Granite may still be the best choice for countertops out there, but now quartz kitchen countertops and many other alternative kitchen countertops are making their way into the market and becoming popular.

Best granite countertop alternatives

Granite has ruled the countertop industry for years because it is the most durable and beautiful natural stone. Now people want something different and unique other than granite. So now you should give your granite installers a break and opt for the below listed best granite alternatives for your countertops.

Quartz

Quartz kitchen countertops are becoming the new rage these days. Quartz is highly durable, almost the same as granite. Quartz is also known as engineered stone because it is made of 93% of natural quartz and 7% of polymer resin binding which gives it the strength and durability.

As quartz kitchen countertops are engineered, it is available in a wide array of designs, patterns, and colors to choose from. You can replicate the look of marble or even granite with this engineered stone. You can choose a very intricate pattern with a lot of veining and crystals or go subtle with a plain white, ivory or black. Quartz is easy to care for and is low maintenance, is scratch and chip resistant and also non-porous, which makes it the best alternative of granite.

Marble

Marble is a stunning choice for your countertops. The natural composition of marble creates unique colors, veins, streaks, and flecks which make it look timeless and utterly beautiful. Some of the marble is even cheaper than granite countertops. However, marble is softer and more porous than granite so you will have to take care of it and wipe the spills and solvents immediately so there is no staining. Also, it is required to get your marble sealed once in 2 years so that its beauty remains intact and it does not go through wear and tear. For some people, marble is considered to be a very high maintenance choice for countertops.

Wood

Wooden countertops will add warmth and a homely feeling to your kitchen countertops. It goes with both traditional and contemporary kitchen and the natural brown color can match with any contrasting color. Wood is the most cost-effective material for kitchen countertops as it is cheaper than granite and its beauty and quality improves with time.

Wood is easy to cut and can be repaired easily if chipped or cracked. However wooded countertops will need oiling and polishing at least twice or thrice a year so that it does not dry out. If you are up for proper care and maintenance then wood is the right choice for you because if you maintain it well then it will be resistant to heat and bacteria and will add value to your home.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel gives an industrial touch to your home and is great for you if you are doing a home-based cooking job and supplying homemade food or have a large family to feed. Stainless steel is extremely low maintenance as it is easy to clean, is heat resistant and also scratch resistant. Also, it gives a shiny and classy appearance to your kitchens.

The only problem with stainless steels is the smudges and fingerprints which you cannot do anything about except cleaning frequently. Stainless steel, although is expensive but extremely low maintenance, and an investment which gives value and class to your home and will pay off in the future.

Concrete

This is a really cheaper option for your countertops but an option that can imitate any expensive looking kitchen countertops. Concrete is poured cement mixed with water and sand and can be made into any size, shape, and color. There are endless possibilities with concrete. You add any color, stones, crystals, glass pieces and create any design and pieces.

Industrialists have even created cheap replicas of the most expensive granite, marble, and quartz. If you have affordability issues then you should go for concrete and get an imitation of any kind of natural stone for countertops. Granite installers are now changing their niche towards concrete installation as it becoming the most preferred countertop material. However, you will have to get concrete sealed and polishes as it is nit stain and heat resistant.

If you are still not satisfied with the alternative countertops then you can surely call in your granite installers potomac md.