ProSource is correct - laminate is an amazing product that is easy to come by and can deliver a high-end finish. Even Ikea's counter tops come in very convincing finishes, in all colours and many different patterns.

My old house, now sold, had teak sleek cabinets that were in the house when we bought it in 1982. We assumed custom made and put in in the late 70's. Only ever needed to oil them. We replaced the counters to put it on the market with high- end granite looking laminate counter tops. They looked amazing! If you could post a picture of your cabinets, it would be easier to suggest something suitable for you.

I agree, go with the laminate

The cabinets will be all new. This is a total tear out and I need a contemporary look. I had selected Lagoon or similar in the Silestone and I don't see anything similar in another product. I do not want a marble or granite look.

Best to take a sample of your cupboard door to look at laminates.

Yes- quartz is spendy for sure! I priced it for my kitchen counters and peninsula (59 square feet) and could not justify the cost (well over 4K). There is not really another alternative if you want to keep the pattern plain/simple unless you go with laminate. You can get a very modern edge on laminate now....and you can't beat the overall toughness of the stuff. I want new quartz counters but not willing to shell out the big bucks for it at this point.....and don't really want laminate either. Maybe someday I will talk myself into spending the money.....

Have you priced out the cost of cement counter tops? I understand these can be stained to add a particular look. If sleek/modern is what you are after, cement will get you there.

Concrete counters (properly done) are usually most expensive. Lagoon seems to have a marble look. Maybe this one?: http://www.wilsonart.com/homeowners/laminates/detail?sku=1855

The quartz you were looking at was a faux marbe look, yet yiu don't want a marble look????
Either way, Wilsonart or Formica have some beautiful new patterns, even ones that resemble quartz. They will send you free samples as well. You might like the Wilsonart Organic Cotton, which has a matte finish and has limited movement and directionality.
http://www.wilsonart.com/commercial/laminates/detail?sku=4945

I have an unwarranted prejudice against laminate I guess- I've ordered some samples. It just doesn't have the "heft" and feel of quartz or Corian that I think I need with the design. I don't want to walk into my brand new kitchen every time and think "cheap" countertops.

Well then look into granite, it costs a little less than quarts and get 3 estimates from 3 different places. Can your cupboard Co. give you an estimate on granite? I ordered through my cabinet maker, went and tagged a slab, and the granite cost me less than if I had gone directly through the same granite fabricator that he ordered it from. The new Bristol stainless undermount sink was thrown in also, as well as the stainless rack for the bottom of the sink. Just a suggestion to look into. Good luck. If this is your forever home, you will not want to feel like you had just described walking into your new kitchen.

I need a crisp white surface. Blacksplash will be white glass tiles laid in herringbone pattern in range surround and vertically on other areas. I do have a decorator and a cabinet contractor.

Have you considered solid surface? We used LG Hi-macs from lowes. Solid surface that is durable and has plenty of color options, including several white shades and styles. We went with the color " white quartz" and it's very pretty. Feels cool and crisp like stone. Price was very reasonable. I know the laminate has come a long way, but at the end of the day it's still laminate.

Wow, laminates have come a long way! That counter looks exactly like my real marble countertops.

Laminates have come a long way! In order to stay within your budget and 'stretch" your remodeling dollars, we too suggest looking at what laminate options are available. Our Dimensions line gives the look of natural stone, at a fraction of the cost. Take a look: http://vtindustries.com/dimensions-countertops. Remember that kitchens are high-traffic areas, and having a durable surface is critical. VT Dimensions' seamless edges offer extremely low-maintenance durability, with no polishing or sealing required. They also won’t stain like natural surfaces will and the lack of seams means that dirt and grime won't collect. Let us know if we can answer any questions!

Silestone is a "big boy" in the quartz industry. Sometimes, you end up buying the name and reputation. Have you tried quoting another quartz company... like Cambria for example? They have a lot of great whites, some that even copy the look of marble. You can get the same material from a different manufacturer. We love Cambria here at A Direct. Other quartz companies to check out: Hans Stone, CaesarStone

If you really want quartz, think about how to reduce costs in some other area. The flooring? Appliances? Lighting? The trick is to pick items you can easily replace later with more expensive choices. If the goal is to have a completely remodelled kitchen that includes the new cabinets and quartz countertops, you are probably not going to be happy with laminate. However, you might be willing to get laminate while you save up a few years for the quartz.

Good advice given. Agree with apple_pie. If you don't find a good laminate you like, or after sourcing the companies Direct Distributor Corp gave you to try......then adjust the budget if you can, like apple_pie suggested, or my suggestion ...and you won't like it because I even sound like my mother now......wait and save up for the kitchen you really want with the materials you really want in it. I waited until I was in my late 50's to have my dream kitchen. Some things are worth waiting for, rather than putting out money now for something you will only replace in the near future.

Except that I just turned 60- can't wait much longer :-) A very YOUNG 60 though! Found some cheaper quartz at Lowe's today and some acceptable, affordable solid surface which I had not considered before the suggestion here from zmhome. May not purchase from Lowe's though as I like to use local companies. Thanks for all the advice and tips y'all!

blamadgal. Go for the kitchen you desire honey...you have earned it. LOL Hope you have luck finding something your hearts desires AND is in the budget. Let us know how you do....I am still laughing here!!!