Hello Mark! Love your very informative video! I see your kitchen in the background. It looks beautiful. Your home looks beautiful. Sort of similar to my home in some sense. LOL. I guess we have great taste! =) .. I was wondering roughly how much ...again ROUGHLY.. would you happen to know approximately or respectively how much a kitchen the size of yours costs to get quarts or granite?? I know it can vary but I would just like to get an idea of the overall price. I have laminate currently. I want solid. I am thinking moving to quarts and have for a long time.
Hello again Mark and again, great video! Just an FYI, North Americans can happily get excellent quality granite from Brazil... so no need to ship from half way around the world (you mentioned the $$$ for this), just from the bottom half (😂).
Sir, you are a very believable and impressive presenter. I love your tone, the absence of exaggeration, and the wealth and depth of your knowledge! Absolutely fantastic! Thank you!!!
I’m a designer for many years. I love my laminate tops. They don’t damage my knives, I don’t worry about hot pots or pans , and it actually releases stains like wine or strawberry/raspberry. No one wants laminate but it’s a fabulous option.
Put plain white quartz countertops in about 20 years ago before they became popular, and love them. They still look brand new. They are easy to clean. No maintenance, Even if it gets a stain you can still get it out.
Thank you for talking honestly about the pros and cons of all 3 countertop types. Laminate is my go-to countertop choice. It gives me a lot more design flexibility since there are far more color and pattern choices compared to granite and quartz. From solid colors to wood styles to stone styles. You even get a choice of the type of surface finish and edge profile. It's also considerably more affordable at 2-3 times less expensive. For typical everyday use, they are perfectly durable. Use a cutting board. Use a potholder under hot pots. Problems solved. As for water intrusion, the fewer seams it has, the better off you are. If your countertop dimensions fit within the laminate sheet dimensions, your fabricator can give you a seamless top. No 45-degree mitered corner cut. It helps elevate the look and eliminate water intrusion issues in the corner of your kitchen.
Thank you for this video. It's refreshing to hear a designer say that it's ok to get laminate countertops. You must have a highly satisfied customer base. 🙂 We're all different, we all have different needs/wants. Thanks for recognizing that and not trying to change anyone's mind. Keep up the great work!! 👍👏
Let me first say how impressed I am with your content with these counter surfaces and how you give equally valued info to each and you don’t steer anyone away from or frown on a laminate versus a solid surface. It’s all it what one can afford and like you said, what you like.
I am British and have sold a number of high end apartmemts in UK , the kitchens all of which had aga installed and granite tops . Our market at the top end would not accept anything else . Thank you for your trends . I think shelves look great . As you say it is up to you . To me people are looking for individuality and style and laminate has neither and never will have , so if you want style you pay for granite. Thank you for your clear and intetesting presentation which is a credit to you .
Is quartz not rising in popularity there in the 'upper middle-class' market? It is now about toe-to-toe with granite in the states, with many opting for quartz now, due to the much wider variety of styles and coloring. Interesting to hear nonetheless.
@kempkennedy3542 I think it's a style choice kennedy. Quartz can be made to a more uniform appearance and thus, blend in more easily. Granite though, especially the stunning pieces, make a statement all their own and command center stage. This means backsplash tiles must chosen carefully so as to not distract, but compliment, the granite countertop. Cabinets and hardware have to also compliment, not compete, with the center stage granite. This takes more discerning an eye to achieve but can present a stunning production. Perhaps the "safe" uniformity of quartz with "standard" cabinets and "functional" hardware is all that is required by "most" kitchens. To each their own. Then, there's the kitchen's that make one slightly gasp... taking in every little intricate and complimentary aspect. Now that's style (that doesn't come with a simple swipe left or right lol). Art Gallery? Eye candy? Las Vegas strip? Standing the test of time and the resale of home will tell all.
I have no idea why this intrigued me enough to watch it since I have no particular use for the information (at 3am no less) but honestly, I’m glad I did. My future kitchen will be better designed for it! Thank you 😊
Mark, Thanks for this down-to-earth video post. At this writing, I have my kitchen remodel nearly complete. In recent weeks as far as countertops go, my wife and I checked out the three options you reviewed in this post. I must say, we could afford the high end offerings, but decided to go with a laminate countertop. As in like you mentioned there are so many options in textures, colors, patterns, etc. In our home (a 70 year old Cape Cod style cottage) we decided to stay with (dare I say it) a wood-look laminate countertop by Wilson Art. Our house has stained wood work through out, and we just wanted to keep the updated kitchen in blend with the rest of the house. We considered butcher block, but did not want to worry with the upkeep. The laminate we chose looks similar to the butcher block style, but without the maintenance. These days so many seem to be trending toward neutral, almost clinical "Dynasty" looking kitchens with no color or warmth, and of that, to each their own. My wife and I are dated people who still like dated looking (though new) stuff, and make no apologies about it. And like you mentioned regarding laminate, if down the road we get tired of looking at it, we can change it up without the parting of the Red Sea so to speak. Peace, and more power to you in your field of work & design. 👍
I designed two kitchens in older houses that we had bought. I had beautiful cabinets, and I used laminate in both kitchens. For one I had a beautiful light blue tweed design and one that looked like fallen, autumn leaves. But my favorite feature in both kitchens was the pull-out bread board. This pull-out doubled my counter space and was perfect at sandwich making time. It is an old fashioned feature, and it is great.
Considering your in the business in most cases it would be more just to make a sale. I was truly impressed with your honesty, very impressed. Not everyone could afford to go with the more expensive. I truly appreciate your honesty.
Thanks for the info and starting the discussion! After reading the comments, I'm going to go with granite. Quartz seems to chip and stain more than granite and is harder to repair - which begs to be replaced. I resent planned obsolescence because it's literally so wasteful. I want something that will last and plays nice with the right to repair movement. I'll happily seal granite so it won't end up in the landfill.
Over the years I installed an acre of laminate in kitchens I remodeled. Cheap, easy to work with woodworking tools, looks okay. We remodeled our own kitchen a couple years ago and put in Hanstone quartz. Yes pricy, but it’s beautiful and there’s no mistaking it for laminate. Also, we have a 12” overhang on our island which didn’t need support. It would have needed brackets if granite.
Hi Mark, we are debating between Quartz Vs Granite for our kitchen countertop. Currently we have dark granite kitchen countertop and have no complaints and issues. As part of kitchen remodel, we have to remove existing granite. we thought of going this time with Quartz, however a few suggested they had issues due to placing hot vessels, rice cooker overflow, hot coffee mug, etc and suggested us to go with granite. I also watched your Granite video where even it was cracked due to heat. So can you please suggest whether Quartz Vs Granite? we may not keep extreme hot products but regular ones like hot vessels, rice cooker overflow, coffee mugs.
I’m putting laminate in the new condo I’m purchasing because I like to change up my style every few years or so. Quartz is beautiful, but I really find most granite to be too “busy” for my aesthetic; both are a serious investment for someone averse to commitment.😉 I installed quality laminate in my previous home and never had any issue with its performance. Further, no one ever came over for dinner and said, “I’m not eating at your house because you have laminate countertops.” 😏My money goes toward quality major appliances.
For your situation it definitely sounds like laminate is by far the best option. I am personally not a fan of any laminate (even the high end ones) as I do see them as looking less refined and not always, but often times cheap. (Disclaimer: I have laminate in my kitchen at this time). I 'personally' greatly prefer a quartz or non-dated granite when I see a kitchen with them installed. But yeah, you cook and I come. And at the end of the day, really not concerned with it all. Just pointing out that "I notice at glance" when I see a nice stone or quartz in a kitchen. Kudos to you for the energy to 'change things out' every few years though... I'm waaayyy too lazy!!!
@@kempkennedy3542 Thanks for your comment! To your points, I have always been someone who likes to change up things in a few years to help settle my mind. I think I have a problem with stagnation or something. 😉 For example, my furniture is neutral beige, but I accessorize with colorful throw pillows to bring in texture and color every season. I don’t buy new pillows every season; I just change out the covers that I absolutely love. With my kitchen, I have LG appliance that are pretty solid to me, but I change out my countertops every 2-3 years because I get tired of the look. Imagine changing out quartz countertops every 2-3 years.😱 The other part of it is that I love to travel, so the money I would spend on quartz countertops can fully fund a short trip to the Caribbean or help pay for one to South America.☺️ Have a good day, night, afternoon, or evening wherever you are in this chaotic but amazing world.☺️
@@ablueslenz Fair points to everything you replied with. And I love travel too!! Though we do differ on interior design ideology I can honestly say that it is awesome that you are doing what works best for you! Happy travels (at least when all this Covid mess ends) :)
I've never heard anyone recommend laminate haha that's awesome! now that I'm thinking about it I didn't mind the laminate in my first apartment. We don't all need to be unique and one of a kind some of us want practical, I like it.
