While granite is a popular countertop option, it may not be for anyone. When it comes to choosing a countertop for your home, you are faced with tons of options. But what is the best alternative to granite countertops?
Granite has been a trendy material for countertops among people since times immemorial. However, it may not fit the taste or requirements of everyone. There could also be situations where it is not an ideal choice.
Today, there are a lot of viable alternatives for granite available in the contemporary market. They offer excellent looks, sturdiness, resilience, and returns on your investment.
Each of them has unique features and will help you take your kitchen or bath to another level of elegance. This guide endeavors to help you ascertain the best alternative to granite countertops based on your preferences and needs. You can go through the options listed here and select one that is per your budget and style.
1. Quartz Countertops
Quartz is arguably one of the most popular options in countertops today. It is a specially engineered stone that is prepared from a blend of natural quartz and rock-solid binders. Quartz countertops are remarkably durable and are a symbol of luxury and royalty.
Contemporary homeowners have shown a strong preference for quartz owing to its versatility in both non-veined and veined styles. Thus, many people consider it to be the best alternative to granite countertops.
2. Stainless Steel Countertops
In previous years, stainless steel countertops for your kitchen were not even a choice. However, they have often considered the best alternative to granite for residential kitchen counters as they tend to see a lot of activity.
Furthermore, they are also a good option for backsplashes. Stainless steel is a hygienic and lightweight material. It is easy to clean, maintain, and prepare food on.
Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops are among the top contenders for the best alternative to granite countertops for kitchen. You have the option of installing them yourself or enlisting professional assistance for the same. They are non-porous, non-toxic, and low-VOC in nature.
Not only will solid surface countertops enhance your home’s aesthetic value, but they are incredibly resistant to wear and tear. Their versatile customizability and relative ease of cleaning add to their popularity as well.
Wood Countertops
Although it has long been a favorite among bar owners and butchers, wood can also be used in residential homes. Wood countertops, especially thicker ones, are an excellent option for kitchen countertops. They look beautiful and are very easy and simple to maintain.
Unlike natural stone, where scratches are hard to repair, you can sand and refinish wood when needed. Thus, it is a long-lasting and inexpensive solution.
3. Concrete
There is a popular misconception; concrete isn’t a fit material for countertops. However, the elegant designs now available in the market prove otherwise. For instance, tile is not just for backsplashes, and concrete is not meant only for sidewalks.
Admittedly, concrete countertops need to be maintained carefully and resealed periodically. However, that investment is worthwhile and will help this countertop last long. It is a worthwhile contender for the best alternative to granite countertops.
4. Laminate
Although it may not feel like the best alternative to granite countertops, laminate is undoubtedly a worthy option as well. It is easy to install with a DIY approach, sturdy, and tough.
Aesthetically, it is visually appealing and virtually indistinguishable from its natural rivals. It also tends to be much cheaper. However, laminate countertops are susceptible to damage by heat, scratches, and stains.
5. Recycled Glass
In the current market, there is plenty of environment-friendly and economically priced kitchen countertops alternatives available. Still, recycled glass countertops enjoy significant popularity among customers.
They possess a gleaming, shiny appearance that is striking and undoubtedly impressive. A robust binding agent is used to craft them, and thus you do not have to seal them at all. Therefore, they are effortless to maintain.
6. Marble Countertops
The trend of durable marble countertops has been going strong for a long time. An important reason for that is their versatility and ability to gel well with nearly all flooring and cabinetry colors. It does not matter whether you go for a highly veined marble in vintage high-gloss or a gray-veined marble in a honed finish. You will undoubtedly come across a marble countertop that will fulfill your requirements.
7. Recycled Paper
You can combine recycled paper with a tough polymer resin to yield a charming, earthy surface available in a wide range of finishes and colors.
8. Zinc
Zinc countertops are much warmer than stainless steel. They are bonded to a wood or medium-density wood (MDF) substrate and produce a patina and finish that gradually changes with time. A distinguishing feature of zinc is many edging options available – from Victorian molding to industry rivets.
9. Soapstone Countertops
Compared to other natural stones, soapstone is somewhat softer. However, it also produces a rustic patina, which grows stronger over time. Thus, it can serve as a long-lasting countertop solution in your home.
One of the greatest strengths of soapstone is its remarkable resistance to bacterial growth. Thus, it is an ideal option for a kitchen with lots of activity. Compared to granite, it is much cheaper.
Tile Countertops
Tile kitchen countertops are a popular option. Not only are they cheaper alternatives to granite, but they are much easier to install by yourself as well. Homeowners wanting a modern look can go for a tile-covered island with solid surface counterparts surrounding it.
10. Epoxy
Poured epoxy is a versatile and refreshingly customizable option. It is environment friendly and non-toxic. The application is very much like applying epoxy flooring on the garage floor. That produces a countertop with appreciable durability and resistance to heat. As a bonus, it is also FDA food safe.
While selecting your countertops, you should remember that they are a significant part of your home. Thus, you should not let the price be the sole determining factor when you purchase them. Instead, you should select one which will serve your home best for years to come.