So much to unfold here. Most of your major name brand quartz are heat resistant, stain resistant and scratch resistant. That does NOT mean heat proof, stain proof or scratch proof. They will chip just like granite , marble, quartzite etc. I would do some research. There are plenty of articles about quartz scorching behind a range.

Countertops are templated and then cut to size. You don't order specific sizes like a piece of tile. So no cost savings there.

Dekton falls into the porcelain top category. Typically more expensive than quartz and you will have to find a certified installer. I have 2 great countertop places I deal with. They have both tested cutting porcelain and stepped away from it due to how difficult it is to work with.

Keep in mind that the veining on the tops will not match at seams and will not match where the top turns up onto the wall. It may be close and sometimes you have to purchase extra slabs.

If you want to keep costs down - do a quartz top and nice tile backsplash.

Good luck

Thank you so much Debbi, so much information you packed in one post! I did hear about quartz scorching and discolouring (also when used for fireplace) and I forgot about it!

Then maybe I will go with a contrasting quartz countertop (the same countertop for island and perimeter), and porcelain tiles with marble effect for backsplash.

Then there are two porcelain formats that I am considering:

- subway

- 24x48

What do you think? The subway will have more grouts, and I heard people choosing larger formats for less cleaning. But in my old kitchen I had barely cleaned my 4 inch backsplash, and had had no major splashes there for almost 15 years. So mostly, what would be a look that will stand the test of time more, subway or 24x48? And how should I stack the subway, staggered at 50%? Stacked horizontally?

Thanks for being so generous!

The tile selection really needs to be done when you have all your elements put together - layout, door color and style, flooring and top. There needs to be some perspectives posted and phots of your space or you selections and even inspiration photos.

That's the only way you will get more help.