I had laminate in previous homes. When I redid my current kitchen I chose solid surface, Silestone, and I really enjoy it. I think quartz would be my stone choice. Thanks for the information.
use a special quartz/granite cleaner on it ONLY! comet, or brillo, even windex will strip the sealant off. my girlfriend on a strict budget got a slate color laminate counter & its lovely. with white cabinets & some bright copper pots on the wall above & under cabinet lighting, it looks like real slate! i had granite in my first home but chose quartz in my new home because i wanted white with a touch of grey veining & granite didnt have it. im happy with the quartz. its beautiful, shiny & brightens up the kitchen.
Previous home had marble and I absolutely hated it. Everything stained it including water. Just installed quartz in my new home and couldn’t be happier.
Kitchen Remodeler of 30+ years here - GREAT video! I will add 2 things though - 1) There are really good 15 YEAR Sealers out there now, so it does not have to be a 'seal it every year' thing. 2) You forgot the whole group of Solid Surface tops like Corian, Staron, Hi-Macs, and the like! We do the majority of our tops (roughly 60-90 per year) in Stone, but still do a fair amount in Solid Surface and Laminate too. I have Solid Suraface in my current home as it was going to be a 'long term flip' and the price point in our market falls halfway between laminate and granite. It can also be easily 'renewed' by buffing out scratches.
Hey! Thanks for the comment! I've yet to really dive into solid surface on the channel. I used to deal with both Corian and Staron. It's popularity dwindled quite a bit over the years, but it definitely has it's strong points. Have you ever had yours re-finished? I had it done for a client once. It was quite the job, but turned out really well.
We're building a new house, and I was leaning towards quartz because I did my research, and I heard good things about it, and knowing that our kitchen is going to be seriously used; I cook every single meal from scratch. Going to the stone store, I asked the dates person to show me a great countertop for a kitchen that's going to be used a lot. She didn't even ask me about my budget, and took me straight to the quartz. She said, that's the one you want to use. I was sold! Now we have this GORGEOUS!!! Great video!!! 👍👍
When I dropped a heavy pot on the end of the sink granite counter I chip a piece off and it was repaired good as new. My counter is 13 yrs old, use the stone everyday, and still looks new. Most people are choosing quarts so now all the kitchens basically look the same; whereas, granite has more of a unique look on it's own.
Well, I think people are choosing quartz that looks the same. You can get quartz that looks like anything. Some of it is quite stunning. How was it repaired? Just curious? Did they drill it and put a rod in?
@@MTKDofficial No, it was a chip. They filled the broken space with granite material. I can't even tell. If I was starting new I would probably pick quartz too but the granite is too beautiful to replace.
@@MTKDofficial as a stone fabricator I disagree. The natural stones have far more depth and character than quartz. However Cambria does do a decent job of making some granite-like patterns. To the layman a quartz piece might mimic a natural stone, but when you see the natural beauty of a nice piece of stone (i.e. superwhite quartzite, fantasy brown dolomite, titanium Granite) thee is no possibility of recreating that with modern technology to be equally as awesome.
@@corieamundson7270 Hey Corie. Thanks for the input. I do agree it is pretty difficult to match the beauty of natural stone. I don't mean to imply that they are exact matches. They are definitely copies with some better than others.
@@corieamundson7270 I (of course) agree that natural stone has a greater 'depth and character' than quartz. Quartz excels in having so many more colors and variations to more closely match an exact taste though. In addition, there are many overused styles of granite that have a now 'dated' look in homes. So as a future consumer making a decision I am still in debate. As for your mention of quartzite... I fell in love with that natural stone! We broke up after I saw the price though :)
Thanks for the informative video. I think quartz is at its best when its patterns imitate marble rather than granite. I’ve seen quartz countertops that are indistinguishable from the comparable marble and the durability of quartz versus marble in a kitchen makes it a superior choice in my view.
Go with quartzite. Hardness like granite, look of marble. We have it and I love looking at it. It has depth you can’t get with quartz. I can’t understand why quartzite isn’t mentioned in this video.
What are your thoughts on mixed materials? We have a long L-shaped countertop with sink and cooktop cutouts and an island with a seating area overhang. The island is our primary work area, whereas the counter is mostly landing areas for cooking, sink, and small appliances. We are more interested in the honed finish darker color granites. As you pointed out and we quickly discovered, the Brazilian and exotic granite and quartzite slabs we liked are way more expensive than domestic "boring" stone. It started to get hard to justify spending so much money on the countertops alone. Do we need to consistently use the same slab(s) across all surfaces? Would installing granite only on the island and laminate on the countertops be a big no-no for aesthetics? How does our choice of backsplash (4" vs full to cabinet) and material factor into this decision?
I poured Epoxy Resin in the kitchen and two bath and they looked great. I made the bathrooms look like white marble and the kitchen like metallic grey granite. I watched A LOT of How-to videos and practiced on sample boards several times before I did it. Fun to do but not something I would recommend to first time DIY'ers but it is great if you are artistic and willing to work for it.
@@MTKDofficial I sold the property but if it scratches you can easily polish it. I will do it again in the house I'm renovating now. Fun project, you should try it.
Great information. One more factor to consider when choosing a countertop is the placement of the sink. If the sink is placed under the countertop, the countertop cannot be laminate. This is because the water that splashes up from the sink can seep into the laminate and cause it to warp or delaminate.
I'd rather not have it as this would indicate the stone is more dense. But if you don't like the pattern or color, you may not have a choice. Overall, it's not that big of a deal really.
I like the quietness of laminate, especially in an open plan kitchen. A plate put on quartz or granite makes a sharp noise.. however laminate seems to absorb the sound. I do love the look of the other surfaces.
There doesn't seem to be the perfect surface. I appreciate that fact about my laminate as well. It's also warmer than stone, which a lot of people find a negative about quartz or granite.
That's a good question. I will say lighter. But that might be because I like lighter colours.lol. If a burn mark were to happen, you would notice it on a darker color easier. A stain may show up on a light color easier. So it's a toss up.
dude that comment says it all "in all my years of installing counter tops I've only heard of one counter cracking" it's nuts that consumers think about that and "durability" so much. I just got a counter tops and that was like 50% of my decision making process "get quartz because its more durable"... I mean I love the quartz Im just saying your advice is so nice and applicable.
Hey Julie. The mesh on the back is fine. It just indicates that the particular granite is inherently weaker than one that doesn't have the mesh. If I were to purchase granite, I would look for "no mesh" first.
@@glendabartels7945 No not all. Unless the slabs are thinner, then maybe. Of course there is not reason not to put the mesh on all of them, it doesn't hurt. But many slab facilities do not.
I’m beginning a home renovation in a country property we just purchased. My jumping point for the whole house, I feel, is the surface I choose for the kitchen. I’m having a very hard time deciding on quartz, quartzite, porcelain or my trusty granite. I feel like this kitchen needs a calmer pattern than granite can give, but granite has been a true, easy and reliable friend to me for years. Trying to decipher the info you and other designers give on quartz vs. granite is puzzling to me in this way - you said that you would go with quartz because you don’t want to have to seal granite. Sealing granite is extremely easy; spray on and wipe off. Quartz to me sounds like more work on the day in and day out of not being able to freely throw hot pans on it at whim while I”m cooking. THAT sounds like more work to me every day. Am I missing something?
Thank u am tryna decide on if I should spend the money on my kitchen counter top and your video help me with my decision so I'm go with the granite 💯💯💯💯👋🏿👋🏿💪🏿💪🏿✌🏿
I have granite. It's beautiful, and I reseal it about once a month just because I love it, but I've never actually noticed that I need to do it... One thing I would add as a great reason to use granite for some people, is of you make pastry on a regular basis. Nothing works better than granite, it's the coldest. I don't know why, but quartz just doesn't keep cool like granite. You need that cool surface for great pastry rolling. Great video!
@@cynthiacole6140 I thought quartz was more likely to stain vs. (keyword: sealed) granite. I'll have to look more into it. I love quartz for its design options. Don't love it for it's seams and lower heat resistance (though the latter is improving year over year in quartz). Still torn here, but glad you have your roadmap.
You answered most of my concerns about these products which is why I steered away from them. I don’t fault anyone for using them everyone has personal preference. I’m all about LOW maintenance appearance and cleanup so I’m using high gloss ceramic floor tile white with slight traces of gray granite. I’m sure there may be some reluctance by others but if it’s sturdy enough for floor traffic a countertop will be nothing I’m looking forward to it!
