Everyone is on the bandwagon with granite stone – homeowners, realtors and countertop installation companies. You hear so much about granite that you may forget that there are other types of material options to choose from. It’s always good to explore what’s out there, so you can get something that best suits your own taste, lifestyle and décor. Granite isn’t always the best option, especially when it comes to cost. In other cases, it may be the overall look not resonating with the rest of the bathroom or kitchen design.
If you’re getting ready to remodel your kitchen or bathroom, but want to choose a stone other than granite, then the following alternatives should be considered. Let’s take a look.
Marble Stone
Marble used to be the top stone used in luxury homes back in the late 20th century, but granite quickly stole the spotlight in at the turn of the century. It’s a beautiful stone that can be used just about anywhere in the home, including the bathroom, kitchen, floors and fireplace. If you’re contemplating using marble as a countertop, then you should keep in mind that marble is porous and not as tough as granite, which leaves it prone to scratches and stains. It’s an ideal material for folks who don’t mind their countertops showing some age and wear, so perfectionists beware!
Soapstone
This is another soft stone, but isn’t porous, which makes it a better option for kitchen counters, as it doesn’t stain easily. It has a naturally smooth surface, which is why it was dubbed soapstone. It’s pretty resilient, given its soft nature. You mainly find this stone in black or other dark colors. It’s a great option for cooks, since it is pretty resistant to heat.
Wooden Counters
Stone isn’t the only option you have for your countertops – wood is making a slow comeback in the homeowner community. There are some people who use wooden counters for their kitchen islands, giving a nice renaissance touch to the design. In the kitchen, wood adds warmth. You’ll need to oil them every now and the to keep them from drying out.
Wood also looks good in the bathroom, especially oak and mahogany varieties. You can combine Wooden vanities with stone walls and backsplashes to really bring out your design.
Quartz Stone
If there was a new kid on the block, quartz stone would be it. It’s quickly growing in popularity, due to its durability. It is composed of stone aggregate and polymers. It’s no porous like marble, making it resistant to stains and scratches. This also means it will be easier to take care of the stone, keeping it looking great for many years. It is a manufactured product, so you can request a variety of different colors and patterns to match your design.
Concrete Slabs
Those who are looking for durable counters are leaning towards slabs like concrete. This route leaves you with more room to get a countertop that has the shape, finish and color you desire. It’s very flexible in this sense. Some manufacturers include glass aggregate to add more life to the appearance. This makes it look similar to terrazzo slabs. Some even add bits of stone to their concrete counters, giving you more options to make your slab as unique as possible.
Recycled Paper Counters
Eco-friendly homeowners can choose to go green with counters made of recycled paper. This is a unique concept that’s worth looking into. The counters are made with post-consumer paper that’s been recycled, then mixed with resin. The name for this type of counter is Paperstone. What makes it even better is that it’s strong and resistant to water. It’s a sustainable and durable option for the kitchen or bathroom!
Stainless Steel Counters
These first entered the market during the early 1900s, first being used mainly in commercial kitchens. It wasn’t long before homeowners started to see the benefits of installing stainless steel counters in their own kitchens. It offers a clean feel to your design, giving your kitchen an industrial edge. Those who like to cook a lot will find a lot of value in having a stainless steel counter, given that it’s resistant to heat. Just be careful with the knives because steel does scratch. The fingerprints can also make the counter smudged.
Solid Surface Countertops
This type of counter is designed by the Corian brand. It’s created by blending together acrylic and mineral powder. Sometimes, polyester binders are also included. Corian was the “it” material for countertops before the emergence of granite and natural stone became popular ten to 15 years ago. It comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to be more picky about your kitchen or bathroom design.
Hammered Copper
If you’re looking for a bit of texture in your counter design, then you can go with hammered copper. If not, you can always opt for regular copper counters that are smooth. What makes copper counters special is that they’re antibacterial. They also have patina, which allows the color to become richer over time. It would look great in a country-style kitchen or even a kitchen with a modern design.
Laminate Counters
This is one material that is oftentimes overlooked by homeowners who are looking for something with more pizzazz. However, you’d be surprised at how tasteful laminate counters can be, depending on where you buy it from. It’s been a popular choice for home installations for a hundred or so years after its invention. The popularity of laminate stems from its durability against heat and simplicity in maintenance. It is a resilient option that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg. It’s much cheaper than many of the other available countertop options out there today. It’s a material worth exploring to see if it can suit your upcoming kitchen or even bathroom design.
Selecting a stone for your kitchen or bathroom remodel is simple when you put time to do the research. Once you have found the material of choice, it’s time to find a reputable company to do the installation!