There is no perfect countertop. There is only the one that works best for you and your family.

I can't wait to renovate my kitchen and I picked a bold quartz for the countertops.

It is everything that everyone says to avoid, but they don't live in my house.

I dislike delicate and subdued patterns. I like a few bold statements.

I see so many homes with area rugs that look old and faded even through they are brand new.

Not my style.

This is the area rug I selected for my living room.

And I have this in my office

Cambria Bentley works with my style and my personality.

You need to pick what works for you and your home.

@Jennifer Hogan Oh , I love it . I wish I had he confidence to decorate like that!

Every home I have owned or lived in prior has had Formica countertops. My current home has Formica countertops and backsplash (including behind the range) that was installed in 1970. There are no burn marks, scorch marks or discoloration. There and few scratches - nothing major.

Formica was durable enough for most homes through the 60s, 70s and 80s.

Yes, you can burn Formica and you can cut and mar Formica, but I have managed to not destroy any of my Formica counters over the past 50 years.

Newer products are more durable, but do you need it to be bulletproof?

Granite can crack if you place a hot pan on it.

Quartz can crack if you place a hot pan on it, although it is more flexible and less likely to crack than granite.

Quartz is more likely to discolor from heat, but most can withstand a fair amount of heat before discoloring.

Marble etches and scratches easily, but won't burn or discolor. I assume it would also be prone to cracking if you placed a hot pot of water on the counter and left it just sit there till it naturally cooled.

There are pros and cons to every surface. What are the pros and cons that are most important to you?

@Jennifer Hogan we just tore our 1990's formica and it was in near perfect shape except for the seafoam green color.

@millworkman a Silestone rep told me it was their bestseller.

^^

Which has meaning to your kitchen in what way?It's polite to answer a post indeed. ....but again. This is no different than going to a Honda dealer and the salesman points to a white CRV and says........"this is our number one!!."

Do you want the CRV? In white? Do you look at all the other cars in the showroom and on the lot? Do you look at another automobile dealer/make/model ? Or DO you love it and you just want the best price: ) as your mind was made up long before you opened the door?

@janmoyer in this post I was just trying to figure out if the design was a highly trendy design. I am trying to avoid trendy in my house in my hard surfaces. When the rep said it is their biggest seller and has been for years , it makes me think trendy . A few people have told me it is a timeless look. I was just trying to get a feel from folks more knowledgeable than me. Once everyone replied it made me realize this likely is a trend and I should probably choose another design .
One with fewer or no veins .

I agree with others that there is simply no comparison to marble but I do not want to introduce anxiety into my life worrying about it and , I am not a great housekeeper . As Leanne Morgan says “ I am too fun to clean” .

As for my space , I want an all white light and airy kitchen , traditional coastal grandma is my style.

We have SW Pure White inset very traditional cabinets and will a have mid tone brown hardwood floors.

Everything else is gutted.

Love your cabinets and choice of flooring. If you find a simple subtle quartz that you like, you are well on your way to a lovely kitchen. Don't worry about it being timeless--if you love it now you probably will for years to come. It's all about finding what you truly like and being faithful to that. My white kitchen with white Danby marble and brown oak floors was done 11 years ago and I still love it. My white bathroom with real Calacatta marble was done 16 years ago and I still love it. White with black accents for permanent fixtures is my look and has been forever. I add lots of color with soft furnishings. I don't chase trends.

We move into a new home, a fixer upper, in about 10 days. I've been running in mental circles trying to decide on counter materials: today's choice is quartz.

The main advantage is it comes in visually quiet patterns & whites -- hard to find in durable granites. It's fairly reflective, good for light starved spaces. It handles oils, liquids, & stains pretty well, better than marble or quartzites.

Re appearance & nature, it is sui generis. Appreciate it for its own characteristics & qualities instead of pretend stone. In fact, I'd prefer a kind with visible gravel chips (Joseph Corlett calls it "glued gravel" lol!) instead fake marble veining.

But this is today. Tomorrow's decision may be soapstone -- again.

What Diana B said. Stop agonizing : )

Nobody has a crystal ball. Not even for LIFE in general.

