[ElDiabloJoe]

Looking for advice on the best (usually not the cheapest) high end countertop retailer / installer. Considering newer-to-US-market porcelain tops but they require a skilled and highly experienced fabricator and installer.

Who is the go-to BEST countertop firm in the region?

Thanks!

[villagetinker]

Never heard of a porcelain countertop, but I have seen a lot of porcelain sinks with chips, hope they have figured out a way to avoid this. In any case since this is a new product to the US, I doubt anyone will be able to answer your question. IMHO, you can ask the supplier for qualified installers, and then ask if anyone has experience with the installers.

[retiredguy123]

The construction industry is very slow to accept new products. So, it's always risky to purchase any new product. I don't think you will find experienced contractors for porcelain countertops. I would suggest quartz. Ultimate Granite and Stone on Rolling Acres Road is a good place to check out.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by retiredguy123

... I would suggest quartz. Ultimate Granite and Stone on Rolling Acres Road is a good place to check out.

Thank you, retiredguy.

[Cupcake57]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Looking for advice on the best (usually not the cheapest) high end countertop retailer / installer. Considering newer-to-US-market porcelain tops but they require a skilled and highly experienced fabricator and installer.

Who is the go-to BEST countertop firm in the region?

Thanks!

I have sad news for high end shoppers around here-its not available. I wanted a fancy backsplash and was told to go to Lowes; same thing for lighting. I wanted designer eyeglass frames and was told to go to Wal-Mart. I have learned to check in Orlando. But I would advise you to monitor your investment in your home; unless its a million dollar property on a golf course, you run the risk of over improving it and will not recoup the expense of something so expensive. I chose quartz and love it. Good luck!

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by Cupcake57

I have sad news for high end shoppers around here-its not available. I wanted a fancy backsplash and was told to go to Lowes; same thing for lighting. I wanted designer eyeglass frames and was told to go to Wal-Mart. I have learned to check in Orlando. But I would advise you to monitor your investment in your home; unless its a million dollar property on a golf course, you run the risk of over improving it and will not recoup the expense of something so expensive. I chose quartz and love it. Good luck!

Good advice and I see your point. I wasn't looking to gild the tops in gold though, lol!

I'm not too worried about over-improving the house, I'm concerned more with enjoying my day to day living fixtures and the personal satisfaction I get from my improvements.

I've had quartz in the other house for a few years now. It is nice, but it is still just dust and glue tempered and pressed together. I thought about going with something like porcelain after watching Christy Wicks blog re-doing her house in Montecito, CA (Where Oprah and John Stamos and others live). However, I'm thinking of going back to something more natural. I've had soapstone in a house for 15 years and really enjoyed its natural and deep beauty. Also considering cladding the tops in copper.

Anyhow, was just soliciting input for firms capable of something more than just the standard granite/quartz tops that have become so common today.

Thank you.