Granite or Composite Countertops

I have had granite countertops for almost 2 years and I am sorry that I did not go with something else. One of the reasons I chose granite was for the shine, and even tho I take good care of it, the shine is not what it used to be. My installer said that is what happens in areas of high use, especially around the sink and prep areas, but he never told me that info when I was quizzing him about the pros and cons of granite. The one thing he knew about my preferences was my desire for the shine, and he let me go ahead with the granite choice, even when he knew it would not last and I would not be happy. The granite industry had me brainwashed about its superiority, and I am sorry that I did not do more research :-(

I know a very good kitchen and bath remodeling company. K&S Kitchens & Baths. I've seen their work and it is exceptional. Their pricing is very reasonable and if you contact them and let you know you are looking for countertop options, they can refer you to their countertop installer who is very knowledgeable and will be able to answer all your questions. You can either call them at ###-###-#### or email them at ____@____.com timing, I know they come out in two or three visits, 1)quote 2) take a template of your countertops, 3) installation. The only time you are without a countertop is the day of installation. As a plus, if you go with solid surface, the templating and installation can be same day, otherwise it is usually a couple of weekes between template and countertop, but you still have your old countertop the whole time.

As for info on Counter top types, here is some info. I would personally suggest the solid surface, since it can be repaired. Spending a whole bunch of money on quartz or granite, only to have it damaged by an accident by your children, and NOT be repairable would be awful....I hope this helps.

Solid Surface:
This category includes manufactures like Corian, Staron, HiMacs and Avonite. The material is man made and considered an upgrade over laminate or ceramic tile.
PLUS: This is the cheapest alternative to laminate. There are 100's of color choices. The material can be shaped so you have options like integrated back splashes and sinks. It can be installed 100% seemless. The material is stainless and non-porous. You have options on the finish; from matte to gloss. If the finish is ever scratched or chipped, it CAN be repaired.
CONS: Not very heat resistant (although more than laminate). Scratches easily. Doesn't really have a "stone" look.

Quartz:
This includes manufactures like Zodiaq and Staron. This material is a mix of man-made and quartz. It is the hardest "solid surface" material, being even harder than granite.
PLUS: It is the hardest material available. It is very stain, scratch and heat resistant. Decent color choices. Never needs to be sealed.
CONS: Cannot be installed seamless. Doesn't have natural stone look. Can be as expensive as granite. Cannot be repaired if chipped.

Granite:
It is a natural stone, quarried usually from Brazil, Turkey or the NE US. Since it's a natural stone, no 2 slabs are exactly the same.
PLUS: Very heat and scratch resistant. Endless color and pattern choices. Cannot be duplicated by a man-made material.
CONS: Can be VERY expensive. Can stain. Cannot be repaired. Cannot be installed seamless. Needs annual maintenance (sealing).

Look at manufactured quartz, too. I think it's really beautiful and trendy right now, and might (?) be a little cheaper to install than granite. (editing - maybe that's what you meant by composite? On first read I thought you meant something like Corian. Anyway, I like the way it looks and we chose it for our bathroom 5 yrs ago and have been very happy with it.)