Need some quick worktop advice!

[stonecircle]

Have already posted about problems with my B&Q laminate worktops and have someone coming out at 8am tomorrow to discuss replacements.

I'm not sure I want to replace with more laminate and absolutely definitely don't want wood (been there, never doing it again). What would the best alternative be? Can anyone tell me the pros and cons of granite, quartz, acrylic and earthstone? Particularly n terms of price and durability. Anything other alternatives?

Have you looked at the more expensive laminates? We have Duropal for my "working" worktop (with sink / hob etc) and I highly recommend it. Much better quality and looks much better than the cheap laminate we'd before as a make - do.

I then have quartz for my island unit and love it. Looks beautiful. It's worth shopping around. I got it from an online local company who were about half the price of some quotes.

Mandy - thanks but I can't shop around unless I want to rip out a one year old kitchen and start again! The problem is with the worktops which B&Q are willing to replace so I am stuck with choosing from their range.

I wasn't sure about quartz (apart from the expense!) as it looks very shiny and like it might show lots of smears. I quite like their acrylic and earthstone but don't know much about them.

Sorry, misunderstood. Quartz doesn't show smears (at least mine doesnt). Don't rate b&q at all but if you're stuck with them, nothing much you can do.

We have granite in our kitchen and are really pleased with it, you can put any hot pan, iron etc on it & won't burn. Looks beautiful is more expensive but I think worth it. Doesn't smear when being cleaned.

Another type you might want to consider is Corian work tops which we have in our bathrooms, again think they are pretty tough/ durable, easy to clean, it is not the same as granite/ quartz/ natural stone but you can get nice finishes.

Is corian not the same thing as acrylic then?

Coriander is made with acrylic and other materials, think some newer versions partially made with recycled materials and some versions have metallics.

Corian sp check!

I've not long had Quartz worktops fitted. I only clean them with a cloth wrung out in hot water and a tiny drop of Fairy Platinum washing up liquid and no smears whatsoever. However you can't put hot pans on them but I love them nevertheless.