Thanks guys that helps. Robotoy, I appreciate the bottom line recommendation
based upon colour. And I bookmarked your site for future reference. Cheers,
JG
JGS wrote:
> A friend asked me the benefits and downsides of the various types of
> countertops. I realized how little I really knew. So is there some
> trusted site or sites that gives the pros and cons of each type? Thanks,
> JG
JGS <[email protected]> wrote in news:[email protected]:
> A friend asked me the benefits and downsides of the various types of
> countertops. I realized how little I really knew. So is there some
> trusted site or sites that gives the pros and cons of each type? Thanks,
> JG
>
Don't know about sites. When we had to redo our kitchen, we talked to
friends, did some research, etc. We hada had a Corian top to a vanity, and
were less than thrilled after a while. Someone had rested a lit cigarette
on the edge and the brown smoke had stained the top. I think granite has
the disadvantages of a natural material - unknown defects might make it
crack, especially when a hot pan were put onto it. It might be porous like
marble, unless a nice coating were kept on it.
That left (for us) the manmade "stons", and we choose Silestone. Because
of the shape it had to be in, it's made of 2 pieces. The seam is therefore
easy to locate, but otherwise it looks almost seamless. It was easy to
screw the diswasher into it from below. After a little while (couple of
weeks at most) a chip came out, and that was fixed without complaint, and
is now unnoticeable. We love it, but you will have to do your own
research. Things like this are very much a "feel" type of thing, so be
careful of the advice you give. The friend should really go out and look
at the various surfaces. He/she will have to look at that countertop for a
long time (hopefully)!
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
Robatoy <[email protected]> wrote in news:design-303A1C.07354228032006
@nr-tor01.bellnexxia.net:
> In article <[email protected]>,
> Han <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> Someone had rested a lit cigarette
>> on the edge and the brown smoke had stained the top.
>
> Any fabricator worth his salt could have taken care of that 'burn/stain'.
Probably, but it has always rankled me.
> e-stone, like Cambria, Silestone, and my personal favourite Hanstone are
> indeed a good choice, but 'high'-heat still has its risks.
>
We are very satisfied with our Silestone. Don't know what we'd buy today,
though.
--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid
In article <[email protected]>,
Han <[email protected]> wrote:
> Someone had rested a lit cigarette
> on the edge and the brown smoke had stained the top.
Any fabricator worth his salt could have taken care of that 'burn/stain'.
e-stone, like Cambria, Silestone, and my personal favourite Hanstone are
indeed a good choice, but 'high'-heat still has its risks.
In article <[email protected]>,
Han <[email protected]> wrote:
> We are very satisfied with our Silestone. Don't know what we'd buy today,
> though.
Things change. A 1950's Ferrari V-12 with a six-pack of Webers would put
out a real 300 HP...and a certain sound and feel came with it.
Now, A M-300 Chrysler, puts out 300 real HP, with injectors, computers,
variable valve-timing etc.......but it don't sound/feel the same.
E-stone vs granite is 'nice' vs 'passion'.
I'd rather have Sophia Loren take my shirt off than Scarlett
Johanson.....waita-sec..I must be running a fever.
I need to re-think this.
r
In article <[email protected]>, JGS <[email protected]>
wrote:
> A friend asked me the benefits and downsides of the various types of
> countertops. I realized how little I really knew. So is there some
> trusted site or sites that gives the pros and cons of each type? Thanks,
> JG
<shameless plug=ON>
I cover some of those questions on my company's website.
http://www.topworks.ca
Each product name on the home page will take you to its respective
manufacturer's site.
I broker a lot of granite and engineered stone and fabricate solid surface
myself. Dollar for dollar, solid surface is the best value, assuming you like
the look/colours and stay away from polyester-based products.
The fact that a quality acrylic solid surface top can't be stained, can be
repaired and refinished makes it a winner in my book.
But....... nobody is going to argue that granite doesn't have 'the look'.
As well, granite and e-stone will have seams, solid surface won't.
The one downside of solid surface is that its big enemy is high heat... although
with normal care, like one would use when working on a laminate top, will not
cause any grief.
Bottom line. Granite is harder, hence scratches will not appear as quickly
specifically on darker colours. If you want dark, go granite. Anything lighter
than medium grey, go solid surface.
Buy from a reputable dealer/ fabricator.
Like me.
<G>
r
<shameless plug=OFF>