With its durability and stylish look, it’s no wonder that granite has been the go-to material for countertops in recent years. The downside is that it’s now so ubiquitous that some homeowners have begun searching for new ways to make their kitchens distinctive.
There are many alternatives, each with their own pros and cons. Here’s a look at a few, with pros and cons offered from Homecarebuzz.com:
Wood
Pros: Wood is affordable, easy to find and comes in many colors and finishes.
Cons: It requires regular oiling and homeowners must take care to keep the surface dry.
Marble
Pros: Like granite, marble is heat resistant and durable.
Cons: It is easily scratched and stained.
Soapstone
Pros: Soapstone is affordable, durable and long lasting.
Cons: It doesn’t have the great variety of colors of other options, requires maintenance and has a rough texture.
Quartz
Pros: Like granite, it’s durable, and scratch, stain and heat resistant.
Cons: It can discolor over time if exposed to direct sunlight and may not look as seamless as granite (quartz is usually manufactured in pre-determined sizes and will need to be pieced together when covering large areas).
Concrete
Pros: Concrete is extremely durable (if sealed) and comes in a variety of textures.
Cons: It doesn’t have many color options, might seem outdated and can be stained or suffer heat damage if not sealed.
Glass
Pros: Glass is easily customized, as well as heat, stain, and germ resistant.
Cons: Glass can chip and may also show fingerprints.
Stainless steel
Pros: Stainless steel offers a sleek, modern look and is heat and germ resistant.
Cons: It will show fingerprints and scratches.