Counter Top Materials ?

Posted by Robert11 on February 7, 2005, 10:06 am

Hello:

Wish to re-do the counter tops in a residence kitchen with something more
"modern".

Before I go looking seriously, thought I'd ask here first.

Could anyone comment, please, on the pros and cons of the
various materials being offered these days.

Such as:

Corian - Dupont
Zodiaq - also Dupont, I think
Natural Quartz

There are also several others on the market, I believe.

Factors I'm concerned about include:

a. scratch resistance,
b. resistance to chipping,
c. stain resistance,
d. cost

etc.

Any thoughts, opinions, and comments would be most welcome.

BTW: - how important is thickness ?
- things to request relative to the installation ?
- any other things I should be thinking about, but probably am
not ?

Much thanks,
B.

Posted by Roger T. on February 7, 2005, 12:17 pm

> Could anyone comment, please, on the pros and cons of the
> various materials being offered these days.
> Such as:
> Corian - Dupont
> Zodiaq - also Dupont, I think
> Natural Quartz
> Factors I'm concerned about include:
> a. scratch resistance,
> b. resistance to chipping,
> c. stain resistance,
> d. cost
> etc.
> Any thoughts, opinions, and comments would be most welcome.
> BTW: - how important is thickness ?
> - things to request relative to the installation ?
> - any other things I should be thinking about, but probably am

Corian is plastic, easily scratched, but can be re-sanded from what I
understand. Also, heard on the street, may yellow due to heat or
chemicals.
Zodiaq is held together by plastic, but the epoxy like binder holds crushed
rock/minerals together. As expensive as granite, may not require annual
sealing.
Natural Quartz? No such thing for counter tops. Do you mean granite?
Limestone/marble. Attractive, soft, scratchable, etched by vinegar and acid
foods. Not good, unless you don't cook from scratch.
We're installing granite, the usual 3/4 inch thick. Some sealing may be
required. Nearly scratchproof, and heat resistant.
I also suggest you check out Consumers Reports at the library - good summary
article by cooks and engineers, that summarizes all the qualities you wish
to know about.

Posted by SteveB on February 7, 2005, 1:33 pm

>> Could anyone comment, please, on the pros and cons of the
>> various materials being offered these days.
>> Such as:
>> Corian - Dupont
>> Zodiaq - also Dupont, I think
>> Natural Quartz
>> Factors I'm concerned about include:
>> a. scratch resistance,
>> b. resistance to chipping,
>> c. stain resistance,
>> d. cost
>> etc.
>> Any thoughts, opinions, and comments would be most welcome.
>> BTW: - how important is thickness ?
>> - things to request relative to the installation ?
>> - any other things I should be thinking about, but probably am

We just did a remodel and went with granite. It looks beautiful, and we are
110% satisfied.

Shop around. Prices vary greatly for the same granite. Have a reputable
installer do it. Ours was a ghost. He came and left like a puff of smoke.
OUTSTANDING installation. We called him back for more work, and he showed
up for the small stuff, too.

Pick something you know you can look at for twenty years unless you are just
loaded with dough. If you are you can change the color regularly. If you
are filthy rich, please contact me, as I have a lot of sure win business
propositions. I win.

Match the material to the use. We are also converting a garage to maid
quarters. We will be putting Wilson Art, Formica, laminate, whatever in
there. For the use, that is the best thing for the $$$.

Consider if you might be selling soon, and if so, don't put a lot in there
that you won't be able to recoup.

Steve

Posted by Edwin Pawlowski on February 7, 2005, 9:34 pm

> Natural Quartz? No such thing for counter tops. Do you mean granite?

No, he meant quartz. http://www.cambriausa.com/

http://doityourself.com/kitchen/kitchentrends.htm
Quartz countertops in particular are a hot trend, and as they offer great
durability, resistance to wear and tear, stains, scratches and very high
temperatures for a relatively low price they are proving to be a very
practical choice. They come in a wide range of colors, are lightweight, and
are more sanitary than most other types of counters, retaining less moisture
and therefore less bacteria. Composite, a 65% quartz and 35% acrylic mixture
offers durability with a shiny

Posted by Roger T. on February 7, 2005, 9:36 pm

\> .

>> Natural Quartz? No such thing for counter tops. Do you mean granite?

> No, he meant quartz. http://www.cambriausa.com/

In reality it is plastic (35 per cent). There is nothing natural about that!
They just throw in some crushed quartz pebbles and call it "natural". I
don't get it. At least Zodiaq says at the get-go we are dealing with a
composite.

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