Granite may look dated to some people but it's a workhorse. I cook the majority of my meals, and I enjoy not having to worry about spilling sauce, wine or oil on my countertops. I even sat a hot pan out of the oven onto the countertop once in a pinch and it didn't damage or burn.
Mr. Phoenix, I love the fact that you seemed to spend the time and effort to read your audiences’ comments and actually responded to them with great inputs and info. I recently found your channel and am hugely delighted. Your knowledge is valuable. Love your laughters! Love your fashion sense too. Best of luck to you in whatever you do.
I have porcelain. If you get it built up (mitered) so that the edges are thicker you don’t have those issues and it looks really good. It’s a similar cost to marble but without the anxiety of damaging it.
I beg to differ with the granite. Timeless choice and superb durability. All patterns are nice and can look very updated when you update other elements in the kitchen as well. I had seen it done with great results.
I have had granite in several homes. Gets outdated quickly, needs to be sealed, and I have chips near my sink and dishwasher which is annoying. Never had a problem with quartz or Cambria.
If it works with your kitchen style and lifestyle it will never get old 🤍 granite definitely is a top contender across all boards, except for pattern in my opinion, I like a sense of movement to my stones, but granite is gorgeous
In my old house I went to the stoneyard and found a slab of Alaskan white with huge multi-inch crystals - garnets the size of peas. It held up to multiple cooks at the same time. What's a trivet? Do we own one?
I was just at that stage of picking my worktop material and this video was extremely helpful on supporting my choice. I was going for the quartz so it was good to hear that i made the right decision depending on my needs.
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock - not metaphoric. It originated as sand, that was deeply buried and lithified by heat, pressure, and additions of secondary minerals by fluid intrusions.
@@mrphoenixgrey absolutely! Mine is a very dark and light brown, I don’t hate it, but I’d never go dark again, you see every single smudge! But, it goes so well with my light travertine backsplash, I really do still like it!
I've redone several kitchens and always have the best experience with granite, the slabs I've chosen have beautiful veins & exotic swirls creating the marble look yet easy maintenance. The employee staff at stone yards are really helpful & patient. Love them!!!! Best to have them cut & install so they take FULL responsibility.
@@kathybauman6708 Agree! Granite doesn’t just mean speckled - there are some gorgeous granites out there. Reviewing and approving the layout with the fabricator is key to getting the look you want. Most have computer programs that can show you how the layout will work in your space and can work with you to tweak it before any cutting is done.
Loveeeee marble just not as a kitchen countertop option!!! My pick would be quartzite waterfall on a huge island paired with walnut wood tone cabinets and either brass, chrome, black, or copper hardware (maybe on the copper)😂. I do want a black&white marble checkerboard floor in my kitchen at a 45 degree angle.
I have marble on my bathroom floor, and it's quite beautiful. I never walk on it with shoes, so it never gets messed up in any way. I got it for 70% off when Color Tile went out of business in Kansas City.
@@brockreynolds870 oooooo I never thought about in the bathroom!!! You’re giving me ideas. I wonder if I could get marble in penny sized tiles and do a classic hexagon pattern on the bathroom floor?
I should have included burger block and stainless steel in my review! But her block can work excellent in the right setting but I find it can look quite busy, while stainless steel is great - it looks very commercial
Do you have any opinion about butcher block counters? I've seen references to them as an affordable natural option. It seems to me they would be germ farms.
They require more maintenance in terms of sanding, staining, and keeping them germ free. Wood is much more porous and even with regular disinfecting, it holds onto microbes more than stone does sadly 😅 I also find butcher blocks looks very busy
Wood is naturally antimicrobial so I don't see the fear of germs, people have been using wood cutting boards for ages. And honestly you're not supposed to cut and prep food directly on your butcherblock countertop, I don't see why you'd mar it up like thay
Bought a house with Corian countertops. We are huge in cooking, and that countertop is going to go. We are thinking of granite since we cook so much. I say we because my husband and I cook together.
