Counter tops granite etc

[simps80]

It is time for new counter tops
The wife wants solid surface granite or the like
I know nothing about it.

Any suggestions on trusted contractors, vendors, companies for this?

 

[BC9392]

I have used a company called Cabtops in Englewood - 3313 S Sante Fe Dr -and they have done a very good job for me. Talk to Don 303-789-9459
I'm retired GC

 

[Hulk]

We did quartz counter tops because they are more indestructible than granite and require zero care. Lots of great looks to choose from.

 

[SteveH]

Patterns and prices vary wildly. I got granite 2 years ago and my wife and I picked a funky, interesting pattern that cost a bit more, but it doesn't look like the 'safe' patterns that builders pick when they put such counters in tract homes. It has sparkly stuff, black bits, odd shapes, etc. and when the sun hits it, it looks different every time. I was not a big fan of granite, but I enjoy this more than I thought I would. We have a bland, 1968 ranch style house, so it adds something interesting to our place.

Go to a large granite place and look at all the patterns. There is a ton of stuff you will never see except in custom homes and stuff that looks like it came from Mars.

One mistake we made was finding a nice countertop pattern at a great price, and then waiting 3 months to make up our mind. By the time we circled back, that pattern was gone from the quarry, never to return. So, we found something more expensive and bought that. So, if you find what you like, don't wait. We used Planet Granite (which I think operates in Denver, too) and they offered a thick, nice, 18 ga. stainless sink (what we wanted) and installation went basically as it should have.

The care requirements for granite are not onerous - either spray it with a sealant once/month or pay up front for a lifetime coating. We spray it once/month and it has been fine.

 

[LARGEONE]

We went from granite to quartz recently. The only issue we have had is the quartz is bright white...and aluminum or other metals really mars the surface...temporarily. A quick cleaning with dawn or other cleaner takes the marring off easily, but it is a pain to keep looking fresh.

Our neighbors also have white solid surface counters and do not have this problem. I think our quality of solid surface is not as good? Not sure. It is nice because it does not have to be sealed like granite. It also does not give off as much radiation as granite (not that it is enough to do much from my understanding). But we had granite for a long time and I loved it too.

I'd say...take a look at both the granite and the solid (quartz/ quartzite, etc) and see which one you like the look of better. You really can't go wrong with either of them.

 

[simps80]

Thanks like that Steve
Planet granite and cabtops so far
Hulk Paul who did you use?

Would prefer painless the same place templates it and install it kind of deal

 

[LARGEONE]

Ours was done as part of a large remodel. I don't know who our designer used? But I'm not sure I would recommend them either

 

[Inukshuk]

Vlad did my install about 3 years ago. I had a quartz slab from a client. (real estate developer).
I'd guess Vlad does more B to B than retail.
He is the fabricator.
Shop is at 1450 w. Evans. (303) 408-4534.
Be prepared for the thick accent.
Work was great. I'd use him again. No idea if he'll remember me but you can tell him you were "referred by the guy on Newton Street where he did the quartz, Stephanie's attorney"

I'm happy with the quartz. That said, I once had a slab like Steve's and the right piece of granite is spectacular.

 

[twentyfooteighty]

We are on our second house with quartz. I'll never go back to anything else.

 

[Telly]

I'm in construction and solid surface (quartz) is standard in hospitals and most commercial construction. Very hygienic and durable but one point of caution, don't place hot pans directly on the surface. Our friends new quartz tops cracked after they did this for the first time.

I'm a granite guy myself and have remodeled two kitchens in the houses we have lived in with granite. I like the fact that it's natural stone and can really bring the overall kitchen design together. Be sure you know the pricing grades before you fall in love with a certain granite. They can swing drastically from expensive to insane expensive.

 

[simps80]

Good tip
I use my granite tile tops as a hot pad
Probably a bad habit but it is nice to do so

 

[Inukshuk]

Very hygienic and durable but one point of caution, don't place hot pans directly on the surface. Our friends new quartz tops cracked after they did this for the first time.

I'm a granite guy myself and have remodeled two kitchens in the houses we have lived in with granite. I like the fact that it's natural stone and can really bring the overall kitchen design together. Be sure you know the pricing grades before you fall in love with a certain granite. They can swing drastically from expensive to insane expensive.

hmm, its supposed to be ok with heat. I've never placed a super-hot pot. though

 

[AlpineAccess]

It's more the heat-soak and rapid temperature change. You're likely ok with a thick granite countertop and a hot pan with some eggs in it.

Boil a bunch of ears of corn in a big pot and set that it directly onto the countertop and it might not go well (probably not).

My first run in with granite and heat was camping with my family at 10 years old. We built a great big firepit and got a fire going. About 30 minutes in the stones started cracking and popping. My my dad asks if we used granite, and almost as if on que at the end of his question, a rock dang near exploded and little fragments flung everywhere.

Later on in Boy Scouts we used to think that was really funny to put granite stones right next to the heat of a hot fire, but we were all a bunch of idiots, and still are.

That being said, I'm sure someone here is a geologist or something and will be able to explain why different types of granite reacts differently to heat.

Not at all what you're looking to do, but when we moved in to our house (simple ranch from the late 70's) we had some terrible looking countertops. My wife really wanted to try out butcher block, so I bought and finished some slabs and put them in myself. I added some extra cabinets for trash and recycling with (slide outs) and a small breakfast area for a stool, which added about 20 sq ft of counter space. A few years later we've been thrilled with the butcher block. Easy to keep clean, tolerates a lot of abuse, was very reasonably priced, and refinishes in a few hours.

 

[Hulk]

We used Home Depot. They did a great job and the price was affordable. It's held up great too. We do occasionally place a hot pot directly on it and we've never had a problem.

We bought Silestone Quartz in Sienna Ridge. It looks great.

 

[Beach Boy]

As a retired food executive, if the counter top is going in the kitchen, I would never put it in. Granite has cracks, recesses, etc. that will trap food and could compromise food safety. It must be sealed on a regular basis and sanitized. Quartz would be the way to go, or man made plastics. I did that in the remodelng of my house just recently in Moab, and going with quartz in Florida.. Love it.