Solid surface countertops, $$?

[Jenny3]

This is all so very helpful, thanks!!

That link was perfect, much appreciated!

 

[Swimalie]

This is the quartz we bought http://www.cambriausa.com/our-collection/photos-and-videos/?colorID=Edinburough (click on the picture for a larger image). And in our whole kitchen I can't see a repeat in the pattern. People think it's granite and yet it was cheaper than the granite we were thinking about. We got it from a local place that gave us a free edge, from 9 different edges and we bought the sink from them. We didn't like the faucet choices so we bought our own through Costco.

 

[clh2]

We also went with Quartz (Cambria) and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the countertops.

So easy to take care of!

 

[Snoozan]

Another huge quartz(Silestone)fan here. We spent around $4000 for it installed about 4 years ago - we have probably 10' of counter and a 6' 5" peninsula. Can't say enough good stuff about it - easy to maintain and I love the pattern.

 

[PatMcDuck]

We are selling in a year or two, so I think I am going for a cheap granite. Meaning, the color is not that important to me. They have one at Lowes, it is gray and looks ok to me (white cabinets). I am thinking many buyers are looking for granite, and may not be that familiar with Coriand, quartz, etc.

I will look around those, and price out various options, like Costco and local granite stores.

 

[teacup princess]

We have black soapstone counters and a large island with white granite. I like them both. They both have their advantages and disadvantages and both require a bit of care but I wouldn't do it differently if I had to today.

 

[TinaElmerRh]

We got granite counter tops installed in Nov 2012. I love them. When they installed them they told us they had to be re-sealed every year. Has anyone ever done this? It doesn't sound that hard, but after investing so much money I don't want to ruin them.

 

[ManyMinnie]

I've had my Corian for four years now and have had no problem with scratching. I do not put hot pots on it and I don't cut directly on it. I had laminate before, and I didn't do those things with laminate, so it's not a problem for me.

The appeal of quartz I just don't get, although I know it's very trendy now. To me, it's nowhere near as attractive as granite and it's more expensive. I've got granite in my bathroom and the amount of effort required to seal it is nothing. I think it's funny that people make a big deal over that.

For cost and feature comparisons, see http://www.oneprojectcloser.com/kitchen-countertop-material-comparison/

Thanks for the link. That is really helpful.