If you look at the warranty inforamtion on the manufacturer websites you will see the difference in how Zodiac treats the issue of resin pooling in contrast to Cambria. Zodiac states no spot will be more than the size of a quarter, I believe, and all spots must be confined to no more than a quarter of the slab for the slab to be considered first quality. Cambria's warranty states "color blotches are intended and designed into many colors to enhance the natural beauty...product will not be replaced due to these variations." Silestone does not address blotches at all in its warranty but does say color variances are not covered. I don't know if they would consider the splotches a color variance but I really have not heard of problems with this type of thing with Silestone, either. I think Cambria just decided they didn't want to deal with trying to solve the problem and so just "designed it in". Zodiac went the other way, and is trying to limit the problem, but can't guarantee there won't be any at all. So, if you like the blotches, go with Cambria, if you don't either be sure to view the slab first or don't go with Cambria, and make sure to check the warranty for this issue with whatever company you go with. I hope my Zodiac installation goes well on Monday. Sue

Regarding UV stability, most (possibly all) resins and epoxies yellow over time. Dekton doesn't have any, and is thus UV stable. Dekton is an ultracompact MSS (manufactured solid stone), which is different from stone powder in resin. It is insanely hard, which means it is also hard to cut. Some people have problems with Dekton chipping, and Constantino says this is due to the fabricator not using appropriate and fresh blades, which results in invisible micro fractures that chip/break after istallation over time. Meanwhile the fabricators blame it on the Dekton. Personally I am obsessed with the look (matte, looks like real stone), but I am leary of the chipcidents and finger pointing game that ensues.

Our fab. cut our L shap out that fit on one slab, then cut the seam from that and they also fit the 3 inch backsplash on there prior to cutting from what they said so everything blends nicely for the one side of our kitchen. There was no way to lift the granite (in less they had tons of people and even then moving it around our tiny kitchen was very difficult as it was) without the seam. Ours put a lot of thought into it, which was nice and we didn't have to micromanage, which was even better. They had to use two slabs, but the other slab was used on the other side, so it was a non-issue of it matching up perfectly.

I too am looking for tile. Sometimes you are fortunate enough to see the sample already installed on a showroom wall, sometimes not. So I go the manufacturer's website and you can usually see pictures of rooms done in the tile you are considering. You can then see if you think it's too busy. Also remember what Dragon fly posted above about the shade variation (V1-V4) so you know what to expect.