Hmm. Read through the contract 3 times and not one word price changes pursuant to anything. Guess I'll have to see how it shakes out and deal with something if it arises. I was just wanting to educate myself a bit in advance. Thanks, jakuvall. Oops. Just found an email written by me that I had forgotten about. Guess I covered my bases last month after all? I put my questions in quotes and his answers are directly below each question. > Hi (KD name), > > Thanks for the quote. I do have a few questions: > > 1. "In which group is the Formica Luna Sand solid surface top?" Group C color, price would be $2922.92 plus tax for perimeter countertops > 2. "Does your estimate include installation of the plant on style splash?" Installation of all solid surface materials is included > 3. "I understand the full height up charge is the additional amount for the material only; or is that additional amount including installation?" T price includes installation > > 4."Where would a counter/splash of the same specs fall cost-wise in Wilsonart Antique White color? I am now also considering that as an option." It would be a group B color, the lowest price that I quoted you before ( $2516.28 + 209.43 for the full height splash) > > 5. "Is all of this 1/2" or is some of it 1/4" as we discussed?" It is all 1/2" as formica does not make a 1/4" panel in your color > > 6. "When I decide, how does payment proceed?" We request 1/2 down and balance upon installation completion > > 7. "What is the time frame for delivery of the slabs after ordering?" They would template and it would be about 2 weeks after that when the tops would be ready for installation > > "I think that's what I need to know at this point in time. > > > Looking forward to your reply, >(me)" > > This post was edited by deedles on Sat, Mar 1, 14 at 9:40

When people say that quartz looks like "fake" stone it always makes me scratch my head. For me, I love it because it is clean and uniform--if I wanted "real" stone with the variability that comes with real stone, I'd choose granite or marble. Saying it looks like fake stone is like saying that cork looks like fake wood. Two very different materials, two very different looks. Neither one is better--it's what style you prefer. Exactly! But I have found that many people try to sell quartz counters saying they look like granite but are better/easier/tougher (which I think has already been addressed above). Some of their colours do appear to be in fact imitating the look of real stone. I don't think they do well at that, but I totally agree with you that it's a great choice if you want a uniform or clean look or their vibrant colours.

i wouldn't be too worried about seam strength, frankly. if it's in the corner, the cabinet edges will help support it, and similar would be true for the sink. i would think about what you would find noticable/irritating. myself, i'd want the seam in the corner. i'd find it less noticable there.

As Joseph alludes to they are a good source for many items. They most often use the same local fabricators all the kitchen designers use, they just get better pricing. I am not a fan of box stores for many many products but if the fabricator they are using passes the smell test I would have no issues using them. My house has HD RTA cabinets (they were in it when I bought it) and the granite is one of the HD standard stock colors and the fab work on it far exceeds the quality and installation on the cabinets.