countertops

we are building a new home. I love the look of granite, but the expense is too steep. I got a quote of $7500. Corian and Wilsonart SSV would run about $5000. Still too much for me. I was thinking ceramic tile. Any opinions on this? I think formica is too cheap looking, and thought ceramic would be far less expensive, if I use pretty inexpensive tile. Any other alternatives out there?

Lisa, It would help if you could tell us to what you wished to apply/use this material. At the end of the day if you are talking about an interior surface finish granite is easily achievable with a paint technique, mail me for more details. Sara

I have a ceramic tile countertop, and it is great. Accurate workmanship with good clean grout joints is essential, as it will result in the smoothest possible surface. Perhaps you would also like concrete, which makes a beautiful countertop when mixed and sealed correctly. Paint techniques that simulate the 'look' of granite are fine for theatre and film sets, but will never seem anything but cheap and plastic-like in real life. A stone work surface is as much (or more) of a TACTILE experience as it is visual.

I've seen granite floor tile used for counter tops. It can be just as nice at a considerable savings.