We interrupt this deck post . . .

With exciting news: we ordered our counters! The guy comes out to make the template Monday! We think they'll take a couple weeks! I am so excited.

You might remember here where we thought we had our counter plans made. Well, we think on stuff long and hard here at chez DG, and that plan was modified. First we thought Quartz. Then decided too expensive. Then we came up with the concrete plan, then decided maybe it was too rustic, even though it would save $$. Then we thought we could use 24" x 24" tiles with tiny grout joins (I happen to have an in with a tilesetter) but then I hated the counter edge options (few and all icky).

So we went back to Quartz. We had a color in mind (Caesarstone Raven) but then got swayed by another manufacturer's color Ural Gray. Slightly cheaper. Maybe. It's difficult because each situation seems different: some suppliers sell only the slab (pre-determined sizes, created by the manufacturer) and some also include fabrication (making the edges, sizing, and cutting out any necessary holes--like for the sink). Some suppliers give you a list of names for the fabricators and you have to figure it out with them yourselves. Sigh. It's hard to compare apples to apples.

In the end, we went with the best deal we could find (Costco, of all places) that also has my #1 color pick: Raven. It's dark gray. But not black. It looks pretty with cararra marble, which is what the Island will be. The Quartz is a big expense, but it's what I really, really wanted. We've tried all along to choose more economical choices whenever possible to save up for the big splurges. This is one.

In case you're not familiar with Quartz countertops, here's the skinny: It's an engineered stone made from approximately 95% natural quartz and 5% polymer resins. It is priced in the range of Granite, but comes in more color choices, and is considered to be more durable and more scratch resistant than other natural stone choices. In the end, I just prefer it to Granite. And I'm really excited to see the new counters. Now if we could just get that large workbench (that's currently in Island position) out of the kitchen so I can show the cabinets. . .

This is not a truly representational image, but it gives you the gist.