Depends entirely on the granite.

Uba Tuba and many other dark stones won't stain or etch, and need no pampering whatsoever.

They also lend themselves [IMO] to the look you are describing: They are pretty when you look closely, but not spectacular and attention grabbing. At the risk of being a little 'precious' myself, they aren't divas, they are quite capable of playing a supporting role...

The tough thing for the consumer is being certain the stone we are looking at down at the yard is really the one we've read such good things about on the web: it seems to me there are twice as many names for stone today as there were 2 years ago [when I started planning for my new home], and some slabs I've seen in person look nothing like the average stone of the same name I've seen online.

So how do we decide? I haven't a clue. People here talk a great deal about testing a sample of the actual slab you are considering, but that doesn't seem to be 'done' in my area.

Hi Cheryl!
I have 6 kids, my parents live with us, and at the moment, my brother, his SO, and her 2 children are staying with us (long story-you've gotta love family!). Honestly, our granite has been fabulous through alot of VERY messy cooks (not me!)and kids. I've had many more dishes chipped from being improperly loaded in the dishwasher (GR-R-R)than on my granite. As far as the look, there are so many different varieties that work wonderfully in a country kitchen. Have you looked at a honed finish. Some even resemble soapstone which sounds perfect for your look. Honestly, if my hubby was arguing FOR granite, this is one argument I would let him win. My next kitchen will also have marble and wood counters! My hubby lives in another world where the size and condition of the garage and workshop are far more important than a mere kitchen! Fortunately, we had a very patient realtor!
Pattie

I agree, look into one of the dark granites in a honed finish. I think that will make you both happy and he'll get to say "told you so" later on.

Why don't you get what you love? I know I heard recently of putting an undermount sink in laminate....was it on this forum? I can't remember if it was here or HGTV, lol! But I firmly feel YOU should get what YOU love (and want or need...) Nobody should talk you into something you really don't want.

Our family of five is very messy and I have loved our granite for its function. The current granite in our kitchen is not to our taste looks wise but it is great to live with. I'm in Kansas so not as cold but I don't notice in winter that it feels uncomfortable.

I know it depends on what granite you have about the stains and such, but my granite shows nothing, doesn't etch, and completely hides coffee grounds, crumbs, and the typical general mess of life. This is a very busy pattern we have, though.

good luck with your decision. I agree with the poster above - get what YOU love and what works in your style, but I'd add that you shouldn't discount anything until you've seen if it can work with your style. Granite can be many things to many people depending on edge profile, color/pattern, etc.

Anita

and I absolutely LOVE having an undermount sink.

Definitely get what you want its your kitchen. However, I love my granite. It does not stain, chip, break other dishes etc. I have 11 children, homeschool, entertain etc. I use our kitchen all the time as do my children. I love granite because it always looks great. I am a very "tidy" person so this really helps my need for things to be clean as I got a pattern where much can hide if we haven't got to the kitchen immediately after eating. We are now building and there was no other choice for me than to put in granite, I do love it so.

Canuckgal, I'm a complete slob. I make messes, leave them and sleep soundly with tea stains and dried on goo on my counters. In fact, that's one of the reasons I love my granite so much. Everything wipes off, even after sitting overnight (OK, or a few days), and better yet, the granite pattern actually hides the crud!! Like I said, granite is a sloppy girl's best friend!

I don't have my granite yet but hear that it hides a multitude of sins. I have a busy pattern that blends well with corn flakes, coffee grinds, etc. I don't like laminate because I cannot put hot things on it, it cracks, gets old looking, stains, etc. There is always tile and there are some tiles that are up to 24 inches so you don't have too many grout lines, etc.

HGTV had on their kitchens and baths 2008 show Sunday this week (should be repeated a dozen times or so) a new way to undermount sinks with laminate. May want to go to their website and check it out. They stated they would have the items on there.

With that said, unless hubby does all the cooking and cleaning, get what you want and enjoy that cuppa! Lord knows I can't live without my tea first thing in the morning.

You didn't say what you like for colors. Granite might please both of you if you get one of the "bullet proof" ones. If you want white or very light, it might be more difficult.

Sue

As long as you stay away from a solid black color, polished or honed, crumbs and coffee rings should not show. My best friend is a real neat-nick so her St. Cecelia granite drives her nuts because she can't tell if it's dirty, and so is constantly wiping it!

I am a total slob (we all are) and after nearly two years I still lovelovelove my granite! Not only does it hide all the detritus of our messy lives, but spilled super glue (I like to sit at the peninsula to craft) gets scraped off with my bench scraper, followed by some steel wool and presto - good as new. No scratches, either. My old laminate was a disaster in no time.

