[cquick]

Did anyone ready Heloise this morning in the Daily Sun? She had an article about granite countertops. We are getting ready to meet with the design team, and we planned to use granite, but from Heloise's suggested care, it sounds like granite is very delicate.....no water can be dripped on it, it must be sealed, you can't clean it with regular cleaners, no lemon juice or other acidic liquids can be on it.

I am afraid that we might ruin the counters! I love the look, but.....

anybody got advice? I know granite counters are really popular!

Help! Connie

[BmoreGal]

Hi Cquick - I opted out on granite in my past 2 homes for the reasons you stated. Granite, while not overly maintance needy, does need attention. You must seal it annually to prevent stains from seeping into it.

I have Silestone, and LOVE IT. It is maintanance free, I can sit a hot pot on it, cut on it, and it has the look and feel of granite. As it is impervious to absorbing anything, it does not hold germs, or odors...

Something to think about. Cost is about the same as Granite.

Good luck with your choices.

[l2ridehd]

Granite is VERY easy to care for, clean and is virtually indestructible. The only caution is red wine and olive oil and those are only an issue if left over night. And even that can be fixed. The first home that I did in granite, I had them make a cutting board from the sink cut out. Made it 16 X 24 with a beveled edge. I cut on it, set hot pans on it, spilled stuff, cleaned it with soap and water, put it in the sink, everything you are not supposed to do. Had more problems with the rubber feet I put on the bottom then anything else. After 8 years I sold the home and left the cutting board as the people wanted it because it still looked just as good as the counter. Only issue was it was a really heavy cutting board.

[drdodge]

I had Home Depot install Silestone and really love it. They did an excellent job and if you research silestone youi will find it is the best
drd

[Ooper]

Most places that sell granite also sell Silestone and other counter materials. I would discuss the pros and cons of the different materials from the delaer and then make an educated pick!

[Bill-n-Brillo]

Granite IS beautiful! However, we opted for quartz in our home in OH. Naturally antimicrobial - it is a solid, manufactured surface that requires no real care other than an occasional wipe-down. It priced out a bit less than quartz when we had it done 3-4 years ago.

Quartz-based countertops are manufactured under a variety of brand names: Caesarstone, HanStone, Silestone, and Zodiaq to name a few.

Bill

[JoeC1947]

Originally Posted by l2ridehd

Granite is VERY easy to care for, clean and is virtually indestructible. The only caution is red wine and olive oil and those are only an issue if left over night. And even that can be fixed. The first home that I did in granite, I had them make a cutting board from the sink cut out. Made it 16 X 24 with a beveled edge. I cut on it, set hot pans on it, spilled stuff, cleaned it with soap and water, put it in the sink, everything you are not supposed to do. Had more problems with the rubber feet I put on the bottom then anything else. After 8 years I sold the home and left the cutting board as the people wanted it because it still looked just as good as the counter. Only issue was it was a really heavy cutting board.

Granite is pretty much maintenance free. I use Simple Green stone polish in a spray form and the granite gleams! It's as easy as pie! I always wonder why granite got such a bad rap.

[Ohiogirl]

Originally Posted by JoeC1947

Granite is pretty much maintenance free. I use Simple Green stone polish in a spray form and the granite gleams! It's as easy as pie! I always wonder why granite got such a bad rap.

Agree that granite is a lot easier than Heloise made it out to be. I loved my granite in Ohio, which I had for 5 years, didn't do anything to it other than clean it. Planning on getting it installed here when our laminate countertops start showing some wear. I have also had Corian in a previous home - scratched and stained, would never get that again.

My issue with quartz products is that I just don't like the look of them as much - the ones I have seen are very uniform, don't have the granite swirls and patterns that make each one unique.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by l2ridehd

Granite is VERY easy to care for, clean and is virtually indestructible. The only caution is red wine and olive oil and those are only an issue if left over night. And even that can be fixed. The first home that I did in granite, I had them make a cutting board from the sink cut out. Made it 16 X 24 with a beveled edge. I cut on it, set hot pans on it, spilled stuff, cleaned it with soap and water, put it in the sink, everything you are not supposed to do. Had more problems with the rubber feet I put on the bottom then anything else. After 8 years I sold the home and left the cutting board as the people wanted it because it still looked just as good as the counter. Only issue was it was a really heavy cutting board.

I love the look of granite. And l2ridehd's granite counters here in TV are absolutely gorgeous! When our current counters need to be replaced, we're definitely going with granite.

[keithwand]

We have Zodiac Quartz in our Orlando home we are selling and have no issues. No one has mentioned any pro or con that has looked at it.

We are however going with Granite throughout in our TV house. We just like the look better.

[shcisamax]

I have granite in my kitchen which was here when I bought the house and I am a mess of a cook. I have never had any problem. I will say when I had new granite done for vanities in the baths, the only requirement was to initially apply a sealer. Took me about 1/2 hour to do the three coats. Done. It really comes down to what your preferences are but if you are concerned about mainaining it, don't be.

[Happinow]

Was Heloise saying that no water can be dripped on granite??? I find that hard to believe. Why would a product be put in any kitchen that can't have water on it? I've never heard of it and have never heard of anyone saying you can't get water on it. As for the no hot pots on it? Would you really put a hot pot on ANY counter top without putting down a hot plate or pot holder? That's just common sense. And so if you have to seal it once a year....not a problem for me. We are putting granite throughout and don't regret it.....yet.

[jmd4667]

We had granite installed in kitchen and bathroom areas. Only required maintenance is to seal it every 12-24 mos. depending on surface use. When we did our walk through, the builder briefed us on care and provided the required sealer to be used. Very easy "do it yourself" process.

[DDoug]

Consider this you want to change colors in your kitchen in ten year and the granite color just doesnt work what do you do. Dont sell Formica short they do wondrous things with it now days. Dont like the color some day pull the skin off and change it. Very inexpensive but durable and it looks good some thing to think about

[Posh 08]

Originally Posted by DDoug

Consider this you want to change colors in your kitchen in ten year and the granite color just doesnt work what do you do. Dont sell Formica short they do wondrous things with it now days. Dont like the color some day pull the skin off and change it. Very inexpensive but durable and it looks good some thing to think about

Bingo.