10 Great Alternatives to Granite Counters
As a kitchen and bath designer, I get asked about countertop materials
often, usually in the context of "I'm looking for something other than
granite to use for my counters—what are my options?" While it's true
that the majority of my kitchen and bath projects get granite counters
put in them, there are times when granite just won't work.
Granite's a great counter material but it has a tendency to hog the spotlight. The mirror finish on most granites makes it difficult for granite to be subtle. There are times when this works, but there plenty of other times when it doesn't.
Fortunately, there are a good number of options out there and their number just increases over time. Here are some of great, non-granite surfaces to use for counters. All of them are readily available. Combined, they add up to a trend that's pushing back against granite's dominance.
Hands down, my favorite counter material is Carerra marble. Marble is not for everybody though. It is a softer stone than granite is and it scratches and stains. It's an inherent characteristic of the material and frankly it's part of why I like it so much. I like materials that age and show wear. If you don't, then you are not a candidate for marble counters.
This is soapstone. Soapstone is a soft, non-porous, natural stone. Despite its softness, it's some pretty resilient stuff. It is always a dark stone, very nearly black and it always has a honed surface. People who cook love it because it's an excellent heat insulator.
Wood counters have never really gone away and are currently enjoying a
bit of a renaissance. Adding a wood top to an island while using a
different material for the perimeter counters is a terrific way to add
some interest and function. Wood counters require periodic oiling to
prevent them from drying out but they add a warmth no other material
can.
Wood works in bathrooms, too, as this mahogany beauty shows eloquently. This is a beautiful bathroom for any number of reasons, but I love that the designer used wood for the counter and sheathed the wall in Blue Macauba quartzite. That quartzite makes an attractive counter as well but on a wall it takes on the air of a landscape painting.
Continue...
Granite's a great counter material but it has a tendency to hog the spotlight. The mirror finish on most granites makes it difficult for granite to be subtle. There are times when this works, but there plenty of other times when it doesn't.
Fortunately, there are a good number of options out there and their number just increases over time. Here are some of great, non-granite surfaces to use for counters. All of them are readily available. Combined, they add up to a trend that's pushing back against granite's dominance.
Hands down, my favorite counter material is Carerra marble. Marble is not for everybody though. It is a softer stone than granite is and it scratches and stains. It's an inherent characteristic of the material and frankly it's part of why I like it so much. I like materials that age and show wear. If you don't, then you are not a candidate for marble counters.
This is soapstone. Soapstone is a soft, non-porous, natural stone. Despite its softness, it's some pretty resilient stuff. It is always a dark stone, very nearly black and it always has a honed surface. People who cook love it because it's an excellent heat insulator.
Wood counters have never really gone away and are currently enjoying a
bit of a renaissance. Adding a wood top to an island while using a
different material for the perimeter counters is a terrific way to add
some interest and function. Wood counters require periodic oiling to
prevent them from drying out but they add a warmth no other material
can.
Wood works in bathrooms, too, as this mahogany beauty shows eloquently. This is a beautiful bathroom for any number of reasons, but I love that the designer used wood for the counter and sheathed the wall in Blue Macauba quartzite. That quartzite makes an attractive counter as well but on a wall it takes on the air of a landscape painting.
Continue...