No stains, even around the coffee area. I got granite so I could have an undermounted sink (much easier to clean) but never expected to love it for so many other reasons as well.

This is taking "hiding crumbs" to a whole new level, lol!

I didn't notice the counters feeling particularly cold over the winter, but when it gets hot outside the granite feels wonderful! Bummer it's too hard to sleep on. :-)

Here is a link that might be useful: My Eventually Almost Mostly Finished Budget Craftsman Kitchen

I have New Venetian Gold granite counters in our almost one-year-old remodel; it's a medium coloured granite and it hides everything. Wanting an undermount sink and my inability to find any solid surface countertops I loved made me choose granite and I'm so happy I did.

I'm on the neater side but it doesn't drive me crazy b/c I can 'feel' the lumps and stickies when wiping the counter with a microfibre cloth so it's easy to get it clean. Other family members aren't so neat but there's never been any staining or issues at all.

I live in the Edmonton, Alberta area which gets very cold in the winter and it has been a non-issue for us.

I'd be a bit cautious with an sink under mounted between a thin laminate and its particle board base. Laminate edges are prone to chipping, and I've seen laminate lift from its backing. Obviously, once water gets to the underlayment, serious problems can ensue. At least with a solid surface counter top water penetration isn't that big of an issue.

1. Granite is very "fancy" looking for our sort of "country style" kitchen.
- color choice will help you here.

2. I am a VERY messy cook, quite often drips and messes get left overnight. I am worried about staining/etching.
- Our granite has never etched or stained and it hasn't been sealed in almost 3 years. Get a small piece of some ou are considering and test them.

3. I am a tea lover and there are constant tea rings left all over my counters.
- My granite hasn't stained from coffee or granite, often left on for hours (thanks to DH).

4. I have 5 children and they use the kitchen A LOT especially for loading/unloading the dishwasher. I am worried they will be cracking/chipping all my dishes.
- take it out of their allowance. Seriously, we wacked a few dishes on the edge of the counter at first, nothing ever broke, you just have to get used to it. Tell them to take it slow.

5. I am worried my granite will always be freezing cold (I live in Canada)
- I don't sit naked on my granite, that makes a big difference. ;) Seriously, we are in Maine. Yes, it's cold. But why does that matter? I don't put bare skin against it, why would I? It's great for rolling out dough. I usually stick a piece of Saran-Wrap on the counter before I roll for quicker cleanup.

Laminate chips, gets burn marks, warps from water.

I know where you're coming from (And that's not just cuz I'm in Canada too! :>). I heard so many tales of caution, I really worried about what granite would be like. But, even though our installation has been a horror story that still has not ended... the granite itself has been an absolute pleasure. Believe it or not, DH actually wipes up (a little bit) without being told- I think because we just love the granite so much, we want to keep it looking purty!

Everyone will learn how to unload and load dishwasher more carefully- don't use the 'brand new' dishes until they've all been broken in (kids and DH I mean).

We are changing from a dark (read bullet proof) granite to a medium granite. Once it's in, will tell you if it's stain proof- but I do have a sample that I've lemon-juiced, mustarded, etc. and so far so good. DH says you wouldn't notice stains anyways (lots of colour and pattern in this new granite)- but maybe he's just creating an out for the inevitable...?

Don't think I'd be comfortable with a really light coloured one, cuz I don't want to have to baby it, but I have no real experience. Having said that I did buy a fairly light granite for one of the guest room bathrooms- just hope DD doesn't leave her blue hair dye on there for long!

Thanks everyone for all your thoughtful replies, I especially loved all the responses from admitted slobs like me! LOL! I think we will end up getting granite. The undermount sink is very important for DH and our kitchen reno has been 90% DIY all by himself. I think he deserves a little say and all of you have helped me to calm down about staining.... which was a main concern. I can see how colour of granite will affect the look of our kitchen greatly (we are hoping for a med/dark brown) I am sure I will love the undermount sink as well. Thanks all!
BTW Raehelen......are you in the GTA area? If so who did you use (so I can stay away! LOL!)

Except for #1 and #5 it's pretty easy to pick a granite that makes your other issues non-existant. Pick the right honed granite and you eliminate #1.

I live in NY and I think #5 is a real issue but only on an eating island. Otherwise, you really don't touch the counters. It is possible to install electric mats (the kind used for radiant floor heat) under the counter to heat it. If I remember correctly, Warmly Yours was the manufacturer I contacted re the undercounter use. I decided that I wouldn't use it enough to justify the expense but more likely I was pretty burned out at that point and just wanted to get it done so I skipped it. Plates of food placed on the counter cool very quickly.