We are building a new home and Im having a hard time deciding on countertops?? I know I don't want granite because of the porous nature, and maintance. Some friends of mine has a solid surface like corian, and love them - however, Im leaning more towards quartz because of the non-plastic look and maintance free aspects. Does any one have any experience with quartz? How does it hold up to heat? What is the cost difference between solid surface and quartz?

You might want to read the article about Quartz and other engineered stone in this website.

www.TomCordova.com

Soapstone and slate are nice choices if you want to go for a durable stone countertop, but want something a bit different than granite. However, you may want to take a look at wood. It's pretty durable and not as high maintenance as you might think, plus some of the manufacturers can build solid, custom pieces for you. Also, you might want to check out the site's info to get some ideas of the pros and cons of each material:

http://www.kitchens.com/Remodeling-And-Design/Products-...ntertops/default.asp

Hello Susan. ES is slightly higher in cost over Solid Surface. ES is everything you have heard. I believe many people sell SS short . Of all the Surface products out there SS has the most design potential. When thinking of Solid Surface challenge your designer to use the many options available with the surface. Such as cove backsplashes, Thermo-form edges, inlays, tile look full backsplash. The list is endless. Europeans have already noticed what Solid Surface can do. Do a goggle search type in z-island corian. Its the most amazing idea and it will be the way of the future.

Jon is spot on--quartz is more expensive; you can do more with solid surface. Quartz does hold up well to heat. Although it's not recommended, I have seen cooks move pans straight from the burner to a quartz counter (dark) with no problem.

Hi! My husband and I are building a house in March and we are going to use Silestone for our countertops. My Mom has Silestone and LOVES it! She has never had problems with it. Very much heat resistant and she can also cut on it! You might want to look into Silestone!

Good luck!

Yes Silestone is a very nice surface. What I like about Solid Surface is its has design potential beyond just a flat surface.. If your looking for the CT that is a one of a kind than SS is the choice. I posted a link that shows what I, am talking about. Some of the photos are of projects other than CT,s but they help to show the point. Also if you get a chance google this search (z-island corian). It shows the kitchen of the future. All Solid Surface.


http://www.designboom.com/contest/winner.php?contest_pk=12

Check out the following links . If your a designer I hope the links will inspire you to go beyond just a flat surface. it can be done. Its just a matter of time on who will be the one to inspire the next generation of counters.

http://www.czechdesign.cz/index.php?lang=2&status=c&clanek=406



http://www.designboom.com/contest/winner.php?contest_pk=12

Wow. I still like the idea of wood countertops, but I am certainly impressed by what can be done with solid surface. Thanks for the links!

Oops

Kitchen surfaces don't always have to be restricted to one choice. How about a mixture of three different surfaces? I like the idea of a wood top to prepare food on. Keep those blades sharp!