Granite counters vs. laminate - Help

[lcmlc]

This is in the category of being "burdened by blessinge." Compared to the difficulties we had last year in health issues and house damage, this is a matter that is not a major problem and we are deciding between two nice things. Both of us are now doing well physically, just very tired. As many of you know, Abba and I have been living in a a

Comments

[ragingpixie]

I have granite countertops, and I can tell you that it IS porous, no matter what you're told about it being sealed. Within a month of moving into my current home with granite in the kitchen, I left a bottle of vegetable oil on the center island and it left a ring that remains there today, seven years later. This is on a surface that was double sealed. If I were given a choice, I would install something more like Silestone, which is natural quartz.

Good luck!

[points]

Avoid natural stone - it will -not- add as much value to the house as many would have you believe. If your realtor is dead-set that a 'natural' stone look is the way to off, look into one of the pre-fab look-alike products. Corian for instance has a nice line of product, if I recall aright. This way, you get the pre-fab install, no seams, no sealing, and no worries about cracking or chipping.... and likely will save money in the end.

[lcmlc]

Thanks so much. My realtor is leaving it up to me. I know others that have corian and like it. I haven't priced it but can do that easily with the kitchen dealer. I want a stainless steel sink and am not sure if that is possible with corian. Mostly, I want to get a decision made quickly that I will not regret.

I appreciate your vote against natural stone. I feel the same way in my heart of hearts. It is only for resale and the comment that "women love granite" that has brought me so far into its clutches. Arghh.

[vettecat]

Personally I don't like granite counters, but I have no idea what the "average" person thinks. Related question: Have you updated the "look" of the kitchen as a whole? If the rest of the kitchen is modernized then it may make sense to get the fancy counters to match. If not then anyone who moves in (if they care, and have money) may want to get shiny new appliances, etc., and then they very well may want to replace the counters anyway.

[lcmlc]

Thanks for your help. The kitchen will look quite new, and though the appliances are about 3 - 5 years old they are all white and in good condition. We'll need a new stove-top grill - in black - as the grey is impossible to get to a "new" look. But the cabinets, floor, and paint job are brand new from the ice dam repair

[lcmlc]

Thank you. I hope you get a job. Even if you couldn't buy my house. What kind of job are you looking for? It's really nice to hear our house is attractive to someone.

[csbermack]

Followed over from your daughter's LJ, so I'm pretty random

[lcmlc]

Thank you for your thoughts. If you are from my daughter's friends list your opinions are most valued. We in this family are quite random on our own. Thank you for bringing up the issue of sustainabiliity and invading the beauty of a mountain in Brazil or elsewhere to make my house more desirable by some buyers. I also see from your comment and those above that it would make it less desirable to others. Also the fact that granite is so porous - my biggest care - is one of your concerns. Much gratitude to you and to gnomi for your help.

[lcmlc]

Thanks so much for your comment. I definitely remember you and I think we met another time. I did not know about your backround in architecture. I wonder if your counter is some type of engineered stone like Silestone. The LJ input is helping me with my decision. I'll post the decision when it's made. My husband will be happy and relieved when that happens.