Are you referring to something like cultured granite? If so, I personally like them. Although they do not have the high polish of granite and in comparing prices, they honestly (in my area) are not significantly less expensive than an entry level granite.

This post was edited by carra on Sun, Sep 29, 13 at 21:24

I came across the brand on home depot and it said AB engineered composite. They look really nice but for example a small single 24in vanity and top combo is only $175.

Basically it says create the look of granite without the price tag. Stone effects

I'm not familiar with that exact product but after looking at the home depot website, I'd say the product looks more like marble than granite. I spoke to a guy at Lowe's last week about pricing a cultured granite vanity (a 6 foot run with one sink) and it only came in about $75 less than real granite.

Right now I am in the process of freshening up one of my bathrooms and demo with the jackhammers is tomorrow. One of my choices for vanity top and shower surround was cultured granite which did not originally appeal to me. Then I went into a local very high-end bath showroom to get some ideas and Lo and behold, there was a tub to shower display made with the cultured granite in a matte finish. Looked just like Corian and was surprised when the designer told me it was cultured granite. Sure changed my opinion and fortunately my contractor uses one of the best fabricators in the area so that ended up being my choice. There is nothing about it that looks cheap, however, some colors look better than others.
I would think the glossier surface would show some scratches and watermarks and for that plus aesthetic reasons, I chose the matte finish.
In the next couple of weeks, I shall have my new shower and vanity top.