The struggle is real, LOL. I am pretty sure by the end of this reno I am going to need to start drinking lots of wine.

"No, start drinking now!"

You can use quartz samples as coasters for your wine glasses to see how it handles the dribble stains ;)

If you would like a marble look, without your marble concerns, look at Formica Calacatta Cava . That is what I would likely personally use, if I wanted a marble look on a kitchen counter, without actual marble. I personally would never install marble for kitchen counters. I‘m not at all concerned about staining/etching/patina, etc. I just prefer granite or butcher block for kitchen counters. But I like this Calacatta Cava as a marble substitute, so just passing it on.

https://www.formica.com/en-us/products/180fx/05018?crlt.pid=camp.ybmOr1KSnePH

There's no reason why you cannot have your marble-look if you are interested in that. The marble inspectors will really not be coming to your house. :) And if you want to change the counter, for any reason, it will not break the bank. So it’s very cost effective, both now and later.

I"m in the process of doing another kitchen in a new construction home, downsizing in an over 55 community. I'm ripping out the heinous builder kitchen and putting in what I want. I planned it this way when I ordered the home. I wanted the same granite I had installed two years ago in my home, Istanbul. But, no one could source it in the reasonable future. I know myself. Marble isn't an option. So, I found Arizona quartz. It's a gold calacatta imitation. I'm pairing it with white cabinets. I'm putting it in without any hesitation. I prefer granite, but it wasn't to be this time around. Quartz it is this time around. My realtor had a fit when I put the Istanbul granite in the previous home. Her comment was no one puts in granite. It's too busy. One man's trash is another man's treasure. Buy what you like and don't worry about it.

Of course get what you like. But, if you’re looking for a ”timeless” look, as the OP stated, plastic filled quartz badly imitating marble, isn’t that.

Neither is speckly granite. It was ugly when it first came on the scene, and it hasn't improved with age.

True, Diana…but, there was never any proclamation at the height of its popularity, that speckly granite would be timeless.

No, but everyone was oohing and aahing over it. EVERYONE wanted graaaaannnnite

Except me, and I was chastised for it, preferring (horrors) my white laminate.

@Annie Henmore It is good to be aware that light quartz can stain and etch if spills are left on it. Most light counters are not meant to be left with acidic or dark liquids on them. Luckily even the messiest of us usually get al little more motivation to clean up spills on counters that we have just invested $$$$ on.

Additionally, be aware of what cleaning products can damage quartz.

Thoughts:

- "Timeless" is the name of a trend: White shaker cabinets with white or black counter tops. Timeless is not actually timeless, as it's actually already morphed, though the individual pieces are still deemed acceptable.

- I too prefer the word Classic. Not too many things are Classic -- simple, calm cabinets that don't try to be the star. Hardwood floors or checkerboard floors. Simplest of the simple Corian white counter tops.

- No, the quartz being discussed is not a Classic.

Good quality light quartz won't stain and etch. Sure test a sample before buying, specially if you cook with spices that can stain.

I have plain white quartz in my master bath. Had the same in my previous house, both Cambria White Cliff. No issues with staining or etching with any products. Even hair dye spots from the previous day will come out with a spritz of cleaner w/bleach.

Do not use Magic Erasers on quartz. It will dull the finish. Actually Magic Erasers can damage many surfaces, so use carefully.

I wanted a very open, light, cream kitchen that would age well. I had marble counters in a previous home and they definately limited my fun. Never again. But, I've never like granite and really don't like quartz at all. To my great surprise I ended up with vanilla Corian and a Boos walnut butcher block.

Prior to my exploration, I'd thought Corian was dated, cheap, and would look out of place with my custom cabinets, British brass hardware, and subzero fridge. Nope. I adore it. It does feel truly timeless to me because in my kitchen, it doesn't really fall into any decade of trend that you can place.

My marble does in NO WAY LIMIT MY FUN! I treat it like any other counter I've had--don't cut on it, don't abuse it, clean it with a mild cleanser. And I don't stress about etching. It never stains from anything, even wine, tea, coffee, or berries. I don't understand all the fuss about it.

