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pharmcat2000
Mom of 2 + 1
Member since 10/05 7395 total posts
Name:
Catherine
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Anybody regret their granite countertop?
A friend of mine is replacing her countertops. She is trying to decide between granite and SileStone. She is leaning toward SileStone because she was told that the granite can chip or crack if you drop something like a pot or heavy dish on it. She has 3 teenagers and is afraid that they won't be careful enough with the granite and it will be ruined either by chipping or staining.
Does anybody regret their decision to get granite countertops? If so, why? Have you ever had them crack or chip?
Also I was reading an old post on here and people complained about breaking dishes or glasses on the countertop. I'm just a bit confused by this -- wouldn't a glass or plate break if it were dropped onto any countertop?
Finally, does anybody know if the countertops can be reused if she replaces her cabinets in a few years?
TIA
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Posted 3/14/08 9:31 PM  |
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Prudential Douglas Elliman Real Estate
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource | Long Island Weddings |
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
I had grainte in my old house and have it now and love it. I don't regret it at all. I have neved had it chip on me and the granite in my new house is 6 years old and still fine. Both my SIL's have silestone. They like it but it is very senstive to heat.
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| Posted 3/14/08 10:33 PM |
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KangaMom
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Member since 1/06 4593 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
Love our granite and have it in the bathrooms too. Well worth it 
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| Posted 3/15/08 8:40 AM |
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LuckySV
LIF Adult
Member since 10/05 4675 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
I've only had granite for a few months but I do have a very heavy-handed DH who has broken numerous items before we even had granite (i won't go there!). So far he hasn't broken anything despite banging and dropping things on it (knock wood!)
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| Posted 3/15/08 8:40 AM |
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Erica
LIF Adult
Member since 5/05 11767 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
we have no regrets (we were debating btwn granite and silestone - price won out). You are more apt to break a plate or glass on granite than a formica countertop - since formica isn't as hard and provides a tiny bit of cushion. Silestone would have the same breaking qualities.
As for changing the cabinets - it will be labor intensive to save. it's possible, but she could not change the footprint in ANYWAY. The sink, stove and area MUST remain exactly the same. I would say if she is thinking about redoing cabinets - to do it at the same time.
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| Posted 3/15/08 9:45 AM |
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Goobster
:)
Member since 5/07 27557 total posts
Name:
:)
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
My parents used Corian. Luckily for htem b/c my dad dropped a hammer on it days after it was installed.
The installer just came back and with Corian, they can repair cracks, chips to make it look like new. You can't even tell where they HUGE chip was so that is an advantage for sure.
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| Posted 3/15/08 10:22 AM |
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DRMom
Two in Blue
Member since 5/05 20223 total posts
Name:
Melissa
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
I hate my granite. It does have chips and never looks clean-no matter what I use.
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| Posted 3/15/08 1:43 PM |
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LadyH
April Baby Girl is Here!
Member since 12/07 1077 total posts
Name:
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
Posted by melijane
I hate my granite. It does have chips and never looks clean-no matter what I use.
wow - this was a good thread. I never heard that granite could get cracks. I thought it was very strong.
I did hear of 2 problems with granite
1 - one person regretted getting a dark color (ubatuba) because it streaks all the time.
2 - another person said that if you leave a glass of water on it, you will get a ring because the granite is porous, and it will take a while to dry.
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| Posted 3/15/08 3:03 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
Posted by melijane
I hate my granite. It does have chips and never looks clean-no matter what I use.
Is your granite very dark or black?
My SIL had very dark / black granite and she said she could never keep it clean. Even if she thought it looked clean, she said that it would look all streaky.
I have a lighter granite, with black in it also. I don't have a problem keeping it clean. I also don't have a problem with staining or chipping. This is just my experience, though.
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| Posted 3/15/08 4:05 PM |
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Kara
Now Zagat Rated!
Member since 3/07 13217 total posts
Name:
They call me "Tater Salad"
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
Posted by LadyH
2 - another person said that if you leave a glass of water on it, you will get a ring because the granite is porous, and it will take a while to dry.
This should not happen if your granite is sealed properly. You need to re-seal your granite (a very simple process) at least annually.
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| Posted 3/15/08 4:06 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
I have DuPont Zodiaq which is the same as Silestone.
I love it and don't regret it at all. It looks just like granite, without any of the potential headaches like sealing, chipping, etc.
I said to myself, why should I have to "worry" about potential issues with granite when I can just get the Zodiaq and be done with it. The worrying aspect would drive me nuts.
I have had numerous people come in and say "I love your granite countertop".
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| Posted 3/15/08 4:16 PM |
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Blu-ize
Plan B is Now Plan A
Member since 7/05 32475 total posts
Name:
Susan
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
Posted by ave1024
I have DuPont Zodiaq which is the same as Silestone.
I love it and don't regret it at all. It looks just like granite, without any of the potential headaches like sealing, chipping, etc.
I said to myself, why should I have to "worry" about potential issues with granite when I can just get the Zodiaq and be done with it. The worrying aspect would drive me nuts.
I have had numerous people come in and say "I love your granite countertop".
I'm thinking of this as well.
I have a small kitchen, so I'm hoping it won't be too much money.
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| Posted 3/15/08 6:57 PM |
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ave1024
I Took The Wrong Road
Member since 12/07 6153 total posts
Name:
That Led To The Wrong Tendencies
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
Posted by Blu-ize
I have a small kitchen, so I'm hoping it won't be too much money.
Prices between all the Silestone variants and granite are usually pretty close. So what you will have to pay for granite you will probably pay close to the same with Silestone.
For me it was a simple no-brainer. I didn't want to deal with the potential aggrevation of having to "be careful".
I have splashed all kinds of grease and junk on my Zodiaq and let it sit there for a good hour or two. Still looks brand new after I wipe it down and I haven't done any preventative maintenance with it either.
ETA: I would head over to Consumers and price out Granite vs. Silestone (etc.). Sometimes they run specials on certain brands because of either overstock or discontinued items. They could give you a good cost analysis between the two and they have tons of displays.
Message edited 3/15/2008 9:45:42 PM.
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| Posted 3/15/08 9:44 PM |
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Kelly9904
Mommy to 2 amazing little boys
Member since 5/05 9306 total posts
Name:
Kelly
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Re: Anybody regret their granite countertop?
We have Silestone and love it!
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| Posted 3/15/08 10:23 PM |
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