Looking for something more unique than granite in your kitchen and bathrooms? These beautiful alternatives are sure to make a statement.
Wood
The Pros |
The Cons |
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| Wood is readily available, sustainable, comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, and is fairly affordable | Natural finishes require oiling and you must also be vigilant to keep the surface dry |
Marble
The Pros |
The Cons |
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| Softer stone than granite, easier to cut and work with, heat resistant, durable, sustainable, and beautiful | Easily scratched and stained |
Soapstone
The Pros |
The Cons |
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| Durable, dense, ages well, and cost effective | Rough texture, requires maintenance, and doesn't come in a wide range of colors |
Quartz
The Pros |
The Cons |
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| Extremely durable and very scratch, stain, and heat resistant | Can discolor over time if in direct sunlight, may not look as seamless as granite when covering a large space since they are usually manufactured in pre-determined sizes |
Ceramic Tile
The Pros |
The Cons |
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| Heat resistant, comes in every color imaginable | Grout can become easily stained, counter surface is uneven, and tiles can often crack |
Concrete
The Pros |
The Cons |
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| Very durable if sealed, heat resistant, and a wide variety of textures | Can be easily stained with water or heat damage if not stained, not many color options, can seem outdated |
Glass
The Pros |
The Cons |
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| Heat, stain, and germ resistant, and very customizable | Can chip or break depending on tempering, may show fingerprints |
Stainless Steel
The Pros |
The Cons |
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| Heat and germ resistant, modern | Will show scratches and fingerprints, can be very noisy |