Yea, this is why I am not considering tiles for countertops. Grouts are a pain to clean and maintain, especially for kitchen countertops they will get stained from day one.
Thanks so much for all these videos! I have watched many...!! Question - what are your thoughts on glossy vs matte quartz and staining? I have had a few folks recommend against matte because it is more susceptible to staining. Thoughts? (apologies if this is covered somewhere in an existing video)
Overall I’m more of a glossy fan. I think it is better at resisting stains. Though both finishes are non porous. I think polished quartz would have less surface area on the microscopic level and therefor less opportunity for a stain to take hold. This is my opinion.
I have my heart set on granite because I love the beauty of natural stone. Thanks for the tip about looking at the back of the samples. I had read that some granite is more durable than others but it's hard to find specific information on which ones to choose.
We are in the process of building our dream home...I thought I had my heart set on Quartz but changed my mind last minute and went with Granite! (Thunder white) I just love the idea of it being a unique natural stone. I feel it's timeless. Big deal it has to be sealed every so often...well worth it!
Thunder White is an awesome granite color!! I almost chose it and then decided on quartz at the last moment, named Rococco, which has a very marble look. Doesn't have the depth of the thunder white but doesn't feel so busy for me. Anyway, glad you like your choice... it's a beautiful stone!
We are remodeling our kitchen and the "wood look" laminate countertops, about 40 years old (!!!), were in surprisingly great shape, even around the drop-in sink! I wouldn't mind laminate, but I REALLY want mirror-like sparkles in my counter, and that's something you can't find in laminate. I'm probably going with Silestone Stellar Snow quartz. My question is, do you think it matters whether you buy from a place like Home Depot or an actual private kitchen design place? Is there a difference in product quality or installation quality? In regards to granite, I think the porosity varies with the stone chosen, and it seems the darker the stone, the less porous it is. I almost went with Blue Pearl (which is fairly dark) so I brought a sample home... I put pizza sauce, red and blue concentrated kool-aid, pineapple juice, permanent ink marker, vegetable oil, and D-Lime on it and let set for 24 hours. The only thing that did any damage to it was the D-Lime. Also, one of the stone workers told me that granite IS repairable. Resealing is just a matter of spraying or wiping on the product, waiting a bit, and wiping it off. If someone has their heart set on granite, I wouldn't let a 10 minute, once a year job of resealing it, be a deterrent.
Hey. In regards to quality questions on Quartz, check this out - th-cam.com/video/QRVQC3nsADg/w-d-xo.html The quick answer is, no matter where you buy Silestone (I've installed Stellar Snow for clients, very nice!!) you are getting the exact same quality. However, when it comes to the fabrication and installation aspect, it could vary. The HD in my area use a fabricator called Granitdesign. They are top notch. I've also used them and have been to their facility. They are just as qualified as a local stone yard or maybe even better. So it really depends.
Thanks for this video. I'm new to the stone fabrication industry, working in a showroom and this was the most informative series of facts and info I have heard, thats not just from a quartz supplier sales rep. I feel more educated and ready to better inform and advise customers at my job.
Love your video. My question is: My Mom's house that I live in now has a Turquoise color laminate kitchen counter. The house was built in the '50s. I love it and want keep it. i have gone to many websites to purchase more for replacing the old for new, but can not find anything that matches that color. They are either Teal -which is too dark or Tiffany blue which is to light. Any suggestions?
I'm assuming you've checked with Arborite and Formica. The original is probably Arborite. You may need to try and go through a dealer. They could have access to colours that are not featured on the website.
@@MTKDofficial Thank you for your reply. I never heard of Arborite. I went to their website but did not see any laminate for counter tops. I have looked at Formica and WilsonArt website and gone to the several local dealers in Houston. None have what I am looking for. There was one website that had some old "out of stock" WilsonArt that was Turquoise with gold sparkle but the price was way out my of budget. It was at least 200 per cent higher than the usually price. I would love it, but only if I won the Lotto. Thanks again for the info.
We bought a house with granite surface and we decide to replace canbinet only and keep the granite top but i would like to know if its possible to modify the shape pf granite i have an l shape top that took so much place and for the cost witch option will be the best
They should be able to special order from their supplier. So go to the websites of Formica, Arborite, Pionite, WilsonArt and see if you can find something. It will likely be a little more money, but worth it if you get the laminate you want.
Wow, what an excellent explanation full of insight and advice. I have a small galley kitchen with 9' 0" and a 0' 15" countertops. I was quoted $1965 including installation for a quartz top. That includes a 4" backsplash. Now I know why people complain about their kitchen remodels costing upwards of $50K. That seems insane to me, but my meager budget including appliances is $12K.
It all depends where you want to put your money. I did an update on my kitchen for about 2 k. I used resin for the counters after rebulding with MDF for a marble look that was good enough to fool the inspector when I sold it. Painted cabinets since they were in good shape and didn't want the cost of replacing them outright. Also put new trim around the top. Put in a new GIANT sink and nice faucet. For the backsplash I mixed subway and expensive glass tiles for a nice look that extended to the counter, so no extra backspalsh line. I did the work myself. Including tool purchase I spent about 2K and it looked like an entirely different kitchen.
Hi I am new to this video, was going to change my kitchen. After listening to your introduction of Quartz, would like asked if Quartz wood pattern with pastel dull green cabinet goes well?
I used porcelain tile and it takes everything you can throw at it. Its tough, stain proof, scratch proof and hot pots can go on it without any issues. After 15 years there is no wear. It would be nice to get it in a solid piece without grout lines though.
Great! Thanks for the info Don. It is available in large slab format. Infinity Surfaces out of Italy make some beautiful stuff. Doing a video about it this Sunday. Good to hear how durable it is!
I have Silestone quartz which looks STUNNING but it does stain pretty easily.. which makes no sense if it doesn't absorb liquid? If I don't quickly wipe away any spills, I have to use a really strong cleaner to get the stains out... still feel it's worth it as it actually encourages me to clean as I go, but yeah something to consider.
Great video, very informative. What was not mentioned in regards to quartz and granite is there is frequently minimum size that will be sold. I have renovated (contractors) two small kitchens. Both renos had this "too small" quantity issue.
That's a good point. Some places do have a minimum per/sqft order. Was it purchased through a big box store like Home Depot? Usually if you get the stone from a dedicated supplier you can get any size. In fact there is a company I've dealt with that had a whole program just for small sizes. It's so silly that they would do that, when you can go out and purchase a 30" vanity with a pre-installed quartz countertop.
Kitchens in high density, urban cities like Manhattan have very small kitchens, and those that are being renovated are using natural stone. I'm guessing it is based on the retailer (or the wholesaler who supplies the retailer).
Loved the video! I'm considering getting a black, white, organge/gold counter...I have old Spanish tiles and my cabinets are pine with black metal hardware. I'm getting mixed responses from friends on how the counters will look. I think they will look amazing. Any feedback on paring granite with Spanish floor tiles?
Hey thanks! Without seeing it, it's a little hard to comment. However, it sounds like you know what you want, and that is the most important thing. If you love it, go for it!
Mark , I am trying to get more info on a new product they talk about out there called Mineral stone, i.e., Dekton, Lapitec is the any info you can provide? I have checked many videos on TH-cam concerning countertop information and your channel is by far the best and most informative I've ever come across, Thanks for your professionalism and even handed explanations of the different products available.
Hey Tom. I have a video about Dekton. It's been around for a number of years. It is very resistant to stains and scratching and will handle any amount of heat as there are no resins. Its only drawback may be in impact resistance. Check it out here th-cam.com/video/XD1O1beCWLo/w-d-xo.html
Thank you sooooo much for your valuable information and advice!! I’m thinking of upgrading my kitchen with minor changes until I could do my major changes (expanding it)! Going laminate is perfect for now since I hope to do my major change in a few years and then buy the more expensive countertops!!! Great video!!!!!
Silestone is one of the more popular brand names out there. I’ve sold it before and personally it checks off all the boxes for me. It’s made with bretonstone tech which is pretty important. I’ve never had it personally so I can’t speak to how it performs in that level, other than it gets great reviews.
Hi, my quartz made by compac has gone yellow in colour it's been very well looked after but its white cupboards with white countertop so it's not looking as when first purchased. Compac says the colour will only be covered for 3 years my top is 8 years. Can you offer any advice
Sounds like UV damage. The resin and binding agents can discolour depending on sun exposure and the percentage of those ingredients in the slab. Unfortunately I don't think there's much that can be done. Reach out to a fabricator to see if the surface can be refinished. This might be a long shot, but worth asking. Obviously they didn't warn you when it was purchased.
