I've searched and I've searched, but I haven't come across a topic where we can discuss leathered granite countertops...
After renting for many years, my wife and I have finally decided to buy an apartment. We found one at a great price, but it needs some work... the kitchen countertop as it stands now is tile. TILE! Are you kidding me!?! And not glossy tile either. It's tile that looks porous, with tons of grout lines.... How one is ever supposed to get that clean is beyond me...


Anyway, this affords us the opportunity to replace it - the question is, with what? I was thinking some kind of stone - like lab benchtop stone... I want something heat proof, stain proof, sealed (easy to clean), looks decent, and (hopefully) doesn't cost a fortune....

I figure this would be a good place to discuss materials. What do you have? What do you like/dislike about it? If you had your choice, what would you use?