Oh boy. I wouldn't dare get any of these. I live alone, but I'm like a 9 year old boy on my environment 😜 I'm always dropping, banging, spilling, and could never remember to seal a surface. I'd need something impervious to damage
I am doing honed black granite (timeless, ageless) with a soapstone sink. The only reason I am not doing all soapstone is because it will cost another 5k for me, over honed black granite. AND honed black granite is perfect for the Invisacook (hidden) range we’re installing. I adore soapstone. It’s softer than the black granite though if that’s of interest to you. But I would definitely do soapstone counters if I could! Except island Invisacook though, granite or porcelain required for the hidden induction range. I am VERY excited for the soapstone sink !!
I just bought marble honed countertops in fantasy brown not installed yet but am stressing did I make the great choice or am I gonna ask myself what were you thinking?
Honed black granite does not age out but it’s counter to the all white/ beige look of the current trends certainly (no pun intended 😅). But I hear dark looks might be inching back in?
I love marble and granite. Why didn't you post this video sooner!! I just bought a large marble dining table. I'm screwed 😭🤣🤣 marble is so beautiful but so high maintenance 😩
Quartz all the way. I'd use a trivet with any top, it's habitual. Got orange lily pollen on my last quartz top - a wipe with diluted bleach, all gone. 😊 What about stainless steel or glass? (Less common, obvs)
Excellent choice! I personally find stainless steel to be too commercial, and glass can make it look very busy with all the high reflection surfaces. The longevity isn’t there to keep a kitchen looking timeless with stainless steel and glass
@@mrphoenixgreyAnother great video! Love your new channel. Is there any way to prevent the resin in quartz from yellowing over time? A white marble look with gray veining wouldn't age well. My concern with natural stone is potential radon outgassing. Perhaps there are ways to test material before installation?
@@mrphoenixgrey P.S. Porcelain is a good option except finding a skilled fabricator will be challenging and our kitchen is busy. Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks!
What are your thoughts on butcher block? I know water is main issue. Is it better than laminate countertops? Both have a budget friendly price (from what I've been told.
I would as weekly maintenance if heavy use (or monthly if light use), spread walnut oil and rub in after cleaning counters with dinner cleanup. Then it will always look amazing and be protected from water damage. Just consider it part of cleanup. It can be quick. Then I would choose it over laminate any day. I had one in young adulthood and it looked terrible because I didn’t know about oiling it with food grade walnut oil.
Why did you include Onix and not natural quartz? It looks similar but it is stronger than the industrialized resinated version. It doesn't need so much care and is heat resistant
Looks like the perfect material doesn't exist. You always have to compromise on something. My house has black granite on the kitchen and bathroos. The only problem I have with it - water stains - if I didn't notice intime and didn't wipe it off...
How is listing the countertop options helpful? In order to make a difference stop being so neutral. Mean what you say. It’s like all the kids at school getting awards. Not at all special in the end.
Why would somebody spend so much money on something like onyx if it is so fragile and requires so much maintenance? Yes, it is absolutely gorgeous. But practicality Hass to come in somewhere even if you do have money to burn.
Best countertop? FORMICA. All of his choices will break your wine glass if you sit it down too hard, or accidentally knock it over. Formica won't do that, and you don't have to seal it. Granite belongs in the cemetery. I won't cook my dinner on someone's gravestone.
@@Harley24986 My house is 28 years old, and the countertop still looks beautiful. My mothers' house is just the last 5 years starting to look worn out... but the house was built in 1971.
it doesn’t look as good as natural stones tho. if you’re someone that doesn’t cook a lot (like me) it’s a prettier choice. still, formica is great for heavy users
OMG, as a expert on all these materials, I can't believe how awfully wrong he is! Please talk to professionals not designers. Designers don't know anything about materials! While writing this the video keeps rolling and he keeps feeding wrong and useless information! He is wrong about pricing, he is wrong about strength, he is wrong about maintenance so far...