@MTKDofficial thanks for your reply. Strange because we had 2" on the windowsill and upstands but 3" on the main countertop which isn't subjected to uv but it's only the 3" which has discoloured so I think something must've been wrong with the slab but Compac won't recognise this. So we're just desperate to find something which may work
Almost forgot to say, the best explanation and thank you. The only countertop required is one that has a backsplash. Because all the durability of the flat rocks va is the constant caulking and no protection to your wall. Your materials should be balanced to work together long term. Also, it is extremely heavy for your counters and flooring if you are upstairs. Laminate works well-- like do you want your great grandma's kitchen pattern?
So with you on the sealing of granite being a deal breaker, even if it's just a once a year task. Given the choice of low maintenance and no maintenance, I'll opt for the latter.
What would you choose instead if quartz is banned in your country? I'm looking at marble, sealing it it's a deal breaker and I'm planning to resell in a few years
Forgot to add, If I use the stainless steel hood, there is only room for a narrow cabinet beside it and the stove is only a few inches away from the wall (the sink, dishwasher and oven are on one straight wall with no turns). Should I forgo the single narrow wall cabinet beside (between range hood and window)?
I'm not a fan of over the range microwaves. Unless there is no other option. The vent hood sounds much better and "yes", I wouldn't put a narrow cabinet next to it. Let the design breathe. Again, it's always case specific and if you absolutely need the storage, that's another thing.
Hi Diane. I purchased them at Kent Building Supplies (east coast Canada). The brand is Canarm and the light is “Albany 4 light pendant “. It’s a popular brand so you can find it anywhere they sell Canarm.
Concrete is very durable and safe. I like concrete, generally. It comes down to the person pouring it and doing the work. There is a definite technique and skill involved for it to turn out well. Also, I’m pretty sure you would not have a decent warranty. If any. I have a contractor friend who does them and they are really nice. But I’ve seen bad ones too. Overall they are a good choice. Plus they have their own unique look. If you decide on concrete, be sure to ask for examples of the persons work.
Our granite countertop cracked behind the faucet where it meets the backsplash. A guy came out and fixed it by filling it in with epoxy and matching the color as close as he could. That lasted for about 2 years when the countertop started cracking even more than the first time and the repairman said it was beyond repair. Okay, so lets replace the countertop in the sink area. After calling around to granite dealers, I found out that an older color of granite is not easy to replace. The granite from the source in Brazil was done and there is not a new source for that particular color. If I had sealed the countertop every year would it not have cracked, maybe. But now I have to replace all the countertops in the kitchen. I'm thinking quart might be the way to go.
Yeah, that's one of the issues with a natural stone and sink cut-outs. Happens a lot. And like you've experienced, it's practically impossible to match an old slab. Unless there was a piece of the original magically lying around somewhere. I've not experienced quartz cracking because of a cut-out. Not saying it doesn't happen, but it's just a different material. plus much easier to match, if needed.
As an accent on an island or eating bar, I think it is a good option. I'm not a huge fan of it as the main countertop. Butcher block, while really beautiful, does seem to require a bit more care than I would want. That's just my thought though. Overall, it is a pretty decent choice. Impact resistant and easy on the knives. Can handle a fair bit of heat too. I wonder how it performs overtime with a sink and excess water?
Very informative. What would you recommend for an outdoor kitchen in the California area? For an uncovered area and for a fireplace table. What are your thoughts on soapstone?
Well, the Dekton from the other video is great for outside. Porcelain is an option as well. But, soapstone is a great natural option. Such a great stone. In my area, however, it's pretty much non existent. Unfortunately.
Quartz all the way for me, I dont want extra maintenance especially in a kitchen. I have a marble top in my bathroom vanity, and yes it’s gorgeous but a nightmare to maintain.
@@colbyrulesmydoggie4839 i have my quartz for years now. Even the one on the island top where we always eat all sorts of food, we do hotpot there too. It also has a griddle built into it. The quartz looks brand new, no stain and no chip And guess what? Our quartz is pure white lol. So you’re wrong.
I have a new video where I test quartz to see if it is scratch, smash and heat resistant. Check it out - th-cam.com/video/D3PEsEXmtAE/w-d-xo.html
Granite you can put Hot Pots on...it's stone...it's durable enough. Kitchens are for cooking....cooking requires Heat. Quartz is good for bathrooms.
If Granite gets a stain....just hone it down and reseal it. Life is imperfect.
Hello Mark! Love your very informative video! I see your kitchen in the background. It looks beautiful. Your home looks beautiful. Sort of similar to my home in some sense. LOL. I guess we have great taste! =) .. I was wondering roughly how much ...again ROUGHLY.. would you happen to know approximately or respectively how much a kitchen the size of yours costs to get quarts or granite?? I know it can vary but I would just like to get an idea of the overall price.
I have laminate currently. I want solid. I am thinking moving to quarts and have for a long time.
Hello again Mark and again, great video! Just an FYI, North Americans can happily get excellent quality granite from Brazil... so no need to ship from half way around the world (you mentioned the $$$ for this), just from the bottom half (😂).
Sir, you are a very believable and impressive presenter. I love your tone, the absence of exaggeration, and the wealth and depth of your knowledge! Absolutely fantastic! Thank you!!!
Thank you so much for watching and the encouraging response.
We have white laminate in our kitchen and it's beautiful, and still looks brand new after 32 years. White is timeless and laminate is very durable.
I’m a designer for many years. I love my laminate tops. They don’t damage my knives, I don’t worry about hot pots or pans , and it actually releases stains like wine or strawberry/raspberry. No one wants laminate but it’s a fabulous option.
Put plain white quartz countertops in about 20 years ago before they became popular, and love them.
They still look brand new.
They are easy to clean.
No maintenance,
Even if it gets a stain you can still get it out.
Thank you for talking honestly about the pros and cons of all 3 countertop types. Laminate is my go-to countertop choice. It gives me a lot more design flexibility since there are far more color and pattern choices compared to granite and quartz. From solid colors to wood styles to stone styles. You even get a choice of the type of surface finish and edge profile. It's also considerably more affordable at 2-3 times less expensive. For typical everyday use, they are perfectly durable. Use a cutting board. Use a potholder under hot pots. Problems solved. As for water intrusion, the fewer seams it has, the better off you are. If your countertop dimensions fit within the laminate sheet dimensions, your fabricator can give you a seamless top. No 45-degree mitered corner cut. It helps elevate the look and eliminate water intrusion issues in the corner of your kitchen.
Thanks for the comment. You are right about the almost endless variety of options with laminate. That’s one of the reasons I love it too.
Thank you for this video. It's refreshing to hear a designer say that it's ok to get laminate countertops. You must have a highly satisfied customer base. 🙂
We're all different, we all have different needs/wants. Thanks for recognizing that and not trying to change anyone's mind. Keep up the great work!! 👍👏
Thanks so much. There’s enough judgment in the world, we don’t need to be judged on our countertop choice. Lol.
Quartz is the Cubic Zirconium to Natural Stone.
Cool thanks
Let me first say how impressed I am with your content with these counter surfaces and how you give equally valued info to each and you don’t steer anyone away from or frown on a laminate versus a solid surface. It’s all it what one can afford and like you said, what you like.
Hey! Thanks for watching and commenting. Yeah, if someone likes and wants laminate, then go for it. For anything in the kitchen for that matter.
I am British and have sold a number of high end apartmemts in UK , the kitchens all of which had aga installed and granite tops . Our market at the top end would not accept anything else . Thank you for your trends . I think shelves look great . As you say it is up to you . To me people are looking for individuality and style and laminate has neither and never will have , so if you want style you pay for granite. Thank you for your clear and intetesting presentation which is a credit to you .
Hi Anthony! Thank you for the kind words and input. It is appreciated.
Is quartz not rising in popularity there in the 'upper middle-class' market? It is now about toe-to-toe with granite in the states, with many opting for quartz now, due to the much wider variety of styles and coloring. Interesting to hear nonetheless.
Lol there are many quartz more expensive than most granite.
@kempkennedy3542
I think it's a style choice kennedy. Quartz can be made to a more uniform appearance and thus, blend in more easily. Granite though, especially the stunning pieces, make a statement all their own and command center stage. This means backsplash tiles must chosen carefully so as to not distract, but compliment, the granite countertop. Cabinets and hardware have to also compliment, not compete, with the center stage granite. This takes more discerning an eye to achieve but can present a stunning production.
Perhaps the "safe" uniformity of quartz with "standard" cabinets and "functional" hardware is all that is required by "most" kitchens. To each their own.
