All quartz "wears" well. That is the entire point of quartz. What sounds like a mist fit is a "farm sink" in white.............especially with glossy white modern cabinets. Perhaps an apron front stainless or simply under mount a stainless sink?

You may want to visit a fabricator and see some quartz options for yourself. It's not best chosen online anyway. Caesarstone, Zodiaq, MSI, all are fine. Just know you will not get vein "matching" if your kitchen involves counter seams, especially corner turns.

Note...... a backsplash is best chosen only when counter tops are firmly decided and is BEST selected after they are INSTALLED.

I wouldn't get a quartz that looks like Carrera with real Carrera in the same room (your fireplace). I think your original choice is what I would do - sounds perfect for the modern feel (with some original touches like fireplace). (I just know how if someone talked me into that change, and then it clashed with the marble fireplace, I'd never walk into that room and not think of it.) I love marble-look quartz in general, just think you had the right idea here (not your contractor).

How much countertop do you have? I ask because I've been really unimpressed with marble look quartz in large pieces- it always looks man-made to me.

Any reason you're not considering quartzite? It comes in a bunch of marble-looking styles that are similar in look and feel, but not so similar that they will clash with real marble. We went with quartzite in our kitchen and we have a carrara marble mantle in the parlor floor sitting area (which can clearly be seen from the kitchen.) I don't think it clashes at all!

6 foot breakfast bar plus another 6 feet that will make a L shape. The other wall is floor to ceiling walnut cabinets-so no countertop on that side (kitchen is an open shaped U.

There are two companies that can do a waterfall and keep the veining consistent if I went with a marble quartz look.

Looking forward to your pics! I personally prefer a plain white quartz.

are there different brands of white quartz? I love the pure white look and don't want to spend the money on caesarstone.

Does white quartz stain easily? thank you.

Hi Idolby, I'm in a similar boat... I want a high quality countertop but the Caesarstone and Silestone pricetags are pretty steep. Can I ask what you landed on and how you like it?

Also, MissNYC16, what brand did you end up going with? Was there a big difference between brands? Do you think the value of quartz is worth the price?

Long division!!! Unless you are putting lipstick on a u know what to sell?

Divide the thing you want over the length of ownership . Based on that ? Bet you find any of Caesarstone, Zodiaq, Silestone.....pretty darn reasonable. Remember too.... fabrication and install can be compared to hanging wallpaper. Might as well hang one you love