Diana - my thoughts exactly - I don't cut on my current countertops or place hot pans on it. I wipe up right after I finish cooking/prepping - and I plan on doing the same when my Calacatta marble is installed. I have a Carrara marble countertop in a bathroom that we've used every day for the past three years - and it still looks beautiful.

My SO is a little messy with splashing water - the only etch mark that I know of is one that my daughter made - and you can only see it if you turn your head and look at it from an angle (I don't really ever notice it anymore - it's kind of faded - I have to specifically try to find it).

Annie - my former 90's formica countertop was a teal green color (had some pattern that I guess was trying to look like stone - but at least it had squared off edges + wood edging around it) - it matched my green marble tile on my kitchen fireplace + the background of the floral wallpaper on the kitchen walls! Very pretty 😂

Fireplace marble tile:

Here are some photo of Cambria Seacourt:

Photo of slab:

A close-up photo of the same slab shown above:

Installed photos:

I like the Cambria Seacourt better than the original Calacatta quartz that you asked about in your post (based upon the photos - obviously, I'd have to see it in person in order to decide if I really liked it).

@darbuka should the OP decide on an environmentally friendly quartz countertops, which are made from natural quartz crystals and resins: therefore reducing the need for quarrying natural stone. It wiykd be a responsible choice. Do you get it? Obviously not.

@elcieg Where do they get the natural quartz crystals from? Do they not have to quarry to get them?

@elcieg, ”…environmentally friendly quartz countertops, which are made from natural quartz crystals and resins…” Hilarious!

The quartz crystals are mined, and the resins are petroleum based. The counters also contain artificial dyes (pigments). All ingredients are mixed in a factory, under intense heat, and poured into molds. What about that is environmentally friendly?

In addition, because of the plastic resins, quartz counters can be damaged by heat. It’s far from the perfect choice for countertops.

If you want eco-friendly, don't remodel your house. :) My marble countertops were reclaimed marble from a 100 year old firehouse. My god it was a PITA to coordinate their fabrication. I certainly make choices based on the environment, but when you get down to it. most of what all of us are doing on here is just horrible. It is what it is.

@Diana Bier Interiors, LLC - I think we, our friends, and dog sitters are messier than you or your household :) The edge of the counter also chipped in two places. Perhaps my marble was not as sturdy because it was reclaimed - somehow a different marble than what is typically used on counters? Don't know.

@Kendrah, I have honed Olympian White Danby marble in the kitchen and Calacatta in the bathroom. I've heard that Danby is more dense than some granites so that may account for the lack of staining. But it etches and chips the same as any other marble.

As to my household or friends/family being less messy or careful than yours, totally not true. My husband is not careful in the least and is VERY hard on everything in the kitchen and elsewhere. And I don't give it a thought when anyone (especially young grandchildren) spill anything or otherwise use the counter. I've just made up my mind not to let it bother me because I love the Danby. As I stated previously, it does not change the way I live my life. I see it as a work space and let it go.

The only place I wouldn't do marble again is in the shower--I have it on the floor. My one big mistake. But the vanity tops are just fine.

Excuse me for the momentary hijack! I had not been on here in many years and I posted a quesiton today and don’t see it.. so, I’m just here to see if my comment shows up.. or did Houzz ghost me :) Nothing to see here, move along :) Someone please like this or comment so I know it’s visible.. I just don’t know of my ”_gw” handle is no longer active !

Yes, Beth_gw. You’re here. :)

Freedomplace1, does it just take a while for posts to show up? It’s visible under my activity, but if I search for it in the main kitchen discussion, it’s not there. I’m outta practice :)

it’s called

”Calling all OG GW’ers ! (Ok & Houzz’ers, too) Organize my kitchen PLS”

And I’ll add, Annie, in my opinion anything you choose with a classic look is still, ya know, classic :) I think that countertop is still wonderful

It may be a blessing that your post fell into the Bermuda Triangle, Beth... ;)

I am not sure what the current situation is with posts going live and whether there is a delay and/or filtering process - or whether this could be a temporary glitch. I’m also not sure whether the issue could be related to the recent shift to gardenweb.

