Deciding between Absolute Black and Virginia Mist granite
julia42
10 years ago
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Kitchen_ Reno
10 years agojulia42
10 years agoRelated Discussions
Honed Virginia Mist
Comments (13)I checked the websites you provided, and only Bramiti showed Jet Mist (same thing?). I sent them an email to inquire about it. I've asked about it at many granite "stores" in the area, and my KD and tile guy have been trying to find it also. Rock Tops in Owings Mills told me they would go directly to the mine to inquire about it, so we'll see. I need to find a slab large enough to do my island, or else I either have to revise my design (do not want a seam in the island) or go with corian that doesn't show seams. Since this affects my design, I need to know if I can get this in the slab size I need. I also need to know if this is a bad choice for me - I am not a great housekeeper and have 2 teenagers who are great kids but they're still teenagers....See Morevirginia jet mist granite -pics, anyone?
Comments (28)Hi Kercove, The slabs of granite are from the Granite Depot in Westborough Ma. I worked with Paula. A wonderful place. They moved so many slabs until I found the ones I liked. She even held a bunch just in case I changed my mind. The installer is a company that has been in business for years. But I have not had them actually install yet. So I can not say how they do with seams or edges etc... I am really nervous after seeing all the terrible issues on our Garden web site. The actual install does not happen for another 10 days. However I love how they have worked with me so far. They have truly helped me in every way with the counters. I believe the father Brice has been doing this for years as everyone knows him. I have been working with the son Jesse. BFR and Associates I hope it is okay that I put their website on here. http://www.bfrandassociates.com/ They are located in Manchester NH but they do jobs in Maine, Canada, Mass, VT I have been searching for a long time. They are not the cheapest but they are not the most expensive either. They are a fair price for the job. I have also looked at Ripano but they were too high. I looked at Holbrook Granite they seemed nice but I had no recommendations about them. They do not even show their work on line. I liked BFR because I could actually go and see the countertops in person. BFR does commercial work. I also checked out Spencer Granite but thought they might be too far away from my actual home. I also visited the Boston Granite Exchange. I do not know if they install or just sell slabs. They have lovely slabs but the lighting is terrible in there so it is hard to see up close. I believe but do not know this for a fact that the Boston Granite Exchange prices their slabs higher than other places. I only heard this in passing from another customer. Not sure this is the truth or not. But in my case my installer found the stone cheaper at The Grantie Depot. Their lighting was much nicer to inspect slabs too. I hope this helps. I wish I could afford Christopher Peacock in Boston. I would have had them do my entire kitchen. :) Good luck. ~boxerpups...See MoreSoapstone or honed virginia mist?
Comments (8)They are both gorgeous, and both similar, yet different. I don't think the $1200 should enter the decision, because when your counter is installed you will forget all about that, and adding up the entire cost of your kitchen, the $1200 is not so much. To me, it's more of a "personality" choice. I love love soapstone. But I know with my personality and lifestyle, I don't want to live with it. I don't want to think about whether to oil or not, or to think about patina, or to take time out to buff out scratches. Honed Virginia Mist has the beautiful dark color, and the fairy-dust-sugar sprinkled over it. Yet VM looks and feel like granite, make no mistake. Me, I would rather forego the delicious soft "feel" of soapstone, and its unique look, in favor of the bulletproof nature of VM. That's me. You may feel the opposite, but it is a "personality" decision, since both stones are beautiful. Take samples of each into your kitchen and see it in your kitchen rather than just how it looks at the showroom or stoneyard. That might help you decide....See Morehoned virginia mist pics
Comments (27)It's been six months since I put the counters in. I've only sealed them once. On a day to day basis I have noticed no obvious scratches, stains, marks, etc. My husband and my nine year old are the proverbial bulls in a china shop, so the counters are not babied one bit. Since you asked, I thought I should give the counters a thorough once over. I put on my old lady magnifying reading glasses, waited until daylight, turned on every light in the kitchen and really examined it from every angle. When I got super close (two inches) to the counter and looked at it from one angle, I did notice some faint marks. They resembled eraser marks, not scratches and they were only visible from a certain angle. I also noticed some very mild pitting. I have no water stains. I recently noticed that the side of the cooktop where I cook the greasy stuff stays slightly darker after I wipe it after cooking. It's been six months so I'm sure it will go away when I seal again. The faint "eraser" marks will probably go away too. But honestly they aren't noticeable and don't bother my one bit. Who goes around their kitchen with a magnifying glass? Who has time? So, to answer your question. Yes, I am still thrilled wth my counters. When you put your nose to the counter, they do show a tiny bit of wear. They aren't perfect but I still give them an "A". I hope my input helps. Dee...See MoreKitchen_ Reno
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