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<blockquote data-quote="Traxion" data-source="post: 124896" data-attributes="member: 983">Some good info above.&nbsp; I believe it really comes down to budget, then what look you want.&nbsp; Laminate can be as inexpensive as $15/sf while quartz can cost you $150/sf.&nbsp; It isn't an apples to apples comparison.&nbsp; Laminate has come a LONG ways.&nbsp; Very attractive patterns and textures, some of which are very close to natural stone or quartz.&nbsp; Durability is good however you still need a cutting board and can chip/break it.&nbsp; A properly fabricated countertop (meaning all endcaps glued properly, seams cut, etc.) and installed properly (meaning seams done properly and sealed, sinks caulked in, etc.) will last MANY years.&nbsp; Certainly the most inexpensive option, though as you move up in look/finish price increases a bit.Granite can be good middle ground.&nbsp; Homeowners piss themselves when they walk in and see granite, it's just a &quot;buzz&quot; product that hooks people.&nbsp; Builders around here put in cheap granite just for that reason.&nbsp; Granite can be had for a really good price depending on who does it.&nbsp; Durability is so-so- it can chip, stain if not sealed, and isn't truly a food safe product.&nbsp; Can be polished but I wouldn't cut on it.&nbsp; Fabrication is intensive and must be template ACCURATELY.&nbsp; Biggest issue with installation is seams- getting them perfect can be a bear and is best done with a vacuum leveler.&nbsp; Quartz is by far the most superior product but costs the most.&nbsp; It isn't easy to modify so it must be templated accurately- on site modifications are more difficult than granite.&nbsp; But, it is durable, food safe, and looks great.&nbsp; I have heard the Menards option is quite cost effective but have not seen it in person.&nbsp; I will tell you that a professionally done job by a supplier selling say Cambria is often unbelievably perfect.&nbsp; Seams are nearly invisible with material aligned at fabrication to make them disappear.&nbsp; I personally would not template or install myself unless you have considerable carpentry and specifically cabinet/countertops skills.The breakage element of granite and quartz makes me cringe.&nbsp; I have had a few jobs done even by professional installers that had breakage.&nbsp; One broke on the 22nd of December, right before the homeowner's family showed up for the holidays.&nbsp; Came off the truck that way, she cried for half a day I think!&nbsp; Good luck!</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Traxion, post: 124896, member: 983"] Some good info above. I believe it really comes down to budget, then what look you want. Laminate can be as inexpensive as $15/sf while quartz can cost you $150/sf. It isn't an apples to apples comparison. Laminate has come a LONG ways. Very attractive patterns and textures, some of which are very close to natural stone or quartz. Durability is good however you still need a cutting board and can chip/break it. A properly fabricated countertop (meaning all endcaps glued properly, seams cut, etc.) and installed properly (meaning seams done properly and sealed, sinks caulked in, etc.) will last MANY years. Certainly the most inexpensive option, though as you move up in look/finish price increases a bit. Granite can be good middle ground. Homeowners piss themselves when they walk in and see granite, it's just a "buzz" product that hooks people. Builders around here put in cheap granite just for that reason. Granite can be had for a really good price depending on who does it. Durability is so-so- it can chip, stain if not sealed, and isn't truly a food safe product. Can be polished but I wouldn't cut on it. Fabrication is intensive and must be template ACCURATELY. Biggest issue with installation is seams- getting them perfect can be a bear and is best done with a vacuum leveler. Quartz is by far the most superior product but costs the most. It isn't easy to modify so it must be templated accurately- on site modifications are more difficult than granite. But, it is durable, food safe, and looks great. I have heard the Menards option is quite cost effective but have not seen it in person. I will tell you that a professionally done job by a supplier selling say Cambria is often unbelievably perfect. Seams are nearly invisible with material aligned at fabrication to make them disappear. I personally would not template or install myself unless you have considerable carpentry and specifically cabinet/countertops skills. The breakage element of granite and quartz makes me cringe. I have had a few jobs done even by professional installers that had breakage. One broke on the 22nd of December, right before the homeowner's family showed up for the holidays. Came off the truck that way, she cried for half a day I think! Good luck! [/QUOTE]

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