Then, there's the kitchen's that make one slightly gasp... taking in every little intricate and complimentary aspect. Now that's style (that doesn't come with a simple swipe left or right lol).
Art Gallery? Eye candy? Las Vegas strip? Standing the test of time and the resale of home will tell all.
Very clear, very informative. Thank you!
I have no idea why this intrigued me enough to watch it since I have no particular use for the information (at 3am no less) but honestly, I’m glad I did. My future kitchen will be better designed for it! Thank you 😊
Ha. Well thank you for watching! Appreciated.
My wife and I close on a new house in a few weeks. It has Quartz countertops throughout. I'm so excited. lol
I’m so jealous. Lol.
Can’t go wrong with quartz.
You probably wouldn’t say that if it had laminate throughout!!
Mark, Thanks for this down-to-earth video post. At this writing, I have my kitchen remodel nearly complete. In recent weeks as far as countertops go, my wife and I checked out the three options you reviewed in this post. I must say, we could afford the high end offerings, but decided to go with a laminate countertop. As in like you mentioned there are so many options in textures, colors, patterns, etc. In our home (a 70 year old Cape Cod style cottage) we decided to stay with (dare I say it) a wood-look laminate countertop by Wilson Art. Our house has stained wood work through out, and we just wanted to keep the updated kitchen in blend with the rest of the house. We considered butcher block, but did not want to worry with the upkeep. The laminate we chose looks similar to the butcher block style, but without the maintenance. These days so many seem to be trending toward neutral, almost clinical "Dynasty" looking kitchens with no color or warmth, and of that, to each their own. My wife and I are dated people who still like dated looking (though new) stuff, and make no apologies about it. And like you mentioned regarding laminate, if down the road we get tired of looking at it, we can change it up without the parting of the Red Sea so to speak. Peace, and more power to you in your field of work & design. 👍
Thanks so much for the comment. I really love some of the wood look laminates. Great choice!
Refreshing to see a designer that isn’t pushing the most expensive countertop options! I have laminate and plan to use it again.
Thanks Trina!
I designed two kitchens in older houses that we had bought. I had beautiful cabinets, and I used laminate in both kitchens. For one I had a beautiful light blue tweed design and one that looked like fallen, autumn leaves. But my favorite feature in both kitchens was the pull-out bread board. This pull-out doubled my counter space and was perfect at sandwich making time. It is an old fashioned feature, and it is great.
Those were a really cool option. Not something I've done in a while but definitely very functional. Thanks for watching!
Considering your in the business in most cases it would be more just to make a sale. I was truly impressed with your honesty, very impressed. Not everyone could afford to go with the more expensive. I truly appreciate your honesty.
Thanks for the comment Randy. Appreciated!!
Your very welcome.
Thanks for the info and starting the discussion! After reading the comments, I'm going to go with granite. Quartz seems to chip and stain more than granite and is harder to repair - which begs to be replaced. I resent planned obsolescence because it's literally so wasteful. I want something that will last and plays nice with the right to repair movement. I'll happily seal granite so it won't end up in the landfill.
Granite is a great choice. I have some other videos where I perform some test and granite is a strong contender for #1
I totally agree. I have granite and plan to keep it at least 30 years or more.
Exact tutorial I needed to listen to in order to replace my laminate kitchen counters. Thank you!
Thanks Eddie. Glad the video was helpful!
Over the years I installed an acre of laminate in kitchens I remodeled. Cheap, easy to work with woodworking tools, looks okay. We remodeled our own kitchen a couple years ago and put in Hanstone quartz. Yes pricy, but it’s beautiful and there’s no mistaking it for laminate. Also, we have a 12” overhang on our island which didn’t need support. It would have needed brackets if granite.
Nice. Hanstone is great. I’m testing it next actually. I have two samples I’m aiming to destroy to see just how good it is.
@@MTKDofficial you got yourself a subscriber!
@@tywebbgolfenthusiast8950 Thank you! I appreciate you letting me know!
Nice. I like your style of presentation, clear, concise... learning a lot. Subscribed
Hi! Thanks so much! I really appreciate it.
Hi Mark, we are debating between Quartz Vs Granite for our kitchen countertop. Currently we have dark granite kitchen countertop and have no complaints and issues. As part of kitchen remodel, we have to remove existing granite. we thought of going this time with Quartz, however a few suggested they had issues due to placing hot vessels, rice cooker overflow, hot coffee mug, etc and suggested us to go with granite. I also watched your Granite video where even it was cracked due to heat. So can you please suggest whether Quartz Vs Granite? we may not keep extreme hot products but regular ones like hot vessels, rice cooker overflow, coffee mugs.
I’m putting laminate in the new condo I’m purchasing because I like to change up my style every few years or so. Quartz is beautiful, but I really find most granite to be too “busy” for my aesthetic; both are a serious investment for someone averse to commitment.😉 I installed quality laminate in my previous home and never had any issue with its performance. Further, no one ever came over for dinner and said, “I’m not eating at your house because you have laminate countertops.” 😏My money goes toward quality major appliances.
Smart move! Especially if you like to change it out now and then. I'm all for laminate.
For your situation it definitely sounds like laminate is by far the best option. I am personally not a fan of any laminate (even the high end ones) as I do see them as looking less refined and not always, but often times cheap. (Disclaimer: I have laminate in my kitchen at this time). I 'personally' greatly prefer a quartz or non-dated granite when I see a kitchen with them installed. But yeah, you cook and I come. And at the end of the day, really not concerned with it all. Just pointing out that "I notice at glance" when I see a nice stone or quartz in a kitchen. Kudos to you for the energy to 'change things out' every few years though... I'm waaayyy too lazy!!!
@@kempkennedy3542 Thanks for your comment! To your points, I have always been someone who likes to change up things in a few years to help settle my mind. I think I have a problem with stagnation or something. 😉 For example, my furniture is neutral beige, but I accessorize with colorful throw pillows to bring in texture and color every season. I don’t buy new pillows every season; I just change out the covers that I absolutely love. With my kitchen, I have LG appliance that are pretty solid to me, but I change out my countertops every 2-3 years because I get tired of the look. Imagine changing out quartz countertops every 2-3 years.😱 The other part of it is that I love to travel, so the money I would spend on quartz countertops can fully fund a short trip to the Caribbean or help pay for one to South America.☺️ Have a good day, night, afternoon, or evening wherever you are in this chaotic but amazing world.☺️
@@ablueslenz Fair points to everything you replied with. And I love travel too!! Though we do differ on interior design ideology I can honestly say that it is awesome that you are doing what works best for you! Happy travels (at least when all this Covid mess ends) :)
It depends on what neighborhood you live in also.
I'm buying my first house and need a full new kitchen, this was really helpful thank you
I've never heard anyone recommend laminate haha that's awesome! now that I'm thinking about it I didn't mind the laminate in my first apartment. We don't all need to be unique and one of a kind some of us want practical, I like it.
Haha. thanks Sarah. laminate gets a bad rap, but there are some beautiful laminate countertops out there.
I had laminate in previous homes. When I redid my current kitchen I chose solid surface, Silestone, and I really enjoy it. I think quartz would be my stone choice. Thanks for the information.
silestone is quartz
Silestone is just a quartz brand.
use a special quartz/granite cleaner on it ONLY! comet, or brillo, even windex will strip the sealant off. my girlfriend on a strict budget got a slate color laminate counter & its lovely. with white cabinets & some bright copper pots on the wall above & under cabinet lighting, it looks like real slate!
i had granite in my first home but chose quartz in my new home because i wanted white with a touch of grey veining & granite didnt have it. im happy with the quartz. its beautiful, shiny & brightens up the kitchen.
Lovely. But does she COOK? Sheesh.
Previous home had marble and I absolutely hated it. Everything stained it including water. Just installed quartz in my new home and couldn’t be happier.
Kitchen Remodeler of 30+ years here - GREAT video!
I will add 2 things though -
1) There are really good 15 YEAR Sealers out there now, so it does not have to be a 'seal it every year' thing.
2) You forgot the whole group of Solid Surface tops like Corian, Staron, Hi-Macs, and the like!
We do the majority of our tops (roughly 60-90 per year) in Stone, but still do a fair amount in Solid Surface and Laminate too. I have Solid Suraface in my current home as it was going to be a 'long term flip' and the price point in our market falls halfway between laminate and granite. It can also be easily 'renewed' by buffing out scratches.
Hey! Thanks for the comment! I've yet to really dive into solid surface on the channel. I used to deal with both Corian and Staron. It's popularity dwindled quite a bit over the years, but it definitely has it's strong points.
Have you ever had yours re-finished? I had it done for a client once. It was quite the job, but turned out really well.
