a cosmopolitan.

Anyway, the bar counter has been scribed, we just need to pick our color.

I'm not sure what you mean about scaling. I didn't see much of a difference between the zodiaq and the granite. Like I said before, I liked the non-porous quality and the seamless installation... if they'd just bring it to our house and install it already...

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by jrmasm

I think that Avanza is the same type of product as Zodiaq.

I think you are right. I did some research last night. I think that Avanza is less expensive than Zodiaq, but I could be wrong. Actually in my dad's case he researched it all. He considered Granite and even Marble, but when he was told about the drawbacks to each he ended up going with the Avanza. It really wasn't a money issue for him as much as he wanted something he didn't have to seal or be concerned about damaging easily (like Marble.) Corian is similar in that it could be sanded down and stuff, but he just liked that natural granite look that avanza (and Zodiaq it seems) has.

Good luck!

 

[jrmasm]

When you look at the counter from an angle the shiny finish looks "scaled" like snake skin.

 

[RUDisney]

Hmm... I didn't notice that scaly trait when I saw any of the samples. I can certainly let you know in a couple of weeks when my counter is FINALLY installed.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We are using Silestone in our new kitchen. It is a quartz composit that is indistructible, easier care than granite, stronger than granite, and more flexible, so it wont crack like granite. Here's the kicker....It LOOKs as good as granite!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

BTW, I like the colors and look of silestone better than Cambria.

 

[Lynn CC]

I have granite and LOVE it! I've never heard of granite staining.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Granite not only stains, but is effected by hot pans and knives over time and can crack quite easily. There is a finish on it that needs to be maintained. Quartz products are more flexible and don't have the maintainance or finish and cracking problems.

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by dianeschlicht
Granite not only stains, but is effected by hot pans and knives over time and can crack quite easily. There is a finish on it that needs to be maintained. Quartz products are more flexible and don't have the maintainance or finish and cracking problems.

This is what we heard too, when shopping with my dad. They told him that while granite is very durable, it does require upkeep and certain things can stain it if not treated correctly and immediately. We also heard about the damage hot pans could do as well.