Anyone out there know anything about quartz countertops? Silestone and Zodiaq are two of the brand names.
Michelle
I had a Silestone countertop put in at a previous house, I quite liked it. [thumbsup]
No FHE, but I saw this.
http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Quartz_Countertops-Countertops-A1915.html (http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Quartz_Countertops-Countertops-A1915.html)
We have a Silestone countertop. We got the new "White Zeus" color, which is about as close to pure white you can get with quartz.
My sister in law has a Silestone top too, but it is a darker color.
Light colors WILL take a mark from dropping a pot on it and will show gouges. If you have sharp knives, make sure to use a cutting board. Some people seem to think it is fine to cut on a stone top, you can't.
On the other hand, it is wonderful. Cleans easily. Use softscrub or whatever. It will scorch so don't put a hot pot directly on it for more than a split second.
If your counter is L shaped, and the turn isn't wider than about 3 feet, then you can get it done in one piece -- max 5' width.
Shop around for deals. We got a free sink and free installation.
Quote from: bobspapa on July 14, 2009, 07:37:12 PM
Anyone out there know anything about quartz countertops? Silestone and Zodiaq are two of the brand names.
Michelle
What do you need to know? My buddy deals with that stuff and could probably answer specific questions.
Quote from: hbliam on July 14, 2009, 08:14:05 PM
What do you need to know? My buddy deals with that stuff and could probably answer specific questions.
I was just hoping to find someone who had it and could tell me if it's worth the expense (~$100/sq. ft -- thank heavens for a small kitchen!), but if anything more specific comes up I'll be in touch.
Thanks, everyone!
Michelle
I'll ask him tomorrow.
Quote from: bobspapa on July 14, 2009, 08:36:48 PM
I was just hoping to find someone who had it and could tell me if it's worth the expense (~$100/sq. ft -- thank heavens for a small kitchen!), but if anything more specific comes up I'll be in touch.
Thanks, everyone!
Michelle
At $100/sq.ft. you might as well get granite.
Quote from: The Architect on July 15, 2009, 03:48:41 AM
At $100/sq.ft. you might as well get granite.
+1
Granite around here runs $50-$75 for main stream stuff. Exotics can run well over $100.
Unless you are going for a solid color, I dont think Silestone looks as good as granite. I know, I know, its green and antimicrobial etc. Just looks "man made".
My Momma used one of my Global knives to cut on my granite once.......once.
;D
Dunno why I always seem to be the one with a dissenting off-topic opinion that either opens a can of worms, or kills the thread... [cheeky]
But, what about Ikea wood countertops? You can get the whole thing for probably close to $100 and IMHO the warmth of the wood looks better than granite, although it doesn't have the same snob appeal. The wood does require some maintenance but not near as much as a Duc.
Quote from: The Architect on July 15, 2009, 03:48:41 AM
At $100/sq.ft. you might as well get granite.
Granite is a bigger pain in the ass than a synthetic stone.
I was going to get the 3M brand synthetic, I think that may be the Zodiac? It was out of my price range, so I got Granite instead.
Granite is a make the beast with two backsing pain.
You can't use any cleaning solvents on it other than soap, water, and a sponge.
You have to buy special "polisher" to make it shine after washing it.
It is porous (I never cut on my counters but apparently people do).
and
you have to seal it every year.
I still like it, but think next time I will go for a synthetic top for ease of cleaning.
Quote from: bobspapa on July 14, 2009, 08:36:48 PM
I was just hoping to find someone who had it and could tell me if it's worth the expense (~$100/sq. ft --
Our Silestone countertop ran about $50/sq ft installed and it is from their designer "Zen" line of colors (i.e. pure white). IT is 100% worth it. Natural stone is awesome and we seriously considered marble, however, you are stuck with the natural drawbacks of stone. It has to be sealed periodically or it will stain and even then it can stain. Also, natural stone has natural faults which will allow the surface to crack or chip.
Quartz is nonporous and will never chip. The downside is the surface is "perfect" and if you have a solid color, will show if you mark it (however, most marks can be buffed out).
Ikea also has quartz countertops, FYI, but I would never use a porous surface for a countertop anymore.
Lastly, if you look at natural stone, be sure to get it checked. There has been plenty in the news about granite from Africa having radioactivity! WTF?! http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html)
We are very happy with quartz. I don't think we would do it differently.
Quote from: ducatiz-e on July 15, 2009, 04:42:43 AM
Our Silestone countertop ran about $50/sq ft installed and it is from their designer "Zen" line of colors (i.e. pure white). IT is 100% worth it. Natural stone is awesome and we seriously considered marble, however, you are stuck with the natural drawbacks of stone. It has to be sealed periodically or it will stain and even then it can stain. Also, natural stone has natural faults which will allow the surface to crack or chip.
