White counters - Quartz or something else?

6 years ago

I am thinking we will go with solid white counters in our two-tone kitchen (gray and super light gray). If we are not tying to emulate the look of natural stone, then are their other more cost-effective materials we should consider? Like Corian or some other material? I am, however, attracted to the heat and stain resistance of quartz. If I go with a “cheaper” quartz option (e.g. Dekton vs Cambria), am I compromising on those qualities? I’m thinking that if all I want is white, no pattern, this may be an area of the kitchen where I can save.

Featured Answer

Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real

6 years ago

Technically you are not even supposed to put hot things down on stone without a trivet, much the less quartz. Quartz and Corian are equally heat resistant- which is to say not at all. I am a Corian fan. It's cheaper than quartz and wears like iron. It won't chip (look up quartz and chipping threads here- lots to chooses from.) Glacier White Corian is a classic in my book, and a tremendous value.

Anglophilia's kitchen is pale gray with Glacier White and slightly oversized Carrara marble subway tile backsplash- it's one of the very best GW kitchens to me.

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Comments (6)

chispa
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Quartz is not heat "resistant" if you think it means you can take a cookie sheet or casserole out of the oven and place it on the counter. Even granite should not have oven hot items placed on it due to the potential for thermal shock.

Here is a thread you might want to read:
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/burn-stain-on-white-quartz-countertop-dsvw-vd~2547476
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Anglophilia
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Rita, I'm blushing!!!! I love my kitchen, too! Rita and I are the resident "fanboys" for Glacier White Corian. It really is pretty much bullet-proof, and it LASTS!!! My kitchen counters were first installed in early 1985!!! I re-used them (and added a 5' ft new counter) 3 years ago. One cannot do this with just about any other material.

It's a great value and a very high quality product. Don't allow any Big Box store employee or other idiot to tell you it's "low-end". It's NOT! In fact, it is used extensively in multi-million dollar, architect-designed custom houses in the UK and Europe.
mlb418
Original Author
6 years ago
Is the Corian generally less expensive than quartz? I’m reading different things ...
mlb418
Original Author
6 years ago
@anglophilia - yes, your kitchen is beautiful. I am also considering doing a marble tile backsplash, but figure I will wait until cabinets, etc are in before selecting.
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Anglophilia
6 years ago
Corian patterns/colors are grouped. Glacier White is in the least expensive price group - Group A. It is far less expensive than quartz. It is usually around $40+ a sq ft.