Kitchen counter tops. (San Antonio, Austin, Howe: countertops, house, tile)

[Camper1]

It's time to bite the bullet. I need new counter tops. I have tile right now and simply love them but it's time for them to go. Looking for suggestions but I would like to know what you like or don't like.

[pobre]

Got granite a few years back, and still loving it:

//www.city-data.com/forum/san-a...ome-depot.html

However, I have also seen poured concrete (in both smooth and "leather" finish) that was really stunning as well.

I lived in a house that had tile, would never do again. Not a good flat surface, and unsanitary, too!

My MIL has Silestone, but it has actually stained in a few places.

[elnina]

I have butcher block and I am happy.

[Camper1]

Originally Posted by pobre

Got granite a few years back, and still loving it:

//www.city-data.com/forum/san-a...ome-depot.html

However, I have also seen poured concrete (in both smooth and "leather" finish) that was really stunning as well.

I lived in a house that had tile, would never do again. Not a good flat surface, and unsanitary, too!

My MIL has Silestone, but it has actually stained in a few places.

That's a lot of information! Thanks. I looked for posts but missed that thread.

[Bo]

There was an interesting thread about this in the Austin forum a while back. The message there was not to add strongly colored granite because it might make your house harder to sell.

[TXsurburbanmom]

We just priced alternatives to granite and they were about double what we should be able to get granite for. I just talked to someone who did her large kitchen for $3900 installed and the silestone, etc we looked at was quoted at $7500. We'll be going the granite route especially since there are discount options. I debated concrete but I'm concerned it might be more a trend in the future where granite more standard. Plus I noticed my friend's concrete floor stain was a mess. Funny when granite is the "safe" choice and yes I'd go with something neutral.

[SAAggiemom]

I love granite and the price has come way down in the past few years. I put it in a clients house I was trying to sell. It was a good sized kitchen with a large island. Best $2400 ever spent. (level 1) We sold the house two weeks later.

[elnina]

You should check the prices at Builders Mark.

[Azure110]

Formica! I still have my original Formica tops in my house built in 1956. I have some nicks in a few places but I have no desire to rip them out or the original cabinets.

I am not a fan of granite myself. Feels too "tuscan" style to me which doesn't appeal to me.

[TrapperL]

I would avoid granite like yer family's life depended on this decision....as it just might. Granite CAN be a major carrier of Radon gas that can make you sick. Keyword- CAN, but how will you know if the piece delivered and installed at your home is or isn't? Best of luck with that one. Granite is also a porous material and is sealed to keep food liquids from penetrating it. Set a hot pot on the counter and the seal is gone. Now you have a breeding ground for bacteria and it doesn't bother with an introduction, it just makes your family sick. You can also have issues with any type of acids removing/etching the surface like lemon juice, orange juice, vinegar, etc which again removes the seal.
Silestone can be stained by the various juices like grape juice. It's also prone to small chips. Considering the cost, it's not something I would ever have in my house.
Corian. I grew up in an house with Corian and that was a long time ago. The tops are still in the 40+ year old house. Corian can scratch but is easily fixed with polishing compound. You must be careful about placing real hot things on it or you can "burn" it. Otherwise, probably the most durable thing you can put in your home.
Laminate. Don't overlook the new Hi Def laminates. Some of these are incredibly beautiful and look identical to granite or other surfaces but without the headaches or the cost. You can use a flat laminate and a tile back splash that looks fabulous and rivals the real thing. You might go by J&B Tops on Mainland just to look and if it suits your needs, have them give you a price. They're good folks to deal with.
Affordable Laminate countertops and countertop installation. San Antonio, TX.