Quartz is nonporous and will never chip. The downside is the surface is "perfect" and if you have a solid color, will show if you mark it (however, most marks can be buffed out).
Ikea also has quartz countertops, FYI, but I would never use a porous surface for a countertop anymore.
Lastly, if you look at natural stone, be sure to get it checked. There has been plenty in the news about granite from Africa having radioactivity! WTF?! http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/24/garden/24granite.html)
We are very happy with quartz. I don't think we would do it differently.
Radon is an issue in NH....hmmm
Granite State?
It was never an issue until houses were built too tight and the news got a hold of it. ;)
haha............radon......kitchens are some of the best ventilated rooms in most homes. radon should be no issue
also, i hear that a) squared off corners tend to chip/crack/break, and b) any fancy edge will cost extra, but c) a simple round edge is usually free.
Quote from: herm on July 15, 2009, 05:34:57 AM
also, i hear that a) squared off corners tend to chip/crack/break, and b) any fancy edge will cost extra, but c) a simple round edge is usually free.
I think that must depend on the granite shop.
A standard "squared" cut was free.
If you want a little bevel....pay a little more
You want the round corners?
It was like 8$ a feet more, at least the large granite shop here charges that.
again.......probably depends on location, sales, etc.
Quote from: painter on July 15, 2009, 05:20:07 AM
Radon is an issue in NH....hmmm
Granite State?
It was never an issue until houses were built too tight and the news got a hold of it. ;)
It's only granite from a few places, I have read, mainly Afrika.
Quote from: herm on July 15, 2009, 05:34:57 AM
haha............radon......kitchens are some of the best ventilated rooms in most homes. radon should be no issue
the issue isn't radon, it is uranium present in granite. originally, people getting their homes radon tested found radiation and thought it was radon and it turned out to be the granite containing uranium
Quote from: cyrus buelton on July 15, 2009, 04:39:13 AM
Granite is a bigger pain in the ass than a synthetic stone.
I was going to get the 3M brand synthetic, I think that may be the Zodiac? It was out of my price range, so I got Granite instead.
Granite is a make the beast with two backsing pain.
You can't use any cleaning solvents on it other than soap, water, and a sponge.
You have to buy special "polisher" to make it shine after washing it.
It is porous (I never cut on my counters but apparently people do).
and
you have to seal it every year.
I still like it, but think next time I will go for a synthetic top for ease of cleaning.
I respectfully disagree. My granite came with a permanent sealer. Ive used Windex as well as granite cleaner/polishes on it. After 5 years, it still looks great, havent had any issues. Dont think Id use laquer thinner or Ajax on it....
Might have to hit it with a Geiger Counter though....
Is this where we post up pics of our countertops? "Countertops of the DMF" lol
Quote from: rgramjet on July 15, 2009, 06:15:15 AM
I respectfully disagree. My granite came with a permanent sealer. Ive used Windex as well as granite cleaner/polishes on it. After 5 years, it still looks great, havent had any issues. Dont think Id use laquer thinner or Ajax on it....
Might have to hit it with a Geiger Counter though....
Is this where we post up pics of our countertops? "Countertops of the DMF" lol
it probably depends on where one gets it. i doubt the cheaper stuff has a permanent seal.
His answers:
Q: 100 a sq foot?
Yep, right in there.
Q: Granite or Quartz?
Granite is already overkill for residential applications. Quartz even more so. Quartz is harder to work with (for the installers that cut and shape it).
He said he only uses quartz when people want red or blue or something you can't find in granite.
I don't know what the issue with granite is.
I have grantie counters with a round-over edge and it was about $100 a foot.
It's polished and I can use any non abraisive cleaner on it.
It doesn't stain. It's hard and you can cut on it without marking it.
Though you'll dull your knives really quick. I can put a hot pot or dish on it
without worrying about scorching it.
I have a friend with the composite counters such as silstone and he has
to treat it like any counter to avoid marking it.
http://www.cambriausa.com/ (http://www.cambriausa.com/)
Right up the road from me.
I don't recall my granite being "cheap"
I just have to seal it once a year.
Michelle,
No FHE but I've seen magazine articles about stained poured concrete countertops in some pretty high end homes. Isn't whatsisname some sort of artist? This might be a lower cost and more creative alternative.
Quote from: Langanobob on July 15, 2009, 05:20:09 PM
Michelle,
No FHE but I've seen magazine articles about stained poured concrete countertops in some pretty high end homes. Isn't whatsisname some sort of artist? This might be a lower cost and more creative alternative.
