[angiefox10]

In the last thread, no one mentioned the difference in the price of the two. After reading the last thread, I went to google and found there were Pros and Cons to both making both attractive for different reasons.

Some sites said that depending on the product the price could be the same for both or different.

Did anyone price it out?

Also... I noticed that I didn't think I saw any of the one piece sinks in the new homes. I just wondered if it was because of the staining that was mentioned in the previous thread.

Again... If this thread goes off topic.... That is fine by me. Have fun!

[l2ridehd]

In general Corian is less then granite. Sometimes there is some specials on both products that give a lower cost. Granite has a wider range of pricing then Corian. Granite can run $20 to $90 a square foot and the edge they put on it can run from free to $12 an inch. So if you go to place that does granite and find an extra slab from a job they did and it is big enough for your project and you get a good deal, go with the basic edge, it will be cheaper then Corian. However if you go with a higher end granite, they have to buy the slabs, demand no seams, and get a higher end edge, Corian will be cheaper. Here is an example of an edge we did that was about $7 an inch.

[graciegirl]

Beautiful granite and that edge is really lovely too. BEAUTIFUL!!

There is an argument that granite will "hold" bacteria. I could never see how it would be much different than formica. I use a dishwasher safe cutting board for everything.

When I roll out yeast dough on the surface I wash it with soapy water and dry in carefully and the dough reaches temperatures that will kill any stray bacteria. I have done that on any surface I have rolled out dough on for as long as I can remember.

I think of that bacteria thing as a non issue.

[Oren L Miller]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

Beautiful granite and that edge is really lovely too. BEAUTIFUL!!

There is an argument that granite will "hold" bacteria. I could never see how it would be much different than formica. I use a dishwasher safe cutting board for everything.

When I roll out yeast dough on the surface I wash it with soapy water and dry in carefully and the dough reaches temperatures that will kill any stray bacteria. I have done that on any surface I have rolled out dough on for as long as I can remember.

I think of that bacteria thing as a non issue.

OK - Angie hasn't rolled out dough in the last 25 years. We bought a new stove 10 years ago. I broke the glass cleaning it in our 1952 stove. We just talked and we assume the oven works. They have restautants don't there don't they?

[skyc6]

I have wondered about these issues myself. No one seems to mention the solid surface quartz available. I don't think it is any cheaper than granite, but has more of a shine than Corian. The sink I have here, in Illinois, is black granite and I love it. I hardly ever see it anywhere but I got it from home Depot and it doesn't scratch or show any stains or water spots. It has a matte finish and looks great with a granite countertop with black in it. I never see it as an option. Wonder why? It wasn't expensive, and they told me they had No complaints about it. There are things I don't like about stainless sinks and also porcelain and corian, and I have had all three. I like this granite best.

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by skyc6

I have wondered about these issues myself. No one seems to mention the solid surface quartz available. I don't think it is any cheaper than granite, but has more of a shine than Corian. The sink I have here, in Illinois, is black granite and I love it. I hardly ever see it anywhere but I got it from home Depot and it doesn't scratch or show any stains or water spots. It has a matte finish and looks great with a granite countertop with black in it. I never see it as an option. Wonder why? It wasn't expensive, and they told me they had No complaints about it. There are things I don't like about stainless sinks and also porcelain and corian, and I have had all three. I like this granite best.

I thought there were only three choices... Formica, Corian and Granite. You say there is quartz????

Also...My question pertains to the countertops in The Villages. We are building a Begonia and I'm curious as to the cost of the countertops in those homes.

Gracie.... when I did my search online I didn't see anything about granite holding bacteria...

l2ridehd... I believe you posted a picture of your kitchen before... Isn't this the home that was stretched in the middle??? It's gorgeous!!!! I just LOVE it!

[skyc6]

I know you are referring to TV, but why is there no quartz? Just wondering.
Granite is a rock, so it can be porous. It has to be sealed every 6 months or so, but it is not a hard job. Quartz does not. If you spilled red wine and left it for a couple of days, it could stain permanently because it will absorb into the granite rock, but I assume most people wipe their counter off more than that. I like the shine of granite and the irregular coloring, since it is a natural substance. Quartz is not porous like granite because it is manmade.

[starflyte1]

Home Depot has a nice display of quartz samples, in different colors and prices. As I said in an earlier post, I am very happy with our quartz. The color is beautiful and it will not stain like granite might. I am not saying to buy it at Home Depot, just that they have a nice display.

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by starflyte1

Home Depot has a nice display of quartz samples, in different colors and prices. As I said in an earlier post, I am very happy with our quartz. The color is beautiful and it will not stain like granite might. I am not saying to buy it at Home Depot, just that they have a nice display.

Is it an option in The Villages?

[angiefox10]

Who got Formica and had something else put in afterwards?

[starflyte1]

Now, I think I understand when you ask about being available in The Villages. I do not know if new home construction offers quartz.

[Uptown Girl]

Originally Posted by skyc6

I know you are referring to TV, but why is there no quartz? Just wondering.
Granite is a rock, so it can be porous. It has to be sealed every 6 months or so, but it is not a hard job. Quartz does not. If you spilled red wine and left it for a couple of days, it could stain permanently because it will absorb into the granite rock, but I assume most people wipe their counter off more than that. I like the shine of granite and the irregular coloring, since it is a natural substance. Quartz is not porous like granite because it is manmade.

Granite can have natural fissures or small voids because of the way it forms in nature. I think they fill some in before polishing the stone, but because the product is presented as a natural stone, they can't overdo it. I'm not sure how well filler binds to granite in the long haul, so filling flaws may take more effort than it's worth. That's why they recommend sealer.

Quartz has real quartz crystals that have been incorporated into a man made resin that is poured to form a slab. In nature, most quartz grows in clusters, so the quartz is crushed to allow it to be used this way. I think they use quartz more for the beauty of light refraction off the crystal than for durability or strength. Quartz countertops have a depth you can see into. That's lovely.

[BeeGee]

Our sales agent (Jason Rice-great guy!) gave us a request form for all the options that are in the models, etc. and in the countertops options Zodiaq (quartz) is listed as an option. I love granite, the shine, the feel and the way it looks is GREAT! We have it in our master bath. However, I have to say that the quartz that we have in our kitchen is pretty awesome, no sealing required and it shines on its own merit. We noticed that Zodiaq quartz is on the info sheet...thought I'd let you know!!!

[angiefox10]

Originally Posted by BeeGee

Our sales agent (Jason Rice-great guy!) gave us a request form for all the options that are in the models, etc. and in the countertops options Zodiaq (quartz) is listed as an option. I love granite, the shine, the feel and the way it looks is GREAT! We have it in our master bath. However, I have to say that the quartz that we have in our kitchen is pretty awesome, no sealing required and it shines on its own merit. We noticed that Zodiaq quartz is on the info sheet...thought I'd let you know!!!

Thanks BeeGee... We just came back from the store and it appears that Quartz is the way to go!!! I'll check it out!

[laryb]

Originally Posted by angiefox10

Who got Formica and had something else put in afterwards?

Angie, we had formica in our home when we built last year and had granite installed in the kitchen and bathrooms last month. Absolutely no regrets. Had it up north, so we're use to the maintenance, which really is no big deal. Spray on, let dry to a haze and wipe off. Done. Can't speak for Quartz, but I've been told it's nice.