I'm sorry not to have a specific suggestion for you, but just a question. Are you set on quartz as the surface that you want? I only ask because it seems to limit you. Given what you describe, I think I'd really shop hard for some of the nicer laminates that are available today. Some of them are really very good, I think.

I paid $39 sqft installed for Silestone Coral Troya but I don't think it would match your cabs. They had a couple of other options at that price range. One looked like limestone. The darker colors were all more expensive.

good idea buying your top from Lowe's or Home Depot. If you're not happy they WILL guarantee satisfaction. Even if you have to pay more, you're buying an insurance policy. Believe me, I've learned the hard (expensive) way having to replace my quartz top that I bought elsewhere.

check out this thread...

Here is a link that might be useful: Replacing my quartz countertop

I'm not set on using quartz at all but I did what a farm house sink. From what I understand I can't do that with laminate. As a matter of fact Ive seen post about a dark laminate that looks like soapstone. I liked that one and some of the others as well. Home Depot tells me that laminate doesn't cost that much less than the lower priced granite, quartz and corian. She said the edges on the laminate drive the cost up. Laminate would be great but the sink issue.

Kim

So sorry to hear of the problems with your quartz. Your new counters are beautiful. Enjoy!
Kim

Your post is timed perfectly. I just paid for a Zodiac Cappuccino countertop at Costco today. Having looked at Silestone, Zodiac, Cambria and briefly at others, I can tell you that there definitely are less expensive colors, and more expensive ones, but I am not aware of any quartz countertop color available installed for under 50.00 sq ft. You might look into Zodiacs "A" colors, which are Argo Green and Eclipse Blue, or "B" colors, which are Abyss Black, Antique Pearl, Copper Sunset, and Lunar Pearl. If you have a Costco near you, it really pays to get an estimate from them . I asked Lowes if they would match the price and they took 3 or 4 days to get back to me and finally said that the Costco price was well below their cost and they would not be able to match it. Costco was about 6-700.00 cheaper than Lowes. If you go with the least expensive or even one catagory less expensive than the Cappuccino, which is a "C" group, AND are able to with Costco you might be able to swing it.

Silestone from Home Depot starts at 59.00 sq ft, but that is without a charge for the sink cutout. However, HD intermittently offers 10% off Silestone. The current offer requires a cabinet purchase, but sometimes they don't. That would bring you to about 55.00 a sq foot. The least expensive Silestone colors are Beige Olympio, Coral Troya, Diana Pearl (quite nice and fairly neutral, actually), and Gray Expo.

Cambria tends to be less expensive than either of those two, but I am not aware of any available discounts or sales like the above.

Which colors largely depends on your preference for high or low contrast. The Argo green is quite dark and would look nice, but not if you are not a "green" person. The Abyss Black would be perfect. I think any can be honed, but they are higher maintenance.

Sue

I bet your going to love your countertops. The cappuccino is my all time favorite. I don't have a Costos around here. We have Sams Club.

Thanks for the information. I need to start looking at all my options.
Kim

Sigh.
This is the age of the internet. Go to Costco.com and locate the nearest store. Then call them and see if they offer countertops at one of their kiosks. If so, ask them, or I can give you the number to call. Tell them you want to make sure you are within the area covered and will be able to purchase the Silestone before joining. Costco's countertop salesperson comes to your home, and he said some of the people whose houses he goes to live a hour or more from the nearest Costco. He comes to your house, brings all the samples, and measures and gives you a written estimate. Then if it isn't convient for you to go to Costco, he brings the quote and credit card info there for the customer and processes the payment through Costco. You don't even have to go. You can join online for 50.00. You never actually have to go to a Costco. But even if it meant one trip an hour or more away, wouldn't it be worth it to get your quartz counter if you couldn't otherwise? In the meantime, it just a little internet investigation and a phone call.

Otherwise, try the quartz price estimator online at Home Depot for Silestone using some of the least expensive colors, then see what an additional 10% off would do. That doesn't require much investment, ether.

