Very different personalities in these two slabs. Personally I would go with the Daltile slab but that's because I'd want more of a flowing/unified look. If you want a lot of contrast throughout the kitchen (such as a crisp white, charcoal, or black on the backsplash) the MSI slab would work.

With either choice I'd pick a simple one color backsplash that pulls one color out of the slab.

I prefer the bottom photo slab from MSI. If you are going to go Alaska White, then go Alaska White! In other words, that slab has all the personality that Alaska White is prized for. The slab in the top photo is more generic and can be viewed as interchangeable with other granites in that family of white background with colors of taupe/gray/black in it. The choice boils down to whether you want a wow factor to your counters or not. But for me, the second photo is the winner.

BTW, Alaska White granite is a very good granite maintenance-wise. Just seal once a year, and that's about it. Good choice!

I'm with ya! Thanks for your opinions. I like them both. When I saw daltile it was better than lots I had seen so I thought that was it! Then found msi and was like whoa!! So. Im leaning msi for the wow. But they both beautiful in person. I think it comes down to flowing or wow! Thank you !

Definitely the MSI slab. I love a granite with personality.

One thought. You say your island is 5' wide. Will you be able to reach the middle to clean it? (I'm vertically challenged so think of things like that.)

One other thought and others may disagree. In my apartment in NY, we have glass cabinets on either side of the cooktop and I hate it. They always seem to get spots from cooking, etc.

We are not having glass. That was changed but thanks for the point! I am vertically challenged but I'll walk around!

I'd go with the MSI slab for much the same reasons as M Miller. What are you using for the perimeter countertops?

Same for perimeter. Thanks!

I agree with others that this choice is whether you want a wow, look-at-me granite, or a serene calming look. Both slabs are beautiful. I also would think about which parts will go on the island vs. the perimeter. With the granite in the second photo, you will have to do a careful template layout. IMHO, at least one of those big white sections should be front-and-center. With the slab with the more unified pattern, it will be easier to layout the island and perimeter. Regardless, do not skip the template layout with your fabricator - be there.

As a side note, a friend of mine has Alaska White, and her granite is somewhere in-between your first photo and second photo. Her backsplash is Daltile Rittenhouse white subway tiles. It looks great with this granite, and doesn't compete with it, and is not too expensive either.

I have Alaska White and absolutely love it. You've made a great choice! My slab was a little in between yours, but probably closer to the first one.

It has been so easy to keep clean and is stunning as a counter. I think you should try to imagine what parts of the counter will go where- your KD can help with that. It may help with your decision.

Also have KraftMaid, but I went with their white color. Couldn't be happier with the quality and finish. Good luck!

I'm currently looking at granite also. I love the Msi!

I hope you'll post pics of whatever you choose!

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," and you are the one who will be looking at it every day. So if one is calling to you more than the other, that's the right choice. I would choose the Daltile, because to me the other looks too blotchy and, as others said, will need to be templated carefully. However, I find the serene, more cohesive look suits me better over the long-term. Many would disagree and, thus, go with the one you like the best. They are alike, yet so different.

I like the MSI but it depends on what you are going for with the counter. If you want that to be the focal point, then pick MSI. If you have other elements that are meant to be the star, then the Daltile may be more appropriate.

When we did our counters, I think Alaska White was our inspiration. But when we shopped we found what was called Copenhagen:

Pics · More Info

Go with what you love!

Totally agree with sail_away. What makes your heart sing? I also have Alaska White but mine is more like johnsoro's. I also had another to choose from that looks like the MSI but to my eye it looked splotchy and character or not that is not something I enjoy. I prefer some flow so I didn't give that one a second glance and there was no wondering at all if I chose the right one. I knew it when I saw it. Either will make a statement.

What do YOU like? If you called today and one was gone how would you feel? Fine? Bummed out? Maybe thinking about it that way will help.