Although you *can* put hot pots/pans on stone, you really shouldn't. The thermal shock of a hot pan laying on a cold stone can cause cracks. Our granite fabricator strongly encouraged us to still us trivets etc. I'd cry if I cracked my tops (especially after spending sooo much money on them!).

Thanks you all so much for all these great responses. I inherited money from my dad & can afford a Caesarstone counter, but do I REALLY want to spend that much money on a countertop? Probably not! Coming down to earth! I'd rather go on a cruise or something. Thanks for warning me about water running off a bullnose easily onto cabs!! Yikes, not good! I guess I've been incredibly fortunate, but all the laminate counters in my dad's house (65 yrs. old) and my house (42 yrs) are practically in perfect condition, and they were abused badly!!! I like the Ora 1/8" full-wrap edge I saw online today - by VT who make post formed laminate counters- it's like a squared slab. Trebuchet - I have met so many installers who are full of it - makes me wonder if there are any honest people left!! You really can't do too much homework on this stuff. I could write a book about all the fiascos & shoddy merchandise I've received!! At this point, I'm surprised to get materials that aren't flawed in some form or fashion!! I bought a quartz (engineered stone) double sink countertop with undermount bowls from HD and it arrived with large chips, which we didn't find until we hauled it upstairs & it weighed a zillion pounds. They sent a replacement weeks later which was installed. After installation, discovered a flaw in a sink bowl @size of a quarter. If the Caesarstone would have these issues, I would freak out after spending thousands!!!!

If you have decided that an acrylic solid surface counter is what you want Wilsonart Solid Surface should be fine. All of the major brands (Corian, Wilsonart, Hi-Macs, Starron et) of solid surfacing are pretty much identical in terms of wear and durability. I tell my clients to choose the color/pattern they like best and not worry about the brand. In your case you are making the brand decision based on the fabricator, a perfectly reasonable way to choose. Let him fabricate and install the counters and enjoy your new kitchen.

Hi Stargirl, Ci lantro is right. It's the beveled edge. I had originally wanted a 180 wrap edge. However, that would have required a post-form counter which would have then given me a diagonal seam in the corner between the sink and stove. I didn't want to have any visible seams. The beveled edge allowed for no seams on the top anywhere. With the beveled edge, I could have gotten clipped corners, but I opted for 90 degree inside and outside corners.