Yes much cheaper! $30 - $40 for the whole counter.
much more likely to crack if there are any problems with the level of the counters/room.
Quote from: VisceralReaction on July 15, 2009, 01:17:12 PM
I don't know what the issue with granite is.
I have grantie counters with a round-over edge and it was about $100 a foot.
It's polished and I can use any non abraisive cleaner on it.
It doesn't stain. It's hard and you can cut on it without marking it.
Though you'll dull your knives really quick. I can put a hot pot or dish on it
without worrying about scorching it.
I have a friend with the composite counters such as silstone and he has
to treat it like any counter to avoid marking it.
http://www.askthebuilder.com/N8_Granite_Countertop_Stains.shtml (http://www.askthebuilder.com/N8_Granite_Countertop_Stains.shtml)
QuoteSummary: Granite countertops are beautiful, but remember, they will stain. Try to keep oils and liquids off of granite before it is sealed and stained countertops will be a thing of the past.
Granite is porous and will stain unless you seal it.
I agree with some and not so much with others. After spending days watching the DIY channel (good stuff), they did a demo with granite. They set a bottle of Vegetable oil on the granite and it left a stain after 15 mins. They could get it out with some special cleaner. They said that quartz AND recycled glass won't stain, is non-porous and pretty much maint. free because it's smooth. Both of these are more expensive then granite though.
Quote from: Langanobob on July 15, 2009, 05:20:09 PM
Michelle,
No FHE but I've seen magazine articles about stained poured concrete countertops in some pretty high end homes. Isn't whatsisname some sort of artist? This might be a lower cost and more creative alternative.
I've looked at those, too, but from what I've seen it's not just your Home Depot brand concrete. It's a special composite. They do look really cool though!
LM
Quote from: ducatiz-e on July 15, 2009, 05:59:32 AM
It's only granite from a few places, I have read, mainly Afrika.
the issue isn't radon, it is uranium present in granite. originally, people getting their homes radon tested found radiation and thought it was radon and it turned out to be the granite containing uranium
Radon comes from uranium (actually radium, but they all start with uranium) when it decays (that's why it is radioactive). Radon is a nonreactive noble gas but it is still radioactive which cause cancer when it enters the lungs and emits alpha particles.
There isn't gonna be enough uranium in a granite countertop to matter, no matter where it comes from.
I find it funny that quartz is the most common mineral on earth and, often, the most common mineral found in granite.
Are these countertops made of pure quartz? There's only a handful of practical things harder than quartz, so that seems like overkill.
Quote from: The Architect on July 15, 2009, 05:32:58 PM
Yes much cheaper! $30 - $40 for the whole counter.
hahaha, sure.
Got some sort of link to support that?
You'll have 30-40$ just in wood to make the pour template.............
Quote from: Jobu on July 16, 2009, 02:16:44 AM
Are these countertops made of pure quartz? There's only a handful of practical things harder than quartz, so that seems like overkill.
No, it is like 95% quartz, the rest is pigment, silica, and some other "magic" stuff to hold it all together. That's all I could get from my digging around.
I've seen video of them making it, it is poured and sets like concrete and then the surface is polished like 6 times all the way to a super fine grit.
A nice concrete countertop is very expensive...as much as these Quartz ones everyone is talking about.
...and although I've seen some people do it themselves on the DIY channel, concrete countertops aren't a DIY project...unless you really know your shit when it comes to concrete.
Quote from: Triple J on July 16, 2009, 07:29:21 AM
A nice concrete countertop is very expensive...as much as these Quartz ones everyone is talking about.
...and although I've seen some people do it themselves on the DIY channel, concrete countertops aren't a DIY project...unless you really know your shit when it comes to concrete.
I agree.
My brother went through this process about 6 months ago.
There is a lot that goes into this, along with cure time and then once you get it....you have to be careful of what you set on top for several weaks and then it gets sealed again.
There is nothing cheap or easy about a concrete counter top
Agreed. I actually really like concrete countertops...but if i was going to get one I'd get a pre-cast one. Pre-cast allows for superior control over construction, particularly the curing conditions of the concrete itself. It also means that the counter top is built off-site...and therefore your kitchen is only out of commission for a day to install the counter, and the mess of the concrete is kept off-site. [thumbsup]
One of the inspectors on my tunnel project does pre-cast concrete counter tops as a side business. His counters are friggin' amazing, and he can do pretty much anything you want regarding color, shape, finish, texture, etc. He has more practical knowledge of concrete than anyone I know. BUT...he's expensive. ;)
We put a Paperstone counter top in our bathroom (original, slate color). We like it a lot...and it is essentially no maintenance (needs to be rubbed down with a special oil once a year or so). Decent price, and environmentally friendly if you care about that. Our kitchen will be getting a similar counter eventually.
http://www.paperstoneproducts.com/ (http://www.paperstoneproducts.com/)
QuoteThere is nothing cheap or easy about a concrete counter top
You seem to be suggesting that our man turn his back on a challenge??
