Granite--WTF

[femto]

Who declared that granite countertops are the be-all end-all of kitcheny goodness? I can't stand the stuff but it seems that an army of contractors is swarming the city installing it in every house I look at (often just before it goes on the market!). Can whoever's in charge of this stop it now please?

[Puget Sounder]

http://interiordecorating.suite101.com/ ... ountertops

"The newest kitchen trend has hit the markets with a resounding thud and appears to be pushing granite out of the way.

If you want to update your kitchen with the latest decorating fad your bank account will appreciate your trendy taste.

Granite countertops were so popular in the last decade that they almost became a staple of new homes. I challenge anyone to go to a parade of homes and find a home without any granite. Okay, that might be a bit of an exaggeration but I wouldn't be surprised if it was true.

Granite is attractive and practical because of its durability and resistance to stains but it's very heavy and carries a pretty weighty price tag as well. So move over granite as stone compound countertops take over."

[downpayment]

[blueskitten]

I, for one, am SO TIRED of granite countertops. Granted, if we'd put them in our condo, it probably would have sold faster and possibly for more money. But we got our full asking price and close in a week so it's not that big a deal.

Personally, my favorite kitchen "look" is old-fashioned ceramic tile, in a pretty color or two. Not as practical, what with the grout and all, but it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. In our house we're currently planning I want either ceramic tile or wood countertops... and reclaimed marble on the island because it's cheap, and I want it to look old and loved (I do a lot of pastry making).

[redmondjp]

[EconE]

I kind of like granite myself although I do think they took it a little far in the remodeling craze. However, 12"-18" tiles and 3/4 slab are the plain jane's of granite.

I've seen some 2-3" thick honed slab granite with rough edges that are pretty sweet and will probably hold the test of time.

I do however think that appliances will follow the colored enamel coated style rather than stainless in the future with the exception of the "true" stainless appliances (Sub-Zero/Wolf/Viking etc) that are fully wrapped rather than just the doorfront.

Marble countertops will stain far worse than granite (both need to be sealed) Butcher block is a PITA and needs to be "sanitized" and sanded on occasion.

Regardless of material...I think that cluttering up nice counters with $19.99 toasters, blenders etc. has got to go.

[deejayoh]

I have granite tile counters in my rental t/h. Hate 'em. Grout lines suck, and they are COLD.

Acquantance of mine was showing me his counters. They were some sort of composite material - apparently made by some arm of boeing. Looked like labtop but they were WARM and made of a "green" material.

wish I could remember the brand name

[mike2]

[deejayoh]

[wsucougz]

I think concrete is going to be where it's at.

[femto]

[deejayoh]