I'm sad you focused on just stone countertops, but acted like these are your main and only options. Stone is incredibly wasteful with a huge carbon footprint. Everyone loves to say it's so durable and will last forever (bs) but even if it IS, it will be dated and the next owner of your home will throw it away in 10-20 years. Laminate is one of the most eco friendly, sustainable options. It's extremely durable (even though all the stone salesmen will lie about it), comes in gorgeous colors. It's really common in even high end kitchens in Europe because it's more modern than cold hard $$$$$$ stone which will just be dated in 10 years. Wood is also a great option, as is stainless steel, another favorite of mine.
Marble will always have a special place in my heart
Me too
Mine as well ❤❤
Granite may look dated to some people but it's a workhorse. I cook the majority of my meals, and I enjoy not having to worry about spilling sauce, wine or oil on my countertops. I even sat a hot pan out of the oven onto the countertop once in a pinch and it didn't damage or burn.
Mr. Phoenix, I love the fact that you seemed to spend the time and effort to read your audiences’ comments and actually responded to them with great inputs and info.
I recently found your channel and am hugely delighted. Your knowledge is valuable. Love your laughters! Love your fashion sense too. Best of luck to you in whatever you do.
I have porcelain. If you get it built up (mitered) so that the edges are thicker you don’t have those issues and it looks really good. It’s a similar cost to marble but without the anxiety of damaging it.
I beg to differ with the granite. Timeless choice and superb durability. All patterns are nice and can look very updated when you update other elements in the kitchen as well. I had seen it done with great results.
I have had granite in several homes. Gets outdated quickly, needs to be sealed, and I have chips near my sink and dishwasher which is annoying. Never had a problem with quartz or Cambria.
@@glowc2911 What kind of granite do you have? I've dropped a cast iron pan on my granite countertop and there isn't a scratch on it.
@@larynOneka8080 not sure. Home built in 2013 mostly black around parameters of kitchen. Island is Cambria.
Seems like granite is a winner. I have similar to the one where you alluded to looking outdated but I love it. I never get tired of looking at it.
If it works with your kitchen style and lifestyle it will never get old 🤍 granite definitely is a top contender across all boards, except for pattern in my opinion, I like a sense of movement to my stones, but granite is gorgeous
@@mrphoenixgrey if I had the budget, it would be marble for sure. So gorgeous
In my old house I went to the stoneyard and found a slab of Alaskan white with huge multi-inch crystals - garnets the size of peas. It held up to multiple cooks at the same time. What's a trivet? Do we own one?
Me as well. I love mine.
It's really good to check first the Pros and Cons of a certain style and material for you home interiors. Appreciate this so much. 🥰
Soapstone gets no love? 🥺
I really wanted quartz countertops, but I just could not afford them when I redid my kitchen. So for now it's laminate. Someday…
I was just at that stage of picking my worktop material and this video was extremely helpful on supporting my choice. I was going for the quartz so it was good to hear that i made the right decision depending on my needs.
We just installed, full ( countertop & backsplash) quartzite. It's quite lovely & unique. It was $100/sq ft. I believe it's well worth the cost.
Granite is cool. You can roll pastry out right on the counter.
You can roll pastry on any flat surface:) For my preference granite is too slippery for that:)
Quartzite is a metamorphic rock - not metaphoric. It originated as sand, that was deeply buried and lithified by heat, pressure, and additions of secondary minerals by fluid intrusions.
Got it! I’ll keep my granite and risk it looking outdated 😉
I’m not into chunky veins anyway! 😂
If you’re happy with it, that’s the most important part 🤍
@@mrphoenixgrey absolutely! Mine is a very dark and light brown, I don’t hate it, but I’d never go dark again, you see every single smudge! But, it goes so well with my light travertine backsplash, I really do still like it!