We're building a new house, and I was leaning towards quartz because I did my research, and I heard good things about it, and knowing that our kitchen is going to be seriously used; I cook every single meal from scratch. Going to the stone store, I asked the dates person to show me a great countertop for a kitchen that's going to be used a lot. She didn't even ask me about my budget, and took me straight to the quartz. She said, that's the one you want to use. I was sold! Now we have this GORGEOUS!!! Great video!!! 👍👍
May I ask what kind you got?
When I dropped a heavy pot on the end of the sink granite counter I chip a piece off and it was repaired good as new. My counter is 13 yrs old, use the stone everyday, and still looks new. Most people are choosing quarts so now all the kitchens basically look the same; whereas, granite has more of a unique look on it's own.
Well, I think people are choosing quartz that looks the same. You can get quartz that looks like anything. Some of it is quite stunning. How was it repaired? Just curious? Did they drill it and put a rod in?
@@MTKDofficial No, it was a chip. They filled the broken space with granite material. I can't even tell. If I was starting new I would probably pick quartz too but the granite is too beautiful to replace.
@@MTKDofficial as a stone fabricator I disagree. The natural stones have far more depth and character than quartz. However Cambria does do a decent job of making some granite-like patterns. To the layman a quartz piece might mimic a natural stone, but when you see the natural beauty of a nice piece of stone (i.e. superwhite quartzite, fantasy brown dolomite, titanium Granite) thee is no possibility of recreating that with modern technology to be equally as awesome.
@@corieamundson7270
Hey Corie. Thanks for the input. I do agree it is pretty difficult to match the beauty of natural stone. I don't mean to imply that they are exact matches. They are definitely copies with some better than others.
@@corieamundson7270 I (of course) agree that natural stone has a greater 'depth and character' than quartz. Quartz excels in having so many more colors and variations to more closely match an exact taste though. In addition, there are many overused styles of granite that have a now 'dated' look in homes. So as a future consumer making a decision I am still in debate. As for your mention of quartzite... I fell in love with that natural stone! We broke up after I saw the price though :)
Thank you for including laminate. Some of us can only afford this option
Very informative! I choose tile and butcher block :)
Thanks for the informative video. I think quartz is at its best when its patterns imitate marble rather than granite. I’ve seen quartz countertops that are indistinguishable from the comparable marble and the durability of quartz versus marble in a kitchen makes it a superior choice in my view.
Love quartz for its versatility in design! Don't love the heavy seam lines. Still debating between it and a 'modern' looking granite. Hmmm...
Go with quartzite. Hardness like granite, look of marble. We have it and I love looking at it. It has depth you can’t get with quartz. I can’t understand why quartzite isn’t mentioned in this video.
Love the honesty. Surprised about the laminate recommendation
Thanks Mike. Yeah. Laminate isn’t so bad. It’s pretty tough. Ask Jed about the time one flew out of the back of the truck on us. Haha
What are your thoughts on mixed materials? We have a long L-shaped countertop with sink and cooktop cutouts and an island with a seating area overhang. The island is our primary work area, whereas the counter is mostly landing areas for cooking, sink, and small appliances. We are more interested in the honed finish darker color granites. As you pointed out and we quickly discovered, the Brazilian and exotic granite and quartzite slabs we liked are way more expensive than domestic "boring" stone. It started to get hard to justify spending so much money on the countertops alone.
Do we need to consistently use the same slab(s) across all surfaces? Would installing granite only on the island and laminate on the countertops be a big no-no for aesthetics? How does our choice of backsplash (4" vs full to cabinet) and material factor into this decision?
Will it take a hotter pot?
Does it stain?
Does it hold up under a family for Decades
Quartz: No, not easily, yes
Granite: Yes, not if it's sealed, yes
I poured Epoxy Resin in the kitchen and two bath and they looked great. I made the bathrooms look like white marble and the kitchen like metallic grey granite. I watched A LOT of How-to videos and practiced on sample boards several times before I did it. Fun to do but not something I would recommend to first time DIY'ers but it is great if you are artistic and willing to work for it.
Oh cool! How do you find it stands up to use?
@@MTKDofficial I sold the property but if it scratches you can easily polish it. I will do it again in the house I'm renovating now. Fun project, you should try it.
@@jamespatrick1548 be careful. That’s a very toxic job and it can cause health issues.
@@johnjohng668 the epoxy I used has no toxic fumes.
Great information. One more factor to consider when choosing a countertop is the placement of the sink. If the sink is placed under the countertop, the countertop cannot be laminate. This is because the water that splashes up from the sink can seep into the laminate and cause it to warp or delaminate.
Actually there is a way to do it with laminate. I didn’t believe it myself until I seen how it was done. It takes someone skilled to do it though.
2:12 I'm confused. Do you want the grid-like mesh at the back or not?
I'd rather not have it as this would indicate the stone is more dense. But if you don't like the pattern or color, you may not have a choice. Overall, it's not that big of a deal really.
You got me at QUARTZ!...Thank you!
I like the quietness of laminate, especially in an open plan kitchen. A plate put on quartz or granite makes a sharp noise.. however laminate seems to absorb the sound. I do love the look of the other surfaces.
There doesn't seem to be the perfect surface. I appreciate that fact about my laminate as well. It's also warmer than stone, which a lot of people find a negative about quartz or granite.
And if you inadvertently drop a bone china cup on a laminate top it tends to bounce not shatter as it would on a hard unforgiving surface.
I will only have quartz., absolutely love it.
Yeah, it is definitely the leading choice for countertop.
For Quartz top, is it better to choose a dark or light color ?
That's a good question. I will say lighter. But that might be because I like lighter colours.lol. If a burn mark were to happen, you would notice it on a darker color easier. A stain may show up on a light color easier. So it's a toss up.
dude that comment says it all "in all my years of installing counter tops I've only heard of one counter cracking" it's nuts that consumers think about that and "durability" so much. I just got a counter tops and that was like 50% of my decision making process "get quartz because its more durable"... I mean I love the quartz Im just saying your advice is so nice and applicable.
Hey! Thanks so much.
Do we want or not want the grid on the back of granite?
Hey Julie. The mesh on the back is fine. It just indicates that the particular granite is inherently weaker than one that doesn't have the mesh. If I were to purchase granite, I would look for "no mesh" first.
I was under the impression that most kitchen retailers have the mesh on all granite that they stock at least they do in my area
@@glendabartels7945 No not all. Unless the slabs are thinner, then maybe. Of course there is not reason not to put the mesh on all of them, it doesn't hurt. But many slab facilities do not.
Terrific non bias , informative video, I now have lots to think about 😜
Much appreciated information.
Hi, just a question, they offered me a beautiful counter top in ceramic but you don’t mention this material. Is it valid? Thanks!
Thoughts on soapstone?
Not talked about enough. Not represented in the market enough. One of the most non porous natural stones and very hard. A great choice!
I’m beginning a home renovation in a country property we just purchased. My jumping point for the whole house, I feel, is the surface I choose for the kitchen. I’m having a very hard time deciding on quartz, quartzite, porcelain or my trusty granite. I feel like this kitchen needs a calmer pattern than granite can give, but granite has been a true, easy and reliable friend to me for years. Trying to decipher the info you and other designers give on quartz vs. granite is puzzling to me in this way - you said that you would go with quartz because you don’t want to have to seal granite. Sealing granite is extremely easy; spray on and wipe off. Quartz to me sounds like more work on the day in and day out of not being able to freely throw hot pans on it at whim while I”m cooking. THAT sounds like more work to me every day. Am I missing something?
Amazing information. I really felt like I learned so much! Thank you Mark!
I really appreciate your comment. Thanks so much for watching. Glad you found the video helpful!
I went with granite as it is tough and just so beautiful.
Agree with you there! There are some beautiful stones out there!
Thank u am tryna decide on if I should spend the money on my kitchen counter top and your video help me with my decision so I'm go with the granite 💯💯💯💯👋🏿👋🏿💪🏿💪🏿✌🏿
Hey! Cool, thanks for watching and letting me know.
I have granite. It's beautiful, and I reseal it about once a month just because I love it, but I've never actually noticed that I need to do it...
One thing I would add as a great reason to use granite for some people, is of you make pastry on a regular basis. Nothing works better than granite, it's the coldest. I don't know why, but quartz just doesn't keep cool like granite. You need that cool surface for great pastry rolling.
Great video!
Very cool tip! I just eat pastry lol. thanks for sharing that.
I have had both. My current home has granite and I can't wait until I can get rid of it and switch to quartz again.
Cynthia Cole Please explain why.
@@653j521 I feel the quartz is much less likely to get stains.
