05-06-2013, 08:49 PM
If you're primarily going for low maintenance, then "quartz" countertops are better than "granite". They are not "fused quartz" though. They are basically quartz sand mixed with acrylic resin glue and coloring. Personally I don't care for them purely based on how they look. However, if the look appeals to you then they are a good (if expensive) choice.
Another material to consider is soapstone. Soapstone is completely non-porous and you can set hot pots and pans on it with no issue whatsoever. It has a really nice texture also. The downside of soapstone is that to keep it looking its best you have to oil it every 6 months or so (reapplication is necessary because it is nonporous so the oil eventually evaporates from the surface) and it is softer than granite, so it can be scratched (though it's very easy to sand out the scratches to make it look like new again). Since it is soft, you can work it with carbide-tipped woodworking tools, so a DIY installation is definitely possible.
Another material to consider is soapstone. Soapstone is completely non-porous and you can set hot pots and pans on it with no issue whatsoever. It has a really nice texture also. The downside of soapstone is that to keep it looking its best you have to oil it every 6 months or so (reapplication is necessary because it is nonporous so the oil eventually evaporates from the surface) and it is softer than granite, so it can be scratched (though it's very easy to sand out the scratches to make it look like new again). Since it is soft, you can work it with carbide-tipped woodworking tools, so a DIY installation is definitely possible.