We have laminate counter tops in our kitchen that are beginning to peel and bubble in multiple spots. We're planning on buying new countertops. We were looking at the quartz but I think they're too much. Does anyone have any experience with the solid surface brands? The dealer we contacted carries Corian, Wilsonart and Linvingstone. They said that Corian is about 20% more than the other brands. Do solid surface scratch easy? stain? Is Corian worth the extra money?
granite, similar to quartz has become reasonably priced lately. solid surface does scratch but can be fixed, it will stain and no Corian is not worth the extra money, Dupont is just very proud of it. I like the Wilsonart brand when I was doing a lot of installs.
So what would the price difference in price between granite, quartz and Wilsonart? Also I know Wilsonart has a solid surface veneer which is only 1/8" thick while the Corian is 1/2" thick. Does Wilsonart have a line that's thicker than the SSV? I've heard mention of their Gibraltar line but I'm not sure what it is. We don't want to spend a lot of money. Our thinking is buy something of reasonable quality and just be very careful not to damage it.
around here granite and solid surface are comparative, we have a lot of granite shops. Unless I am remembering incorrectly, Wilsonart makes Surrell which is 1/2 inch thick.
Oh, I've just started researching counter tops. We haven't gotten any estimates yet but from what I've heard I came to believe that granite and quartz are the most expensive, Corian is cheaper than those but most expensive of all solid surfaces, and then all of the other solid surface brands are cheapest, except for the laminate which we don't want. If Wilsonart makes a decent product at a reasonable price I'm thinking that it might be the way to go. Was there something specific you liked about the Wilsonart?
more "real" colors and better service. Corian was like the rich spoiled brat company. stone might be similarly priced in your area, around here so many granite shops prices have dropped.
So if granite and solid surface were very close in price you'd go with the granite? If price was not an issue at all what woudl you say is the most durable, functional material?
I like granite, solid surface will scratch and stain. quartz is supposed to be the most germ free as far as porosity.
I have been loving my tile counter. The grout could use some work in spots, but it wipes up easily, doesn't scratch and I can place hot pans on it. You are almost limitless in the sizes and colors available.
I just got off the phone with a contractor in my area. He said that the solid surface prices have risen so that granite is most likely only about 10-15% here in NH. if that's true maybe I'll get the granite.
I hate my tile countertop. It was cheap to do, and it looks okay, but I hate not having a smooth surface. I cut part of it away and made a section of butcher block. Much happier working with bread and pizza dough... Looked at a house the other day with concrete counters. They weren't especially well done, but I can see myself really liking a quality job.
We found that a silicone baking mat does a good job of mitigating the grout lines. I love the butcher block idea.
another thought, do not sell the new laminates short, they have come along way. Some of the patterns are very realistic, I know some of the stone patterns if you do not touch them you would be hard pressed to know its not stone. Less upfront cost and if you like to change things in a few years, you can justify it.
For my kitchen granite was cheaper than quartz or solid surface...but a helluva lot more than laminate.
We went quartz ,cost more than granite , but we got the color we wanted and when we re did the kitchen , I was putting in the sweat equity ,install cabinets, sink & plumbing ,wall treatments ..... so we could justify the higher cost . We love it personally I'd go with stone ,just my 2 cents.
When we want quartz or granite in the kitchen, I just need to call my buddy. He's offered us the hook up. He owns a local company that does stone countertops. We have granite in the big bathroom, and we really like it. You just need to keep your knives off of it as it will dull your knives. Use your butcher blocks! One other thing to be aware of, is that some insurance companies will charge more for home insurance if you have granite countertops.
Since the kitchen make over ,have done 2 bathrooms ,both in, in stock granite from Lowe's stone is the way to go
