The weekend was fun. I went to a boxing match with a few friends. I like boxing. I used to box, in fact. I trained for 4 years and a few times my trainer (who’s also a promoter) asked if I would ever consider taking off the head gear and fighting professionals. I thought about it for a total of 5 seconds – enough time for my father’s disappointed face to appear in my mind. Also running through my head was the image of my nose being shoved to the other side of my face by a manly-chick-kissing-woman who wears her broken cartilage like a badge of honor. I think not. I do enjoy a good spar and it’s fun to go to the matches. They’re gritty and raw.
Celebrated a friend’s birthday for the first time (we will be celebrating again on Friday). And last night, went to see “21” with Kevin Spacey. Great movie. I’m now obsessed with learning more about the true story upon which the film is based. I swear, I need to spend more time watching documentaries.
Another highlight of the weekend was countertop and tile shopping. I’ve been on a kick to update my kitchen. If for no other reason than my kitchen sucked when I bought the place, and the last 8 years has only solidified the sucking. Laminate countertops are the worst, and I don’t care what that woman on HGTV’s kitchen remodel show says – laminate may have come a long way . . . but it still sucks.
So, I went to pick out new ones. I thought I had settled on quartz, because it’s supposed to be less maintenance than granite. That was until I actually laid eyes on the quartz. Not so much. Now I’ve decided to revert back to my original decision of granite.
There’s so much involved here. I’m overstimulated by choices. Once I select the countertop, I need to choose a backsplash . . . and a sink! Not only is this adding up, financially, but I’m stressed to death over it. What if I choose a countertop, and I hate it once installed? What if my backsplash clashes with the rest of the kitchen? What if the grim reaper shows up and takes me in the middle of the night? (That last one is probably the least ominous, because I would actually be absolved of my countertop selection responsibilities.)
I’ve narrowed it down to two styles – one is very dark. One is dark, but not as dark as the first one. Initially I said I didn’t want dark, yet here I am, drooling over dark granite. And then there’s the matter of the backsplash. I want small glass tiles, but what color? More decisions!!!!
It’s raining but i have to review a bar tonight. I swear, my work is never done.
Hi Gina,
Some words of comfort and advice from new jersey countertop company that provides all different types of counters (www.replacementcounters.com) Quartz which you seemed to not have liked is available from multiple companies that you may want to check-out before going with granite. Those companies and products are DuPont Zodiaq, Cambria, and Caesarstone. If you went to a “big box” store you probably only saw a quartz product called Silestone. The reason quartz is a good option is that it does not require any sealing and has all the other benefits of granite. Also, since you seemed concerned about color, what ever color you pick you can be sure that it will come in that color. With Granite the color will vary from kitchen to kitchen. Also, if later you want to add another counter section to your kitchen, with Quartz you can add it and the color will be the same, with Granite you will be out of luck.
All that being said with the granite you seem to be interested in (black), you will have less trouble because it does tend to be more consistant in color. Also it is very forgiving it terms of damage. Meaning, if you go longer than you should without resealing it and it stains because something is left on it to long, it will be less likely to show because you counter is so dark.
- Michael
Ask and ye shall receive! Michael rocks! (I’m sure there’s a pun in there somewhere)
Michael’s right but really, you can’t go too wrong with either quartz or granite. I’ve had two kitchens with granite now and honestly, maintenance really isn’t an issue. I’ve never felt the need to have the granite re-sealed. But if I do, granite companies provide the service for not that much money. There are home sealing kits too but I’m not the handy type so I’ve never tried them.
If you like consistent color, go with a solid granite or a quartz. Inconsistency in granite color usually isn’t considered a defect because it’s a natural material and people expect color and pattern inconsistency. Either choice is good. It’s all a matter of taste.
And the backsplash? Stick with something not too ornate and in the same color family and you’ll be fine.
The bottom line? Relax! I’ve suffered needlessly through the whole process and have learned that it’s hard to go wrong with stone countertops. They’re gorgeous, elegant and transform kitchens from blah to WOW!