Couldnt resist.....quartz shmortz! ;D
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_om0JErZHvOU/SmDTa3TamKI/AAAAAAAAI8Y/qfG3jpP1LHA/s800/4516%20Countertops%20Floors%20001.jpg)
Quote from: Triple J on July 16, 2009, 07:29:21 AM
A nice concrete countertop is very expensive...as much as these Quartz ones everyone is talking about.
...and although I've seen some people do it themselves on the DIY channel, concrete countertops aren't a DIY project...unless you really know your shit when it comes to concrete.
I used to make concrete countertops and I will second the notion that it IS NOT a DIY project. The concrete tops on those shows probably look like shit in real life. A lot goes into making the forms and you don't use plain old bags of quickcrete. We charged $75/sq.ft., but that was 5 years ago, and in New Orleans (everthing is cheaper in the south)
Quote from: Speedbag on July 15, 2009, 02:39:55 PM
http://www.cambriausa.com/ (http://www.cambriausa.com/)
Right up the road from me.
We did our whole kitchen with this stuff, and it's awesome. [thumbsup]
No maintenance, looks terrific, and you can even set hot kettles from the stove directly on the surface.
Highly recommended...
Quote from: bluemoco on July 19, 2009, 08:33:43 AM
We did our whole kitchen with this stuff, and it's awesome. [thumbsup]
No maintenance, looks terrific, and you can even set hot kettles from the stove directly on the surface.
better be careful with that:
from: http://www.cambriausa.com/pdf/cm-ctop.pdf (http://www.cambriausa.com/pdf/cm-ctop.pdf)
Quote5. Natural stone surfaces can be damaged by sudden and/or rapid change of temperature especially near the edges, as well as direct and/or sustained heating of the top. Cambria may not withstand the direct transfer of heat from pots and pans and other cooking units such as electric frying pans and griddles, and some crockpots or roaster ovens and heat lamps. Therefore, the use of a hot pad or trivet is always recommended to prevent heating the top.
Quote from: shyster on July 19, 2009, 10:15:21 AM
better be careful with that:
from: http://www.cambriausa.com/pdf/cm-ctop.pdf (http://www.cambriausa.com/pdf/cm-ctop.pdf)
Yeah, I know they say this, but I'm not too worried. I think this is just a CYA statement on Cambria's part, and we don't do any 'sustained' heating of the surface anyway. It's just nice to be able to set pots/kettles down on the counter without searching for a trivet first.
Our Cambria has been in our kitchen for about 5 years now, and it still looks like new. We're really impressed with it.
Quote from: bluemoco on July 19, 2009, 11:16:16 AM
Yeah, I know they say this, but I'm not too worried. I think this is just a CYA statement on Cambria's part, and we don't do any 'sustained' heating of the surface anyway. It's just nice to be able to set pots/kettles down on the counter without searching for a trivet first.
Our Cambria has been in our kitchen for about 5 years now, and it still looks like new. We're really impressed with it.
what color is it? we got an ultra-white Silestone (called "White Zeus") and they were VERY vocal about not putting anything hot directly on it, etc. We've already had to have a section buffed out after the lady put a pan on it.
Quote from: shyster on July 19, 2009, 05:48:18 PM
what color is it? we got an ultra-white Silestone (called "White Zeus") and they were VERY vocal about not putting anything hot directly on it, etc. We've already had to have a section buffed out after the lady put a pan on it.
Our countertops are black. Here's an old pic of wifey bakin' cookies for Xmas in 2005. I think this was only a month or two after we installed the Cambria.
(http://www.rpmri.com/gallery2/d/2613-2/bakin+cookies.jpg)
QuoteThe concrete tops on those shows probably look like shit in real life.
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Yeah, you're probably right. I have a real love/hate relationship with concrete. I really like the permanence of it, but screwups also become permanent. I experimented with acid dies on some splitface CMU block and thought it came out pretty good, but I'd want more practice before tackling a kitchen counter. Maybe a small bathroom type vanity first. That can easily be torn out if it doesn't work out.
(http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z312/Langanobob/BlockWall.jpg)