Sue

I'm so far out of my personal area of expertise that it isn't even funny. But, I did ask someone who DOES know about your situation, and he said that the laminate countertop will work if you choose a drop-in apron sink (instead of an undermount.) Maybe one more thing to add to your list of stuff to look into.

I don't have laminate or undermount sink (I have quartz with drop-in) but I saw on a home show where they now have a new seal for laminate counters with undermounts. I don't know what it's called but I've heard a couple of people mention it on this forum. I love my quartz and couldn't be happier ($39)!

I'm sorry to jump in, but never did this before & not sure how to post, etc., but I'm desperate for help on the counter top subject. Please, any specific name suggestions of countertops or photos for our custom kitchen cabinets of cherry wood with a burgundy/cranbery custom mixed stain. I am having a very hard time visualizing what color counter top would go best. I was hoping for a formal look and also still need to choose the floor (unsure of whether wood-look laminate or ceramic). I'd like to pick the countertop 1st and then the floor. Note: Kitchen is only 10 X 12.

Recently we went to view a large slab of Silestone quartz in Stellar Rose (which my husband & I THOUGHT we loved) at "Vangura's world-class fabricating facility" which we were very impressed with. However, much to our dismay, we both ended up hating the Stellar Rose! I was originally concerned that the mirror flecks would look too "disco-ish", however after viewing, it was the rose blotches that were horrendous! The sample we had looked NOTHING like the actual piece. We were grateful that we made the 90 minute trip to the facility, and were spared a $6000 mistake! However, now after 4 months of research & decision making, weÂre right back at square one, searching for our "perfect" choice again.

We were certain we wanted quartz, but after seeing all the beautiful slabs, we are considering granite. Ultimately found 1 slab of granite we love, and a few possibilities. The problem is that Vangura assigns their own names & faxes info directly to our Kitchen Designer for the price quote. 1 we loved was named "Marrone 8000 South America Brazil 8010 TGB". It was consistent pattern of grey, black, silver white (very iridescent). The problem is we were not allowed to photograph them or buy a sample, etc. and I already cannot remember exactly what the Marrone 8000 looks exactly like & cannot comparison shop not knowing its actual names. Does any one have any idea how we can find out its "real" name to comparison shop? Also are considering Uba Tuba (which obviously they kept itÂs name), but am afraid that the darker color will show every streak & fingerprints, etc.

Finally, after, reading all the horror stories about granite staining, cracking, clouding, being doctored, to seal or not seal, etc. I dont know if quartz is better, but now am afraid of quartz "pooling"!!! Sorry this is so long but any help will be greatly appreciated!

Sue, I did find our nearest Costo and plan to check on their prices. I didn't know all the details about never having to go to the store. I think I would enjoy going to Costo now that I know we have one 1 hour away.
We have already priced some Silestone with Home Depot. I really favored the cappuccino though. There really are many beautiful counters out there from laminate to granite. I'll be doing my homework to find one that will work for me.
Thanks for the help.
Kim

Thanks for the information about drop in sinks and sealing laminate. I'm going to do some research on that. That could be my answer.
Thanks, Kim

mlraff53,

Where did you find Silestone for $39? I'm looking at Coral Troya as well and sure like that price!

Kim,

Did you find out if Costco countertops are available in your area? Did you find another source or decide to go with something else?

Let me know how you made out.

Sue

Sue -

Have you had your Zodiac countertops installed yet through Costco. I was wondering how it all went because I am considering getting an estimate from them.

Bonnie

ZABOODLE: Sorry I never saw your post. I bought my Coral Troya at HD in Houston. All their Silestones started at $39 (Lowe's Zodiac also started at $39) and they both had granites at $46. Plus I got a 20% discount.
I'me very happy with it. I'm sure there are prettier ones, but this one fit my budget.

Thats great, I am glad you were able to afford it.

Bonnie, yes my counters are installed and I am very happy. I was worried, esp. given the recent posts about blotches and resin pooling, but I had none of that. I posted about the countertops right after they were installed, the link to those photos are below. Please remember that it depends on what company Costco contracts with locally in your area.

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: My countertop