Quartz countertops

[Grampa]

Anyone out there know anything about quartz countertops?  Silestone and Zodiaq are two of the brand names. 

Michelle

[somegirl]

I had a Silestone countertop put in at a previous house, I quite liked it.

[Kopfjäger]

No FHE, but I saw this.

http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Quartz_Countertops-Countertops-A1915.html

[ducatiz]

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.

[hbliam]

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.

[Grampa]

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

[hbliam]

I'll ask him tomorrow.

[The Architect]

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. 

[rgramjet]

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.

[Langanobob]

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...

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.

[cyrus buelton]

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.

[ducatiz]

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

We are very happy with quartz.  I don't think we would do it differently. 

[ducpainter]

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

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.

[herm]

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.

[cyrus buelton]

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.