What kind of countertops do you like?

I'm doing a kitchen remodel and asked everyone on this forum their opinions about gas vs. electric ranges. I ended up getting a Bosch dual fuel range (which I love). Now I'm moving on to countertops. I originally thought I wanted granite but the more I've researched, the more worried I've become that I will stain or break pieces off of it. Friends have told me it stains incredibly easily and that even a knife with peanut butter will leave an oil stain. I cook a lot and I have 3 kids so I need something sturdy but looks nice. I've also considered concrete and Silestone. I"m leaning toward Silestone right now, but am looking for everyone's wisdom:)

I would recommend looking to soap stone. More durable than granite,by far. You often see it used in university labs as the preferred work surface. It can also be "worked" as in having a drain board carved into it. The material can be natural color(light grey) or finished with a food grade oil to make it jet black.

We have a remodel coming up, and I'm leaning toward concrete myself. I love the patina that they develop over time.

Stainless steel, it's bullet-proof.

I installed 24' of stainless countertop a couple of months ago and it's weathering in beautifully. Stainproof, dent-proof, heat-proof and will probably still be there after I'm long gone.

Also, you aren't stuck with a color scheme you have match, it goes with most anything.

Amy,

I've had my granite counter tops for 5 years now and absolutely love them. Although I'm a great cook- I'm not a great cleaner when cooking - nor are my kids - and I've never had a problem. I love beening able to knead and roll dough on them , and pull hot items directly out of the oven and right onto my counters. I would however recommend a mottled/varigated medium colored granite- my Mom's are Black shiny granite and they show every speck of dust and spill.

Deb

Dear Amy,

We have had our granite counter tops for four years and I am in love with the rock. Once a week I clean it down with Target's granite counter cleaner and a microfiber cloth. It seems to give it the sheen and depth I first saw in our stone. I can put very hot pans out of the oven right down on it with no consequence or put a hot pot of just baked bread down. I do not cut on it as I like my knives. I have heard good things about concrete and soap stone, although soap stone is softer.

Barbara A.

I would recommend looking to soap stone. More durable than granite,by far. You often see it used in university labs as the preferred work surface. It can also be "worked" as in having a drain board carved into it. The material can be natural color(light grey) or finished with a food grade oil to make it jet black.

We have soapstone and love it. When we redid the kitchen a couple of years ago, we wanted something that was both durable and aesthetically fitting in our old home. After much agonizing, I think we made the right choice. The stuff is great with hot dishes, acidic ingredients, and most anything you can throw at it. It is denser than granite but not as hard. Although I haven't tried it, from what I understand, if you have a serious blemish you can buff it out with a fine sand paper. I've found it to be virtually maintenance free except for an occasional oiling when we first got it. It doesn't seem to be too popular around here so it was difficult for us to find someone who stocked it or was willing to bring it in.

I am interested in the soapstone but not sure where to get it. What supplier did you use?

I'm doing a kitchen remodel and asked everyone on this forum their opinions about gas vs. electric ranges. I ended up getting a Bosch dual fuel range (which I love). Now I'm moving on to countertops. I originally thought I wanted granite but the more I've researched, the more worried I've become that I will stain or break pieces off of it. Friends have told me it stains incredibly easily and that even a knife with peanut butter will leave an oil stain. I cook a lot and I have 3 kids so I need something sturdy but looks nice. I've also considered concrete and Silestone. I"m leaning toward Silestone right now, but am looking for everyone's wisdom:)

Formica.

I am interested in the soapstone but not sure where to get it. What supplier did you use?

We got them from Designs in Stone. The guy who runs the company is named Todd Rush.

I have concrete, and I love them. It's durable, it's more environmentally friendly than a lot of other options, and it has a beautiful, natural glow (I know, it's concrete, but it looks natural). However, if you're really concerned about staining, and you don't wipe up spills immediately, concrete may not be for you.

Also, I'm glad the other poster likes stainless steel, and it is, in fact, a great surface...I had it in both my kitchen and bath in New York. However, it is crazy hard to keep clean looking. Fingerprints everywhere! It does look cool, though.

I've never had any problems with granite either. (My parents have had it for years.) As long as you're even moderately careful with it, you won't run into any real problems.

Also, Consumer Report did a bit write up on countertops in the not too distant past. If you can, you might want to check it out.

Don't laugh, but I like Corian. The appearance is not as elegant as granite or as striking as concrete, but I feel that it is durable, "soft" (I hate how sitting plates down on granite or tile countertops feels!), and easy to clean (especially if you get the integrated sink... no cracks for crumbs to lodge in.)

We are moving to Florida soon, and my realtor keeps showing me houses with granite countertops and seems to think I'm crazy for not wanting this "upgrade" but I just don't personally find them as friendly for every day use.