It's built into the counter, which is covered in tiles.I am reluctant to replace the entire counter over a sink, so I was thinking of reglazing it, but I've learned that "reglazing" is not the same as reapplying the original porcelain glaze.

laminate has been popular for two decades brcause it is clean and tough, just look for laminate that passes for wood it looks so goodGlass is natural, beautiful, eay to clean and reflective...and will be used in different sizes, colors, shapes and paired with other materials for some time to comeGranite or any stone is classic...but as tastes change the preference for colors of granite will change...and yes it will take a backseat to other fresher ideas in countertopsWood ceramic tile will probably last like travertine porcelain tile because they imitate nature...but as tastes change the underlying hues change...goldenish tones giving way to grayish, I think "looks" will date a decor more than individual choices.  

I got an email indicating that none other than @Joshua Dorkin himself voted on one of my exquisitely worded posts.  

But, if I install vinyl planks downstairs along with the porcelain tiles in place, then those should be bullet proof?

Some of the updates I want to make are built-in micro-wave, replace the tile in the kitchen and the carpeting in the living room with all porcelain tile.  

I have been very close a couple of times to doing this very thing, and incredibly excited about it:  big old beautiful brick buildings that would have housed some exquisite lofts...and all the above information is good.  

The guts/porcelain design are the only real difference, but all will need to be dealt with over time.

I did buy  5 of my houses with ceramic or porcelain tiles already in. 

A couple of the reasons/concerns I am considering this:-Difficult to go the BRRRR method in the current market and actually find a deal (too many non-Texans, like myself originally paying way over market value on MLS)-I liked the work the builder did on our property, and we would ideally build a base model without much customization, and add forced appreciation in the second home while we live in it over time-I would like to take advantage of the current rates, as well as my VA benefit with the best strategy possible in starting the rental journey-I know our current home would rent and cashflow well (only con/concern is that our upgrades are on the higher end, rather than econo-rental-friendly: porcelain wood-look flooring, granite countertops etc.) 

I am buying at HD in the AM and I am not sure how dark "dark grout" is.Tile is off-white porcelain 12x24 neutral/slightly warm.