I've redone several kitchens and always have the best experience with granite, the slabs I've chosen have beautiful veins & exotic swirls creating the marble look yet easy maintenance. The employee staff at stone yards are really helpful & patient. Love them!!!! Best to have them cut & install so they take FULL responsibility.
@@kathybauman6708 Agree! Granite doesn’t just mean speckled - there are some gorgeous granites out there. Reviewing and approving the layout with the fabricator is key to getting the look you want. Most have computer programs that can show you how the layout will work in your space and can work with you to tweak it before any cutting is done.
They just want you to spend $10K to upgrade your countertops.
Loveeeee marble just not as a kitchen countertop option!!! My pick would be quartzite waterfall on a huge island paired with walnut wood tone cabinets and either brass, chrome, black, or copper hardware (maybe on the copper)😂. I do want a black&white marble checkerboard floor in my kitchen at a 45 degree angle.
I have marble on my bathroom floor, and it's quite beautiful. I never walk on it with shoes, so it never gets messed up in any way. I got it for 70% off when Color Tile went out of business in Kansas City.
@@brockreynolds870 oooooo I never thought about in the bathroom!!! You’re giving me ideas. I wonder if I could get marble in penny sized tiles and do a classic hexagon pattern on the bathroom floor?
What about woods? What about metal? Opinions on those?
I should have included burger block and stainless steel in my review! But her block can work excellent in the right setting but I find it can look quite busy, while stainless steel is great - it looks very commercial
Do you have any opinion about butcher block counters? I've seen references to them as an affordable natural option. It seems to me they would be germ farms.
They require more maintenance in terms of sanding, staining, and keeping them germ free. Wood is much more porous and even with regular disinfecting, it holds onto microbes more than stone does sadly 😅 I also find butcher blocks looks very busy
Wood is naturally antimicrobial so I don't see the fear of germs, people have been using wood cutting boards for ages. And honestly you're not supposed to cut and prep food directly on your butcherblock countertop, I don't see why you'd mar it up like thay
Bought a house with Corian countertops. We are huge in cooking, and that countertop is going to go. We are thinking of granite since we cook so much. I say we because my husband and I cook together.
Oh boy. I wouldn't dare get any of these. I live alone, but I'm like a 9 year old boy on my environment 😜 I'm always dropping, banging, spilling, and could never remember to seal a surface. I'd need something impervious to damage
I just bought 2 slabs of Gold Macaubas quartzite for my kitchen remodel.
Excellent choice!! 😍 what colour or finish are you doing for the cabinets
@@mrphoenixgrey Cobalt blue. And a cobalt blue and yellow tile on the toe kick.
3:30 metamorphic not metaphoric, very useful video, well done
Am I boring because I just want laminate?
No, you're sustainable. Laminates are awesome
@@crazyliv thank you 🙏
What do you think of soapstone as a countertop material?
I am doing honed black granite (timeless, ageless) with a soapstone sink. The only reason I am not doing all soapstone is because it will cost another 5k for me, over honed black granite.
AND honed black granite is perfect for the Invisacook (hidden) range we’re installing.
I adore soapstone. It’s softer than the black granite though if that’s of interest to you. But I would definitely do soapstone counters if I could! Except island Invisacook though, granite or porcelain required for the hidden induction range.
I am VERY excited for the soapstone sink !!
I just bought marble honed countertops in fantasy brown not installed yet but am stressing did I make the great choice or am I gonna ask myself what were you thinking?
Honed black granite does not age out but it’s counter to the all white/ beige look of the current trends certainly (no pun intended 😅). But I hear dark looks might be inching back in?
I love marble and granite. Why didn't you post this video sooner!! I just bought a large marble dining table. I'm screwed 😭🤣🤣 marble is so beautiful but so high maintenance 😩
I would love quartzite, but I have a quartz budget
How do you feel about Dekton material for countertop and backsplash
Quartz all the way. I'd use a trivet with any top, it's habitual. Got orange lily pollen on my last quartz top - a wipe with diluted bleach, all gone. 😊
What about stainless steel or glass? (Less common, obvs)
Excellent choice! I personally find stainless steel to be too commercial, and glass can make it look very busy with all the high reflection surfaces. The longevity isn’t there to keep a kitchen looking timeless with stainless steel and glass
@@mrphoenixgreyAnother great video! Love your new channel.