@@cynthiacole6140 I thought quartz was more likely to stain vs. (keyword: sealed) granite. I'll have to look more into it. I love quartz for its design options. Don't love it for it's seams and lower heat resistance (though the latter is improving year over year in quartz). Still torn here, but glad you have your roadmap.
Hello. What can you say about using porcelain tiles as countertop and backsplash
Backsplash yes, but I’m not a fan of grout on countertops. So I would stay clear of it for that use.
I love you recommendations and down to earth approach.
You answered most of my concerns about these products which is why I steered away from them. I don’t fault anyone for using them everyone has personal preference. I’m all about LOW maintenance appearance and cleanup so I’m using high gloss ceramic floor tile white with slight traces of gray granite. I’m sure there may be some reluctance by others but if it’s sturdy enough for floor traffic a countertop will be nothing I’m looking forward to it!
Hey. Thanks for the comment. My only concern with ceramic is the grout. Be diligent with sealing and keeping clean. The tile itself should be fine.
Yea, this is why I am not considering tiles for countertops. Grouts are a pain to clean and maintain, especially for kitchen countertops they will get stained from day one.
Thanks so much for all these videos! I have watched many...!! Question - what are your thoughts on glossy vs matte quartz and staining? I have had a few folks recommend against matte because it is more susceptible to staining. Thoughts? (apologies if this is covered somewhere in an existing video)
Overall I’m more of a glossy fan. I think it is better at resisting stains. Though both finishes are non porous. I think polished quartz would have less surface area on the microscopic level and therefor less opportunity for a stain to take hold. This is my opinion.
I have my heart set on granite because I love the beauty of natural stone. Thanks for the tip about looking at the back of the samples. I had read that some granite is more durable than others but it's hard to find specific information on which ones to choose.
Hey. You're welcome. When in doubt, try and call the fabricator directly. Anything with a lot of veins is generally a little weaker.
Look at quartzite.
We are in the process of building our dream home...I thought I had my heart set on Quartz but changed my mind last minute and went with Granite! (Thunder white) I just love the idea of it being a unique natural stone. I feel it's timeless. Big deal it has to be sealed every so often...well worth it!
Granite is a great choice. It feels good, when you feel good about the purchase too. Enjoy!!
Oh my God am confused 😐. Was going for dekton and now Quartz? Granite?
I agree with Mark (again). There’s such little effort required to sealing it. I love the “depth” of natural stone / granite! Timeless
Thunder White is an awesome granite color!! I almost chose it and then decided on quartz at the last moment, named Rococco, which has a very marble look. Doesn't have the depth of the thunder white but doesn't feel so busy for me. Anyway, glad you like your choice... it's a beautiful stone!
We are remodeling our kitchen and the "wood look" laminate countertops, about 40 years old (!!!), were in surprisingly great shape, even around the drop-in sink! I wouldn't mind laminate, but I REALLY want mirror-like sparkles in my counter, and that's something you can't find in laminate. I'm probably going with Silestone Stellar Snow quartz. My question is, do you think it matters whether you buy from a place like Home Depot or an actual private kitchen design place? Is there a difference in product quality or installation quality?
In regards to granite, I think the porosity varies with the stone chosen, and it seems the darker the stone, the less porous it is. I almost went with Blue Pearl (which is fairly dark) so I brought a sample home... I put pizza sauce, red and blue concentrated kool-aid, pineapple juice, permanent ink marker, vegetable oil, and D-Lime on it and let set for 24 hours. The only thing that did any damage to it was the D-Lime. Also, one of the stone workers told me that granite IS repairable. Resealing is just a matter of spraying or wiping on the product, waiting a bit, and wiping it off. If someone has their heart set on granite, I wouldn't let a 10 minute, once a year job of resealing it, be a deterrent.
Hey. In regards to quality questions on Quartz, check this out - th-cam.com/video/QRVQC3nsADg/w-d-xo.html
The quick answer is, no matter where you buy Silestone (I've installed Stellar Snow for clients, very nice!!) you are getting the exact same quality. However, when it comes to the fabrication and installation aspect, it could vary.
The HD in my area use a fabricator called Granitdesign. They are top notch. I've also used them and have been to their facility. They are just as qualified as a local stone yard or maybe even better. So it really depends.
@@MTKDofficial Thank you! I'll check out that video. Good to know from someone with experience that Stellar Snow is a good one! What area are you in ?
Really enjoyed the video. It has given us a lot to think about.
I have a gaudy red and black granite counter. I need to update to something light and neutral but replacing also seems like a downgrade. What do?
Thanks for this video. I'm new to the stone fabrication industry, working in a showroom and this was the most informative series of facts and info I have heard, thats not just from a quartz supplier sales rep. I feel more educated and ready to better inform and advise customers at my job.
Hey! Thanks for the comment. I am glad the videos are helpful!!
Love your video. My question is: My Mom's house that I live in now has a Turquoise color laminate kitchen counter. The house was built in the '50s. I love it and want keep it. i have gone to many websites to purchase more for replacing the old for new, but can not find anything that matches that color. They are either Teal -which is too dark or Tiffany blue which is to light. Any suggestions?
I'm assuming you've checked with Arborite and Formica. The original is probably Arborite. You may need to try and go through a dealer. They could have access to colours that are not featured on the website.
@@MTKDofficial Thank you for your reply. I never heard of Arborite. I went to their website but did not see any laminate for counter tops. I have looked at Formica and WilsonArt website and gone to the several local dealers in Houston. None have what I am looking for. There was one website that had some old "out of stock" WilsonArt that was Turquoise with gold sparkle but the price was way out my of budget. It was at least 200 per cent higher than the usually price. I would love it, but only if I won the Lotto. Thanks again for the info.
We bought a house with granite surface and we decide to replace canbinet only and keep the granite top but i would like to know if its possible to modify the shape pf granite i have an l shape top that took so much place and for the cost witch option will be the best
It could be possible. You would need a granite fabricator to look at it. If there is a local stone yard in your area, that's the best place to start.
@@MTKDofficial thank you i will
What is the best place to look for laminated countertops? Not able to find many choices at Lowe’s. Thank you.
They should be able to special order from their supplier. So go to the websites of Formica, Arborite, Pionite, WilsonArt and see if you can find something. It will likely be a little more money, but worth it if you get the laminate you want.
Thank you so much, enjoy your videos, very informative.
Wow, what an excellent explanation full of insight and advice. I have a small galley kitchen with 9' 0" and a 0' 15" countertops. I was quoted $1965 including installation for a quartz top. That includes a 4" backsplash. Now I know why people complain about their kitchen remodels costing upwards of $50K. That seems insane to me, but my meager budget including appliances is $12K.
Hey! Thanks for watching. Agreed, it doesn't take long for things to add up. Hope it goes well!
It all depends where you want to put your money. I did an update on my kitchen for about 2 k. I used resin for the counters after rebulding with MDF for a marble look that was good enough to fool the inspector when I sold it. Painted cabinets since they were in good shape and didn't want the cost of replacing them outright. Also put new trim around the top. Put in a new GIANT sink and nice faucet. For the backsplash I mixed subway and expensive glass tiles for a nice look that extended to the counter, so no extra backspalsh line. I did the work myself. Including tool purchase I spent about 2K and it looked like an entirely different kitchen.
Hi I am new to this video, was going to change my kitchen. After listening to your introduction of Quartz, would like asked if Quartz wood pattern with pastel dull green cabinet goes well?
Yes! Wood pattern and green definitely go together.
Thanks for the honest information Mark. Much appreciated. 🍻
Thank you! Awesome video, so helpful. Love the objective delivery of the facts and information. So Helpful!
Hi Marilyn! Thanks for the comment. Glad you enjoyed the video!
I used porcelain tile and it takes everything you can throw at it. Its tough, stain proof, scratch proof and hot pots can go on it without any issues. After 15 years there is no wear. It would be nice to get it in a solid piece without grout lines though.
Great! Thanks for the info Don. It is available in large slab format. Infinity Surfaces out of Italy make some beautiful stuff. Doing a video about it this Sunday. Good to hear how durable it is!
I have Silestone quartz which looks STUNNING but it does stain pretty easily.. which makes no sense if it doesn't absorb liquid? If I don't quickly wipe away any spills, I have to use a really strong cleaner to get the stains out... still feel it's worth it as it actually encourages me to clean as I go, but yeah something to consider.
Hey Mia! Thanks for the info. That is really good to know. And it is strange that it would stain so easily. I wonder if its colour dependent?
Great video, very informative. What was not mentioned in regards to quartz and granite is there is frequently minimum size that will be sold. I have renovated (contractors) two small kitchens. Both renos had this "too small" quantity issue.