If you don’t see it soon, you could reach out to Houzz support.

Freedomplace,

recent shift TO gardenweb? do tell?

i only know what years ago gw was swallowed up by houzz..

and does it simplfy things If i just create a new log in and name by signing up with houzz?

again OP, so sorry.. but hopefully this is a nice bump on your thread!

If it‘s not broke, don’t fix it, Beth... :)

You are already in the system. Give it some time before you create a new user id, etc.

There might be some kind of glitch going on, Beth. I just tried to sign into garden web and I was unable to do so. Usually that does not happen. I am usually able to sign into both houzz and gardenweb with no problem. I haven't been on the site much lately, and this is the first time I’ve had this issue; so I don’t know what’s going on.

Thx freedomplace.. so, i only signed into houzz, and I found kitchen discussions on the houzz website. and that is where I posted. Is there any reason to sign into gardenweb? do we end up in the same place?

I am not sure what the status is with garden web right now, Beth. As I mentioned, I haven’t been very active here lately and I’m not sure whether there have been changes or if this is a glitch.

I’m having trouble pasting the link right now. My iPhone is so full of junk! But if you go to gardenweb.com and navigate to ‘discussions’ - you will get an idea of the overall situation.

Anyone know of another quarts look-a-like to Silestone Et Calacatta quartz without the price tag?

It helps to find someone who stocks it and sells it by the square foot (vs the slab). I found Home Depot to have the best price . When it was on sale it was $80 square foot. There is a 20% off sale every few weeks

PLAN B - opinions needed

If you look at online quartz options at Home Depot and Lowe’s, which white quartz countertops would you put on a list to check out for a timeless /classic look that will not date the house to a specific trend.

It helps if I order from one of those stores. Because of the size of my kitchen, I need to be able to buy by the square foot. MSI is a potential options

• Cabinets - SW Pure White
• Floors - Medium Brown Hardwood
  
  

Post photos of your options and let us weigh in.

Will do soon. Heading out for a few minutes

Trends come and go and come back around. As someone else said a mostly white and not heavily veined countertop is classic and will remain popular. As another poster said you need to use the materials that work well with the rest of your kitchen.

MSI gets the worst and most complaints on this forum. Buyer beware.

My opinion: I see white quartz tops with thick grey veining all the time. I no longer want it because it seems like it'll be a fad. It was cool on HGTV and when I started designing kitchens, but it's so overdone. In 10 years everyone will be able to tell when that countertop was picked out, just like everyone can tell honey oak cabinets are from the 90s. I am starting to lean toward granite or quartzite just because they are God-made stone. His artwork--not reproduced slabs that every company offers.

I put MSI in my bathrooms that I purchased through Home Depot about 6 years ago.

I did have to have one of the 2 countertops replaced twice before it was right - once due to the overflow in the sink not working and once due to a large, deep scratch that was too deep to buff out. The fabricator was very responsive and didn't give me any push back, just replaced. Home Depot contracted the fabricator, so I had no choice in who would fabricate the counters. The fabricator they contracted was more than a 2 hour drive from my home.

Since they have been installed I have not had any issues. No scratches, cracks or general discoloration. I have had no problems with stains from hair dye - wipes off easily or from anything else except one perfume. Lust by Lush will leave small red specks on the counter that I have to use a magic eraser and scrub hard to remove. It also stains clothing.

When I purchased my countertops I bought both at one time because you had to buy a minimum number of sq. ft to qualify for free installation and the installation was nearly as expensive as the countertop. Free installation was a common promotion at the time. It was a promo when I purchased mine, but the sales guy let me know that if I missed the sale I could wait a few weeks and it would be back again.

After I purchased mine and had it installed I started noticed some of the negative reviews. I may have hesitated to purchase it had I read the bad reviews first, but overall I am happy with how it worked out in my bathrooms. Quite a few of the reviewers mentioned difficulty with red wine stains - wondering if it is similar to the red dye in the Lush perfume.

I abuse my kitchen much more than I do the bathrooms and might hesitate to install MSI in my kitchen.