Is there any way to prevent the resin in quartz from yellowing over time? A white marble look with gray veining wouldn't age well.
My concern with natural stone is potential radon outgassing. Perhaps there are ways to test material before installation?
@@mrphoenixgrey P.S. Porcelain is a good option except finding a skilled fabricator will be challenging and our kitchen is busy. Do you have any other suggestions? Thanks!
What about sintered stone?
What are your thoughts on butcher block? I know water is main issue. Is it better than laminate countertops? Both have a budget friendly price (from what I've been told.
Well you've answered half😊
I would as weekly maintenance if heavy use (or monthly if light use), spread walnut oil and rub in after cleaning counters with dinner cleanup. Then it will always look amazing and be protected from water damage. Just consider it part of cleanup. It can be quick.
Then I would choose it over laminate any day.
I had one in young adulthood and it looked terrible because I didn’t know about oiling it with food grade walnut oil.
Why did you include Onix and not natural quartz? It looks similar but it is stronger than the industrialized resinated version. It doesn't need so much care and is heat resistant
Looks like the perfect material doesn't exist. You always have to compromise on something. My house has black granite on the kitchen and bathroos. The only problem I have with it - water stains - if I didn't notice intime and didn't wipe it off...
what about concrete? or don't you use it in the US?
Quartz is man made and has unique designs ?
How is listing the countertop options helpful? In order to make a difference stop being so neutral. Mean what you say. It’s like all the kids at school getting awards. Not at all special in the end.
You forgot to mention sintered stone.
Metaphoric rock lol
Laminate!
Corian? 17 years later still in perfect condition
Why would somebody spend so much money on something like onyx if it is so fragile and requires so much maintenance? Yes, it is absolutely gorgeous. But practicality Hass to come in somewhere even if you do have money to burn.
Slate?
Best countertop? FORMICA. All of his choices will break your wine glass if you sit it down too hard, or accidentally knock it over. Formica won't do that, and you don't have to seal it. Granite belongs in the cemetery. I won't cook my dinner on someone's gravestone.
This! My countertops take a beating and Formica holds up like a champ.
@@Harley24986 My house is 28 years old, and the countertop still looks beautiful. My mothers' house is just the last 5 years starting to look worn out... but the house was built in 1971.
Agree, formica is easy to clean, looks good for decades. Just put in new formica in kitchen and looks great.
it doesn’t look as good as natural stones tho. if you’re someone that doesn’t cook a lot (like me) it’s a prettier choice. still, formica is great for heavy users
@@user-qi3hf8ko3q You'd be surprised at the options they have now:
ruclips.net/video/5zhSnlIRQW4/видео.html
OMG, as a expert on all these materials, I can't believe how awfully wrong he is! Please talk to professionals not designers. Designers don't know anything about materials! While writing this the video keeps rolling and he keeps feeding wrong and useless information!
He is wrong about pricing, he is wrong about strength, he is wrong about maintenance so far...
Veins and stains. hahahahah
Aaaaaannnnnnnddddddd... Once again, *slate* is left out.
Sigh.
I'm sad you focused on just stone countertops, but acted like these are your main and only options. Stone is incredibly wasteful with a huge carbon footprint. Everyone loves to say it's so durable and will last forever (bs) but even if it IS, it will be dated and the next owner of your home will throw it away in 10-20 years. Laminate is one of the most eco friendly, sustainable options. It's extremely durable (even though all the stone salesmen will lie about it), comes in gorgeous colors. It's really common in even high end kitchens in Europe because it's more modern than cold hard $$$$$$ stone which will just be dated in 10 years. Wood is also a great option, as is stainless steel, another favorite of mine.