Agree with everyone who says to wait if possible..you should look at the materials as they're to be installed..tile will be vertical-you should place it perpendicular to the countertop..or to the sample of the countertop:) When everything is just lying together horizontally you can't get a true picture..the color of the surfaces changes with the light, the light changes with a different angle. And in a different time of a day. Also, photos are often deceiving, as was already mentioned. It's not that the backsplash can't be chosen on an earlier stage-I did chose mine before I even knew the countertops etc. But yes, it was hard. If you can wait-wait. Also, about the beveled tile. In case you decide to go with it. Harder to work with, because of the cuts..something to plan on in advance, ask the installers how they'll go about it, etc. Actually, whatever you choose-think how you're going to finish the tile. Not one person mentioned it to us during the whole remodel, not the GC, not his subs, not the designer in the store(she was magnificent btw-but has she ever been to our house? no, she just advises about tiles-)and I didn't know about these forums yet:) Then months go by, lol, and they come to install the backsplash. We have the tile for several months already, so we're thinking we're good. Then it appears we need to order additional tiles to finish nicely, and it being a custom tile. takes another three weeks.

Nicole, I did everything even more backwards..in the kitchen, I started with the backsplash...:) because the tile was custom and 6 weeks wait at that time, while the slabs are usually there and ready. Well they were there and ready, but I couldn't find the right one for weeks after that. We were going everywhere with the sample of the tile, the floor, the cabinet door..You get the picture. Well found it eventually. Lol. That's why I'm afraid to give you a potentially bad advice by just looking at the screen-I remember what it takes, to choose the material. Had a very similar experience with the counter in the master bath..they gave me some tiny samples(literally, like 2 by 2 at most) and asked to choose. Then I chose. Then I opened a thread here where I mentioned I chose something because people are waiting, but I'm really not sure whether it's the right choice . Then I got some encouragement to speak up. Then I wrote a letter to our GC and Co: "So sorry. I really wanted to make everyone happy but I need a couple more days to choose the stone". Next day, we drove to the slab yards around us, and found a remnant that was like a hundred times better choice than the one I reluctantly chose before. BTW was cheaper than their pre-fab Quartz too. Maybe twice as cheaper. Well the GC and us did get a bit mad at each other, and he stalled us for three weeks not picking that slab. Was not exactly easy for him to pick it up too I must say, as all his guys are not local, and it became a real problem at some point, as the remodel went on and on. Then we met to reconcile, which we did. We silently arrived at consensus -we payed for the slab, even though it was a part of their quote-but they did come to pick it up. Now I love my new counter, and I must say the GC loves it too. Will make his work on that bathroom look much, much better. Which is kinda important thing for somebody who takes pride in what he does. Don't worry. It will fall into place. Try to visit other facility if possible. It's a big decision, you shouldn't be rushed into it. Also look at the remnants they've got there, just in case(if they got them)-who knows, maybe you'll find your stone winking at you. Good luck to you, and I wish I could be more helpful-to me, slabs are the worst..

Ok guys I'm back looking at counter tops again and would appreciate your feedback. The left you've seen a million times London Sky and the right Viatera Calacutta which of these two so you like? I don't know why but the larger vein Quartz is growing on me :)here is the slab they pulled for me today of the Calacutta: I also went to another place and looked at the Neolith porcelain which I can't stop thinking about because it's really really pretty...but I'm so worried about having issues either with fabrication, install or use :/ I've read every Neolith thread which some sound risky and watched demo videos which some look impressive. i love the polished but no way to the potential scratching so was considering the silk finish. While I was still in the showroom area discussing the Neolith with one of the salesman a couple came in and looked at the large island sample of Neolith and I overheard the woman say to her DH what's this it looks like plastic. I don't think the salesman heard her as he continued to brief me but that took the wind out of my sail a bit when she said that :( We proceeded to the warehouse where he showed me the slabs. My opinion...still so pretty :) Thoughts?

@Angie W What colors do you like for a counter? Black, Beige, White? Quartz comes in almost any color or pattern. Have you taken a stained cabinet door and taken it to a slab yard? That's a great way to look at the quartz options to see which you might like. You might discover you want something more natural like Soapstone or granite or quartzite.