Gene, it sounds like most of Dave's issues were with the installer rather than the materials. After hearing multiple horror stories about work done under contract with Home Depot and Lowes, I would never hire them to do any remodeling. Independent licensed contractors with references who can show you their work...that's the way to go.

I would love to get more feedback on black counter tops from others. I was thinking about going this route with white painted cabinets. Seems this combo is all the rage now and would work well with our white appliances. But I am still in the early data-gathering stage so plans may change.

 

I do not have quartz or granite but I'd LOVE to have quartz. My kitchen has white corian and some dark blue corian in a couple/areas. IF I ever replace them, I'm going with quartz.

 

My parents had the counter tops replaced about 5 years ago with granite and it was picked out at a local independent studio and installed by them. No seams whatsoever.

A couple things that I talked my parents into doing that raised the overall price a little bit but was well worth it. I think it was an additional $200 or so.
1- parents have a window that is about 6-7' wide that looks out onto the pool and patio and so we had the window sills on both the inside and outside refinished with the granite to match, looks amazing- even the installers are now adding that as a no charge upgrade to their clients.
2-had the installer take some of the granite and cut/polish some of the leftover material into roughly 10" squares, added some silicone feet to them and use them to put hot pots and pans on them instead of placing the hot pots/pans directly on the counters. Works great.

 

Counters are on our 'pending changes' page. So I'll be watching your selection process.
We had put Corian in our last house and we loved it.
I agree that the installer makes a huge difference.

 

I have Corian also however our next kitchen transition will have Glass countertops with led underlighting.
Are the quartz countertops translucent enough you could light from below? That might be an interesting effect.

fltsfshr

 

We had led lighting installed and when the black Quartz was shining it did look good

Pics 14, 15 and 16 show the counter top


http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/49...mHomePage=true

 

We have granite that was installed in 1999. It is black absolute, as such, it is a very dense, very dense material. It does not stain, and I can and do put very hot pots and pans directly on the material with no effect. The other benefit with stone is that it operates at an amazing heat sink, we use it to defrost stuff out of the freezer, for a reasonably quick turn around versus air contact.
Lastly, I would advise using a stone contractor that you choose, I have used three different ones over the years and they have done amazing work and provided excellent customer service (like recutting TWO sheets of black to overcome a a mismatch problem.

 

Granite in kitchen here with a matching granite fireplace surround and granite slab in front of fireplace. Love it.

 

Thanks for all the replies, guys. It really helps.

Dave, I really like the idea of getting the squares cut and using them as trivets.

Nice place, Pok. Classic. I love our little house (two bedroom...1600 Sq Ft) as it is easy to maintain. But if I could add something it would be an entryway and coat closet. Not to be, unfortunately. Best we will be able to do is to create sort of an entry area through the clever (hopefully) use of a rug and other decor elements.

 

Senior moment. I meant to say Home Depot.