Granite counter tops are a very Joneses type of thing in this area. You would think the kitchen wouldn't work right without them the way people are obsessed.

So do they have staying power? Are they going to go the way of the paneled rec room? In ten years will people say, "But the kitchen has granite. That's so dated."?

I'm trying to figure out if they are really a great thing or just another consumer fad/ costly home improvement ploy...

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I hope not since we just got granite in the house we're building! LOL

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It's one of those really nice but not necessary things. I know one thing they are really hard on glass. I was at a party in a fancy house last year, I sat a wine glass down apparently a little too hard once and it broke - the owner told me it happens all the time.

I personally don't think it's worth the money. You can get Corian a lot cheaper and it's durable. The times they are always a changin - whats hot this year is not next. Go with something you like that suits your style. If you plan on living with it a long time invest the little extra and get what you want.

I don't think its a fad as much as its a look people go for. More of a ritzy look maybe. I have heard they are long lasting but I wouldn't get them as they are not my style.

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I'd take Corian over granite anyday, but I think it's personal preference. We had Corian and I LOVED it. I wish we could afford to put it in our new house.

I agree --- I'll take Corian anyday. Smooth and easy to care for. We were at some friends house and they were poo-pooing corian and boasting about how they are getting Granite (we have corian..so I was a little insulted.) I said, "Well, Corian is right up there in terms of preference..." and they laughed and said Granite was the only way to go. I was kind of annoyed because it's so arrogant/snobbish. Like, you haven't "arrived" until you can get granite. Goodness. Granite is pretty. But the only time I would feel it's a must-have is for re-sale value in a house! So, if I were building a house (like Ember) I would have granite installed for future re-sale. Otherwise, I'm content with my poor-man's Corian!

As far as fads... it's hard to say. I tend to think it's pretty classic and won't go out of style, as long as the color of the granite is not too crazy. But there will be something else "everyone" wants in a few years. It's how they keep us all spending money.

Poured concrete countertops are a fad. Stainless steel countertops are a fad (think 'labratory science class'). Those 'chipped edge' stone tiles are a bit of a fad and WILL look dated in a few years.

Granite, being a natural product, has been around for a very long time so I consider it a classic. I don't think anyone will ever poo-poo the look and feel of a countinous granite or marble countertop. Colors may change over the years, though. I can't imagine living with dark or nearly black countertops. It is the same for all those people who installed white or nearly white granite, marble, or 'cultured stone' countertops. I also won't chose granite because of having to seal it. I definately would frown upon granite tile but then again, I don't like tile at all because of the grout lines.

I have to do something with my kitchen countertops. Right now I'm leaning toward installing hardwood. I know that wouldn't be a popular choice of many homeowners and might hurt re-sale value but if you have ever lived with hardwood countertops you'd see how very easy they are. Like I said, I'm still thinking about it.

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I think granite is classic just very expensive. We thought about it when we redid our kitchen but with all the other stuff we had to do it put us way over budget!

This last weekend I was watching Flip That House, they said granite is more expensive than granite tile but MUCH easier to maintain! Of course they went with the tile because they were flipping.

I totally agree.

Oh my another Joneses post.... I personally would love granite counters. I think they are beautiful and pretty easy to maintain from what i have heard.

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Jodie....Wife to Andrew (1995)
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After 3 forced remodels (due to floods) we have had our 2nd Silestone counter put in. Love it! Looks like granite but has more color selection, never needs sealing, doesn't shatter glasses, easy to clean and has antibacterial properties. We used to have Corian, which I loved at the time but I didn't like how it scratched. We are planning on selling this home now that everything is new again and hope that the kitchen is the big selling point.
Tamara