We found that for the difference, just get whichever one really speaks to you. You're going to live with your counters for a long time. We are between Silestone Lagoon and honed black absolute. The difference is a few hundred dollars. You should call Silestone and find the closest distributor to see a full slab. We're going to drive into Chicago to see our Lagoon. It's worth the hour and half so I can start sleeping again.

"Is it stupid/unclassy to install brand new cabinets and put formica on top?" I don't think so, because we built a whole new house with a grand kitchen (IMO) and most of it has laminate (island has DIY wood, and we have stainless by the rangetop). I have always had excellent experiences with laminate and with all the other expenses for the house, realized that, for me, it wasn't necessary to spend that much money on counters. Granite has just never been one of my dreams or 'must have someday' things. As soon as I, basically, gave myself permission to be happy with laminate and not worry about whether it was right or classless to put it in a nice, new kitchen, I felt much more relaxed and content. Recently my sister sent me an ad for a good price on marble, which is kind of my dream surface, but when I thought about how I can drop stuff, slide my mixer, spill things, etc. on my laminate without giving it a second thought, I couldn't seriously think of changing it. Of course, marble would need to be babied more than I think black granite or soapstone would be, but I think you know what I mean. I don't think you really need to worry about either material you're considering, but you don't need to feel you 'have' to have stone, either. If it were me, I'd choose the soapstone, because like our stainless, some wear and patina is expected in the long run, so I wouldn't worry if it got a mark in it to get, perhaps, a head-start on the 'patina.' :-)

Cambria IS the only quartz countertop made in the USA. Zodiaq (DuPont) is made in Canada. Silestone is made in Spain. Ceasarstone is made in Israel. Silestone� (Made in Spain) Made in Spain by Cosentino, it claims that this it's technology is over 15 years old, making it the old player in the field of quartz stone surfaces. The makers of Silestone promoted it as a classic or contemporary, inner-city chic or colonial charm in their product. Silestone is another brand if engineered stone which is technically similar to the other brands because it is comprised of approximately 93% quartz and 7% epoxy binders. As with all other quartz stone surfaces, Silestone is scratch resistant, stain resistant, amd heat resistant. Silestone has a color range of over 40 Colors. Silestone claims to have received the best possible score for stain resistance from the CSIRO. It also has a 10 year limited warranty. A unique feature is Silestone is the Microban technology that is intergraded on the product. Microban claims to continuously fights the growth of microbes that can cause stains and odors and Microban protection makes your Silestone countertops easier to clean and keeps them cleaner between cleanings. The promotion of Microban antimicrobial protection is that it is effective against most common bacteria, yeasts, molds and fungi that cause stains and odors. Microban technology is not designed to protect users from disease-causing microorganisms. Zodiaq� (Made in Canada) From the maker of Corian, comes Zodiaq�. DuPontTM Zodiaq� claims to have produced an advanced composite material made of 93% quartz with a DuPont proprietary binding polymer and pigments. If anyone has the money for R&D, DuPont does. Their stated goal was to create a new material with its own depth and character and a unique aesthetic, suggesting a sense of enlightened luxury and an attitude of bold sophistication. Zodiaq� covers the gamut with alternative to the polished finish and a collection of matt finish colors in neutral tones. Just like the other quartz stone and otherwise known as engineered stone brands, Zodiaq� has a very sophisticated technology. When you think of Zodiaq�, most people do not know that it is made by one of the largest and most sophisticated countertop maker in the world. Cambria� (Made in USA) Perhaps the smallest player in the market is Cambria quartz stone surfaces which is American owned and operated by the Davis Family. This company has gone from manufacturing cheese for over 60 years to luxury quartz stone product and their website claims this is a natural fit. Regardless of their smaller marketing approach, Cambria does offer some unique colors that the other bigger brand do not. Their color choices are worth looking and the pricing is competitive with the other brands. As with all the other brand names, Cambria quartz stone surfaces are also comprised of approximately 93% quartz and claim the same low maintenance advantages. CaesarStone� (Made in Israel) CaesarStone� it is made of approximately 93% quartz by weight. The other 7% is epoxy resin which is required to hold the quartz together. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals and is calculated at a hardness level of 7 on the Mohs Scale of Hardness. CaesarStone� is manufactured in Israel. The company proclaims to be the originator of quartz kitchen and bath countertops, and claims to have advantages over other surfaces. Benefits include less chipping, cracking or discoloring and a less porous surface that does not require sealing. Many installation professionals dispute Caesarstone's claims that it does not allow bacteria growth and cleans with just a moist cloth. It is promoted to resist damage from heat and acids such as caustic wine spills and knife scratches. These claims are also questionable. The colors that CaesarStone� offers are different than other brand names listed below and are perhaps more popular because of this characteristic. Honed finishes and marble-like textures are a couple features. CaesarStone� offers a 10 year limited warranty, when installed by a Certified Fabricator. Read the limited warranty carefully as it is very 'limited'. Hth

Another vote for quartzite here. Where we live, quartzite and marble are roughly the same price (marble being slightly more expensive). We lived with marble before and while I loved the look, I did not love the performance- the etching staining, chipping... we are very heavy cooks and entertain often and I couldn't stand the thought of chasing people around with coasters. We've been living with white macauba quartzite for 7 months now and I love it- it doesn't stain, etch, or chip and seems VERY hard and not at all prone to flaking. We actually have it as all of our bathroom counters as well (same slabs.) I also love that I can put a hot pan on it without worry- I beat the heck out of those counters and they look brand new. I know you said you're not interested due to "flaking" and cost, but I'd have a look if I were you!