Countertops
 

Want to replace my laminate countertops. What do you recommend and why? Granite, quartz, corian?

We have had quartz countertops for about 10 years. Zero maintenance. You never need a cutting board. Love them.

I think Corian is out - too porous. Granite and Quartz are in, but Quartz is better. I know laminate is cheap, but I still like it. Nothing is indestructible.

I looked at high def laminate with integrated sinks and the cost was as much as you can get granite for. I was considering quartz but the quote on granite was too good to resist and it is beautiful. plus they put a 15 year sealer on it. I don't cook much so I don't have to worry about it at all. get a quote from Granite Solutions in Leesburg. They also have quartz.

We love our granite. We got it from ARS Granite on 441 (352)787-1419. They are a family operation, very fair priced and excellent workmanship. You choose your granite at the yard on rolling acres road. They also have corian and quartz so you can discuss the differences with them.

Also, consider a large, single sink instead of a double sink. Many people are finding that the single sink is more functional.

OP, you can also do some research on Google, there are some maintenance differences between Quartz and granite. We have granite, and love it, but we also, completely clean (strip) and reseal twice a year. Once you have decided which fits your living style, then you will need to get advice on an good installer. If you search this website, there were a few previous threads with very good information on local contractors. Finally, do your own due diligence and double check with seniors against crime for your preferred contractors. I would get 3 bids, and a contract with expectations and project duration. Also discuss the possibly of damage to existing cabinets when the old counter top is removed, and what is covered in your project.
Hope this helps.

Installed granite about a year ago - very happy using Duncan Stone. We got a bit creative in the kitchen - used the granite as the backsplash as well, curved one of the ends, looks great and adds some character. In the bathrooms, Duncan easily raised the sinks to "adult" height and did not have to raise the vanity itself or replace to achieve the adult height. Used marble in one bath, stunning but does require a bit more care, nothing extreme since there are not a houseful of people who use this bath. The other bath is granite and continued the sink over the toilet, called a "banjo" top, love that and have enough room to get at the tank, if the need arises. Good luck with your decision.

Went through this exact situation not that long ago. Decided on quartz and could not be happier! A little more durable than granite. We used Exquisite Designs. Tony was amazing - would recommend his company highly! He has a showroom and will spend all the time you need. You can also go look at the two quartz manufacturer's showrooms in Orlando. We did that because we wanted to see big slabs vs. little samples. Made a huge difference. Good luck!

anybody use soapstone?

I am also curious if anyone has used soapstone.

I have read that the negatives of using soapstone as a kitchen countertop are that the longest piece is 7 feet so if applicable your counter will have to be pieced together. Due to the softness of the stone it is subject to nicks and scratches. It only comes in darker colors and it darkens with time.

It would probably be great for an outdoor fire pit because it is nonporous and who cares if it gets nicked up.

Just had new granite installed in kitchen and bathrooms by Duncan Stone. Highly recommend them - no money upfront, excellent workmanship, one day installation with a couple hour follow up the next day - mainly because one of the faucets that I purchased was defective. I wanted quartz and went to Ocala to view slabs but could not find any design that I liked. I got the granite slabs from the place on Rolling Acres and Quality Stone in Ocala.