Calling all those with granite countertops...

[Laila619]

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/kitchen-countertop-suggestions.177220/

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-much-was-your-granite-or-quartz-sq-ft.141455/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/how-much-was-your-granite-or-quartz-sq-ft.141455/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/do-you-need-a-cutting-board-with-granite-countertops.98848/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/do-you-need-a-cutting-board-with-granite-countertops.98848/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/quartz-countertops-vs-granite.82153/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/quartz-countertops-vs-granite.82153/[/URL]

[URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/granite-transformations-your-opinions-of-this-product.134616/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/granite-transformations-your-opinions-of-this-product.134616/[/URL]

Thanks for those links, canuck gal!

 

[Enerchi]

Our island is done in Uba Tuba granite - its a very dark, almost black-like, green. It has a few crystals and gold specks in it but its a 'chunky' granite as opposed to one with lots of movement and graining. I just used a Home Depot granite polish on it now (this thread has me thinking about the island now!) and it looks amazing!

Granite is probably more common now than 15 - 20 years ago, and no longer only for luxury kitchens. The pricing is somewhat more affordable than it was in the 80's or 90's.

What styles and colours are you drawn to, Laila, if you were to put it in your kitchen? Gallo ornamentale? Are there others you like as well?
And I definitely agree - go and see your slab and choose that from the distributor. What you see on a chunk in the showroom, is not always what you'll get. Sometimes the slabs have a large "river" of colour or graining or something that you are not expecting...always check first!

 

[Loves Vintage]

Hi Laila, I haven't read all of the responses, but since we are old pals, I thought I would chime in with a random. Have you seen/heard of poured concrete countertops? I know nothing about countertops/design/what is good for improving home value, etc., but I just think this is the coolest thing ever: http://www.concreteencounter.com/gallery.php?catid=9&showlist=on&id=100&path=pictures/frisch1.jpg I don't know much about them, but just wanted to mention it!

 

[Laila619]

Everyone, thank you so much for *all* your suggestions and comments!

In the end, DH and I decided to go with engineered quartz. We found a place that had a great deal on LG Viatera...almost the same price as the basic granite colors per square foot. We also liked that it has a 15 year warranty and never needs sealing.

Thanks again for your help!

Hi, LovesVintage! Great to see you around!

 

[orbaya]

I have not read ahead so I have idea what other responses are.

We have granite countertops in our kitchen and all three bathrooms. I despise the granite in the kitchen because it's very dark, and it shows every single fingerprint, waterspot, etc. The granite in our bathrooms is light and always looks better for longer periods of time. We did not choose our granite...it was here when we moved in. So, if you go with granite, stay away from really dark colors.

 

[Gemzy]

We moved to a new house last year and there are granite work surfaces in the kitchen. Stunning pinky/grey granite, must have cost a fortune to install. Although they look wonderful we have already had a couple of accidents even though we aare very careful. Oil is a real problem, anything left on the granite surface that has oil content (think bottom of a bottle of olive oil etc or splash from cooking that is not spotted), it just sinks into the granite and makes a really unsightly dark stain. Mixing flour and water into a paste and putting that over the stain for 48 hrs sometimes works by drawing the oil out, but not always. Red wine or similar is also an issue. We don't put any hot pans onto the surface, keeping cork mats nearby for that. Don't know if the granite has been sealed and are going to look into sealing products - hopefully that will help . Would not wish to change the granite as it really does look wonderful, and is a joy to keep clean otherwise.

 

[marcy]

We have granite countertops in our kitchen and we love it. We've only lived in this house 8 months but we haven't had any issues with it. I just wipe it down with a sponge everyday.

 

[Sky56]

I love granite slab. I have this in my kitchen. It hasn't been sealed since 1996 and there are no stains or problems. I like being able to put hot pans on it straight from the oven. Downside is that it is unforgiving if you bang a glass on it. We chose this (Rosa Porina) because it was the least expensive granite at the time and we liked the way it looks. There are sidewalks in NYC and buildings there also where I see Rosa Porina used, the sidewalks are unpolished.

 

[jamesnithan]

When you are planning to renovate kitchen, you need to talk with the experienced professionals about cabinets and countertops, they will give best possible ideas for your needs. Countertop options that range in color and design. In these days you will find many counter tops such as quartz surfaces, natural stone, stainless steel, solid surface and wood countertops.

 

[soxfan]

We have a dark granite with white cabinets. I LOVE My kitchen.