Despite what the manufacturers say, with few exceptions for special colors/patterns, it's all the same stuff.

Hi Joseph, Does the same hold true for Corian/Hi-Macs/LivingStone solid surface? Do you work with all three brands? Thank you for always sharing your knowledge. I’m going to look at solid surface tomorrow, and have some samples of LivingStone but their closest retailer (fabricator?) is in Melbourne. I’m not sure they would travel to Central FL for a job. I can get Corian or Hi-Macs nearby. Lastly, on the subject of quartz, does country of origin matter at all? GC uses one from South Korea or Vietnam and there are few reviews on the brand (Pompeii or Vadara). GC does not offer solid surface but that’s a strong contender for me. I'm doing kitchen and bath remodels.

Also interested in Joe's input on the Corian/Hi-Macs/LivingStone Q. Same stuff?

@Joseph Corlett, Thanks very much for your reply. If you have time for a follow up question, how does one evaluate the quality of quartz? Are there brands to avoid?

I would look up the ASTM specification sheet of any engineered stone I was considering that wasn't a major manufacturer and compare it to the big boys.

Remember, you're not buying from a manufacturer, you're buying from a fabricator. You are not the manufacturer's customer. It is up to your fabricator to determine whether or not a particular brand deserves to share his reputation.

Thank you once again, Joseph. We are visiting fabricators today and one has stone, estone, and solid surface so it will be great to be able to view them all together in large pieces. I appreciate your feedback and will look up the specs as you advised.