Hi podiiy! TheSize manufactures the Neolith product, so I thought I might be able to help! Despite Neolith's thin profile (for countertops, we typically recommend a 12mm (1/2") thickness), the product is extremely durable, resistant to scratching, fading, chipping, hot pots and harsh chemicals. If you can share your approximate location, I can recommend a product distributor and fabricator that has worked with the product and can answer further questions. I'm also happy to send over a sample of the Iron Copper for you to look at with your contractor if that might help! Just let me know what you'd prefer. Thanks!

podiiy:

Neolith and other manufacturers have probably invested half a billion dollars in bringing this product to market. I'm fairly certain that if breakage were a problem, they would have solved it by now.

In the contracting game, new is always higher risk. Higher risk means less money. Your contractor wants you to get a countertop in which he is certain there will be no callbacks for him. Your problem is with his risk management, not with Neolith.

@TheSize:
Why is there such a huge discrepancy between installation prices? Is that the learning curve/risk management Joseph alludes to?

Also how does it compare in price to granite/marble prices. Additionally I am in love with your onyx.

I tried to find a recent thread but couldn't. Someone posted about what they thought was a botched seam, but it was actually what I think is called a french miter, which is a relatively complex seam to fabricate. If I remember correctly, that poster had Neolith or an equivalent. Anybody else remember that?

Good sleuthing--maybe sunnywk will chime in about her countertop is working out!

cpartist:

A fabricator has a dilemma when it comes to the new sintered surfaces. If he does not invest in the tools and the learning curve, he will be behind his competitors that do.

Were I a fabricator, I'd set my prices just high enough to take some of the sting out of my spankings.

@TheSize:

Would LOVE it if contractor and I could get a 1/2" thickness piece of the Iron corten. I am unclear - does that come in different finishes (smoothness) or only the one? I am in SF.

Hmmm, so the price is high because folks are learning to fabricate and they break it a lot? Oh dear. Doesn't that also mean the edges would easily chip/nic? What about dropping a skillet on it?

My understanding is that it contains concrete - what about standing water/liquids?

Anyone know anyone who has actually used this product as a kitchen countertop? Mostly on the threads I have seen it is folks admiring it but no experience living with it?

Thanks!

podily:

The sintered surfaces contain no concrete and have a factory finish. A dropped skillet will not harm a properly installed sintered surface on the flat; might chip an edge, but unlikely. Standing water, heat, and liquids have virtually no effect on sintered tops.

podily, fwiw, I have seen dekton for sale at a Bay Area Home Depot. I believe the cost with installation was $95 a square foot.

@nosoccermom:
Most granite fabricators have the tools to cut and install Neolith already, but
unfamiliarity with the material does occasionally interfere. For this reason,
we created the Neolith Training School in 2010 and have been training
fabricators and other professionals the proper way to cut, finish and install
the product. If you let me know your location, I can contact you with the
distributor/fabricator closest to you who has been trained. Because they’re
familiar with the material, they feel there is less risk and don’t feel the
need to charge more to cover any mishaps. Let me know if you have any other
questions!

@cpartist:
Neolith runs at about the price of quartz, but price varies a lot depending on
model, thickness, finish, etc. If you’re interested, I can connect you with a
local distributor/fabricator who can give you a more accurate estimate. I’d
also be happy to send you a sample of the Onyx if you haven’t seen it in person
yet. The design is so intricate and authentic, and it can be backlit like
natural onyx—it’s pretty fascinating to see in person!

@podiiy: Sure thing! We have some great people in San
Francisco who've worked with the product for several years. You’re in great
hands! I’ll message you their contact information. Colors in the Iron
collection only come in a Satin finish, which is matte.

As Joseph Corlett mentioned, Neolith does not contain concrete; the product
is made up of feldspar, silica, mineral oxides and clays. You’ll have no issue
with dropping things on the surface, leaving acidic foods or bleach on the
surface overnight, etc. Here are some resources about the testing: here’s a video of the
material being tested with chisels, pliers, CLR and hydrochloric acid, among
other things. Houzz user AvatarWalt also posted about his experience testing
the product on the
forums here. I’ll shoot you a message with your local distributor’s contact
information—he’ll be able to get you a sample that you can test out yourself!

Sorry to jump on the post, but TheSize, wondering if I could also get some samples sent to my contractor as well as get the names of fabricators in the Southern California (San Fernando Valley) area. Thanks!

@theSize
I'm in the DC area and was quoted 175/sqft installed.
All I can say that it's not going to happen at that price :(

Order samples. Its "cousin" dekton was on display at my HD...and was (chipped!) $95 sq ft installed. I disliked the surface texture and would not consider installing it.

Agree that Dekton felt kind of creepy, except the black matte one (looked kind of like slate). However, I thought Neolith felt smooth.

Hey veroni2413! You can contact Angi Kachadourian at GEM International: angi@gem-international.net or 888.503.8919. They're located in Los Angeles at 12922 Raymer St. Angi is very familiar with the Neolith product and can get you some samples quickly. Feel free to send us a message with any questions or if you have trouble!

Hi nosoccermom: Can you send a message with some details on what distributor/fabricator you spoke with? Thanks!

Granix, Inc. Columbia, MD

nosoccermom, I'd recommend reaching out to Marva Marble & Granite, located in at 12225 Distribution Way, Beltsville, MD 20705: (301) 595-188, if you're still interested. They're very familiar with the product and hopefully can provide some pricing that will work better for you. Feel free to reach out with any other questions!

I believe Marva hosted an SFA meeting several years ago that I attended. Great bunch of folks.

Thank you for the lead.