I just installed granite countertops. I had been really hesitant because there was nothing wrong with my almond Formica which looked like new. However, I had a draft coming from the back wall that was coming through my cabinets. So, I had more insulation shoved in the walls when they replaced the tiled backsplash. Even though the new counters look great from a distance, I am not happy with the not really smooth surface which they tell me is because I picked the more expensive granite. I thought all the little crack lines would be polished out when I chose the granite slab at the show room. It is also hard to see spills. I've always used a Lucite cutting board, so my adding scratches & stains is not an issue. I don't know why I had not been steered toward the Quartz when I kept telling them I was a perfectionist.