If i'm not mistaken, concrete and cement tops tend to absorb oil and this causes stains which cannot be wiped off if it is let to set on the counter top.

I m using Jet Black quartz from CaesarStone (http://www.caesarstone.com). You can either get it from Solid Top Malaysia (they are CaesarStone installer), or third party contractors (which i did).

Hi Nitrous,

Can u PM me the cost? Have any comment on quartz? Is it worth the $$?

Thanks.

our kitchen was installed with black granite about a year ago. Granite looks as good as the day it was install.
Out granite length is about 30 feet long. The total length is still as shiny as it can be
Granite is no porous, i regular place hot pot directly on the granite and there is no marks

How you know it's not porous?

I don't have the exact cost since i bundle everything into the kitchen. I just know that i had to top up about 3.5k to get quartz top from granite. Is it worth the $$? Hmm... it is ok la, i don't have to worry about the items i put on it, hot wok and cup, or ice, or even coffee. However, i did manage to make a chip or two on it after banging my chopper against the side. So far no complains, although i would believe granite would be able to do the same thing too.

because stains overnight does not discolor the object or even items place on top of the counter for 1 year do not leave a stain.mark

marble is more porous, granite depending on type some are more porous than others

my toilet granites has not stain yet but this are black galaxy. I did use thiner to clean off some stubborn glass sealant and did not damage the granite

30 feet long granite top, how many joints can see?

every 7 feet

if low budgeting, can look for tiles;
high budgeting, i would recommended granite for wet kitchen,
solid surface might recommended for dry kitchen.
all is depend on owner pocket
mix material can give a different view for your house and kitchen