That's a good point. Some places do have a minimum per/sqft order. Was it purchased through a big box store like Home Depot?
Usually if you get the stone from a dedicated supplier you can get any size. In fact there is a company I've dealt with that had a whole program just for small sizes.
It's so silly that they would do that, when you can go out and purchase a 30" vanity with a pre-installed quartz countertop.
Kitchens in high density, urban cities like Manhattan have very small kitchens, and those that are being renovated are using natural stone. I'm guessing it is based on the retailer (or the wholesaler who supplies the retailer).
Loved the video! I'm considering getting a black, white, organge/gold counter...I have old Spanish tiles and my cabinets are pine with black metal hardware. I'm getting mixed responses from friends on how the counters will look. I think they will look amazing. Any feedback on paring granite with Spanish floor tiles?
Hey thanks! Without seeing it, it's a little hard to comment. However, it sounds like you know what you want, and that is the most important thing. If you love it, go for it!
Mark , I am trying to get more info on a new product they talk about out there called Mineral stone, i.e., Dekton, Lapitec is the any info you can provide? I have checked many videos on TH-cam concerning countertop information and your channel is by far the best and most informative I've ever come across, Thanks for your professionalism and even handed explanations of the different products available.
Hey Tom. I have a video about Dekton. It's been around for a number of years. It is very resistant to stains and scratching and will handle any amount of heat as there are no resins. Its only drawback may be in impact resistance. Check it out here th-cam.com/video/XD1O1beCWLo/w-d-xo.html
Thank you sooooo much for your valuable information and advice!! I’m thinking of upgrading my kitchen with minor changes until I could do my major changes (expanding it)! Going laminate is perfect for now since I hope to do my major change in a few years and then buy the more expensive countertops!!! Great video!!!!!
Hey! Thanks so much for the comment, I am glad the video helped.
I think laminate is a great choice!
Thank you so much for sharing such important and so needed information on countertops. It can be overwhelming due to the cost and decision making.
Definitely a lot to consider. Appreciate the comment.
thank you you just make my day
What are your thoughts on silestone counter tops?
Silestone is one of the more popular brand names out there. I’ve sold it before and personally it checks off all the boxes for me.
It’s made with bretonstone tech which is pretty important. I’ve never had it personally so I can’t speak to how it performs in that level, other than it gets great reviews.
My granite countertops have been over 10 years old, it still looks great. I clean it with dish soap occasionally, maintenance is very low.
Hey thanks for the comment. I love hearing from people with experience. Appreciate it.
@@MTKDofficial , Which countertop material do like for a rental property?
Try regular quick wax for cars this will make it better looking and protected
@@Tooommmek Cool. I've never heard of that one. Thanks for the tip!
Hi, my quartz made by compac has gone yellow in colour it's been very well looked after but its white cupboards with white countertop so it's not looking as when first purchased. Compac says the colour will only be covered for 3 years my top is 8 years. Can you offer any advice
Sounds like UV damage. The resin and binding agents can discolour depending on sun exposure and the percentage of those ingredients in the slab. Unfortunately I don't think there's much that can be done. Reach out to a fabricator to see if the surface can be refinished. This might be a long shot, but worth asking. Obviously they didn't warn you when it was purchased.
@MTKDofficial thanks for your reply. Strange because we had 2" on the windowsill and upstands but 3" on the main countertop which isn't subjected to uv but it's only the 3" which has discoloured so I think something must've been wrong with the slab but Compac won't recognise this. So we're just desperate to find something which may work
Almost forgot to say, the best explanation and thank you. The only countertop required is one that has a backsplash. Because all the durability of the flat rocks va is the constant caulking and no protection to your wall. Your materials should be balanced to work together long term. Also, it is extremely heavy for your counters and flooring if you are upstairs. Laminate works well-- like do you want your great grandma's kitchen pattern?
Hi Ada! Thanks for your input about the backsplash and your kind words.
So with you on the sealing of granite being a deal breaker, even if it's just a once a year task. Given the choice of low maintenance and no maintenance, I'll opt for the latter.
I just got granite, and it has a 25 year seal.
If you’re sealing more often that every 10 years, get a better sealant. Period.
Our sealant (for quartzite) is good for 15 years, they say.
Mine has been sealed and I don't have to do it yearly.
This is an Excellent Video. Mark is a BOSS!
My friend wallpapered his quartz countertop when he got sick & tired of the colour. Cheaper way to go
sounds durable! lol
I have granite and I love it.
Very valuable video, thanks y choose quartz.
Can you comment on Dekton? It’s an advance on quartz apparently. More expensive but completely stain proof, heat proof and indestructible. Thanks
What would you choose instead if quartz is banned in your country? I'm looking at marble, sealing it it's a deal breaker and I'm planning to resell in a few years
I'd go with porcelain.
Have you done any videos about microwave placement? I was going to put it over the oven, but I have a really nice range hood I would love to use.
Forgot to add, If I use the stainless steel hood, there is only room for a narrow cabinet beside it and the stove is only a few inches away from the wall (the sink, dishwasher and oven are on one straight wall with no turns). Should I forgo the single narrow wall cabinet beside (between range hood and window)?
I'm not a fan of over the range microwaves. Unless there is no other option. The vent hood sounds much better and "yes", I wouldn't put a narrow cabinet next to it. Let the design breathe. Again, it's always case specific and if you absolutely need the storage, that's another thing.
@@MTKDofficial Thank you! Exactly what I thought you say!
Can u tell me where did u purchase the lights which is over ur it slander please
Hi Diane. I purchased them at Kent Building Supplies (east coast Canada).
The brand is Canarm and the light is “Albany 4 light pendant “. It’s a popular brand so you can find it anywhere they sell Canarm.
@@MTKDofficial thanks alot....can you tell me what are ur thoughts on concrete countertops... I need some ideas please..
Concrete is very durable and safe. I like concrete, generally. It comes down to the person pouring it and doing the work. There is a definite technique and skill involved for it to turn out well.
Also, I’m pretty sure you would not have a decent warranty. If any. I have a contractor friend who does them and they are really nice. But I’ve seen bad ones too. Overall they are a good choice. Plus they have their own unique look.
If you decide on concrete, be sure to ask for examples of the persons work.
Our granite countertop cracked behind the faucet where it meets the backsplash. A guy came out and fixed it by filling it in with epoxy and matching the color as close as he could. That lasted for about 2 years when the countertop started cracking even more than the first time and the repairman said it was beyond repair. Okay, so lets replace the countertop in the sink area. After calling around to granite dealers, I found out that an older color of granite is not easy to replace. The granite from the source in Brazil was done and there is not a new source for that particular color. If I had sealed the countertop every year would it not have cracked, maybe. But now I have to replace all the countertops in the kitchen. I'm thinking quart might be the way to go.
Yeah, that's one of the issues with a natural stone and sink cut-outs. Happens a lot. And like you've experienced, it's practically impossible to match an old slab. Unless there was a piece of the original magically lying around somewhere. I've not experienced quartz cracking because of a cut-out. Not saying it doesn't happen, but it's just a different material. plus much easier to match, if needed.
@@MTKDofficial Thanks for the advice.
What's your thought on butcher block countertop?
As an accent on an island or eating bar, I think it is a good option. I'm not a huge fan of it as the main countertop. Butcher block, while really beautiful, does seem to require a bit more care than I would want. That's just my thought though. Overall, it is a pretty decent choice. Impact resistant and easy on the knives. Can handle a fair bit of heat too.
I wonder how it performs overtime with a sink and excess water?
@@MTKDofficial Thanks. I really appreciate your input.
Very informative. What would you recommend for an outdoor kitchen in the California area? For an uncovered area and for a fireplace table. What are your thoughts on soapstone?
Well, the Dekton from the other video is great for outside. Porcelain is an option as well. But, soapstone is a great natural option. Such a great stone. In my area, however, it's pretty much non existent. Unfortunately.
Quartz all the way for me, I dont want extra maintenance especially in a kitchen. I have a marble top in my bathroom vanity, and yes it’s gorgeous but a nightmare to maintain.
@@colbyrulesmydoggie4839 i have my quartz for years now. Even the one on the island top where we always eat all sorts of food, we do hotpot there too. It also has a griddle built into it. The quartz looks brand new, no stain and no chip And guess what? Our quartz is pure white lol. So you’re wrong.
Could the lighting be any worse for this?
Nope. 🤦🏻
@@MTKDofficial but to be fair the info was great!
What are the pros and cons of porcelain slabs?
Great question. I'm in conversation with a porcelain company and hope to provide some really good content on that material soon.
Great info! Thanks