17 Beautiful Granite Countertop Alternatives
Don’t take your countertops for “granite”—these alternative materials can be just as good
Granite countertops have been popular for a long time, and they have a lot of positives that have put and kept them at the top of homeowners’ wishlists. But many other types of countertops can make your kitchen look and function how you want it to.
Here, we look at the top 15 alternatives to granite countertops, including natural and engineered stone, concrete, tile, laminate, wood, metal, and more. We also discuss prices, reasons to choose them, and major pros and cons for each.
1. Marble Countertops
Marble counters are the epitome of luxury. They’re beautiful, expensive, and one-of-a-kind—and that’s how they’ll make your kitchen look and feel. If you like granite for its mass appeal and natural coloring, marble offers the same positives, just kicked up a notch—or three.
Marble Countertop Cost
Most marble countertops cost between $15 and $190 per square foot, with rarer, harder-to-find types of marble at the top end of the scale.
Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops
There’s nothing quite like marble. Here’s why:
Pros:
Beautiful, classic, rich appearance
A range of colors and veining colors and patterns that make each type and piece of marble unique
Durable—can last 100 years or more with proper maintenance
Naturally cool surface makes baking and cooking easier
Variety of installation options, including waterfall edge countertops
Can add value to homes
Cons:
Can be very expensive
Must be sealed and maintained every year or more often, depending on use
Porous surface makes it susceptible to staining, etching, scratching, and damage
Isn’t wholly heat resistant, so hot pans should stay on pot holders or racks
Heavy, so it may require additional support
Installation can be complicated; DIY marble countertops aren’t advised
How Are Marble Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
If you’re looking for a longer-lasting, hardier countertop, granite may be a better choice than marble. Marble is softer, less durable, not as heat resistant, and can etch. However, if you want an upscale look, granite is more common and less luxe-looking than marble, and marble can offer a better return on your investment.
2. Quartz Countertops
For an engineered stone that looks and performs even better than some all-natural countertops like granite, consider quartz. These counters are made from natural quartz crystals and synthetic binding agents, making them generally affordable, durable, and available in various colors and looks.
Quartz Countertop Cost
Even though it’s partially human-made, quartz is a quality material, and you’ll pay for that quality. Expect quartz counters to run $100 to $185 per square foot on average, including materials and installation.
Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops
With a lot of pros and a few cons, here are the factors you should consider when comparing quartz to granite countertops:
Pros:
Affordable for many budgets, especially amortized over time
Durable
Should last 20 or more years
Low-maintenance and easy to clean
Stain resistant
Looks like a natural stone, because it’s made with natural stone
Name brands can come with extended warranties
Can hold its value and give you a return on your investment
Cons:
May be too pricey for tight budgets
Slabs are heavy and hard to install
May not be heat resistant
Visible seams
Can fade if exposed to direct UV light
How Are Quartz Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Quartz is an engineered material made with natural stone, while granite is an all-natural stone. Because of that, quartz can have a more uniform appearance than granite and comes in a wider variety of colors and patterns, including some that don’t look like stone. Granite requires sealing, while quartz is more resistant to stains. But both are relatively expensive and are considered luxury materials.
3. Quartzite Countertops
Quartz and quartzite are different materials despite their similar-sounding names. Unlike quartz, quartzite is a natural stone from the sandstone family. Some slabs even look like granite or marble but have a lower cost.
Quartzite Countertop Cost
The average slab of quartzite costs between $60 and $120 per square foot installed.
Pros and Cons of Quartzite Countertops
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dupe of granite or marble, consider quartzite. Here are the pros and cons you should know to make the best decision for your kitchen.
Pros:
Durable and low maintenance
Won’t etch when exposed to acidic liquids
Can look like marble or granite at a lower price
Variety of colors (although most are white, gray, and earth tones) and veining patterns
UV resistant, so you won’t need to pull your shades
Can be installed outside for outdoor kitchens
Cons:
Can be more expensive than other types of natural stone
Natural stone requires regular sealing and maintenance
Can be scratched with knives
Can stain
Limited colors and patterns
Difficult installations, so DIYing is hard to impossible
How Are Quartzite Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Quartzite is about as hard as granite, and both are very durable, but quartzite is much more resistant to scratching, etching, and chipping. On the other hand, quartzite is more likely to stain. Granite comes in a wider variety of colors and patterns, with more crystals and shimmer. In contrast, quartzite has more veins and tends to be less sparkly.
4. Soapstone Countertops
If you love rustic, natural countertop materials and you’re looking for a dark stone counter, consider soapstone. It’s soft to the touch, dense, and durable, and it looks great in modern, rustic kitchens and almost everything in between.
Soapstone Countertop Cost
The average soapstone slab costs $85 to $150 per square foot, with rare types of soapstone exceeding that range.
Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops
Devotees love soapstone. Still, you should consider all the pros and cons before deciding whether it’s the suitable kitchen counter material for your home and family.
Pros:
Durable
Scratches are easy to buff out
Rustic, natural, and elegant looking
Resists staining, heat and chemical damage, and bacteria
Easy to clean
Develops a patina with time, or can be sanded to retain its like-new looks
Easy to cut and install, so many countertop installers work with it
Can give a good return on your investment
Cons:
Limited colors and veining patterns
Softer surface, so it can scratch and chip more easily
Should be oiled to prevent blotches with use, but oiling will make it darker and soapy feeling (hence the name)
Can be hard to find matching slabs for large installations
Counterfeit, cheaper stone can be passed off as soapstone to unaware buyers
How Are Soapstone Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
While both can be beautiful and upgrade kitchens, granite is harder and more able to stand up to high-traffic kitchens. Soapstone will always have a softer, duller finish than granite, even when buffed. Soapstone is softer, so it will show scratches, chips, and gouges—however, these are easier to fix in soapstone than in granite. Soapstone is easier to care for and maintain, as it doesn’t require sealing, while granite requires resealing at least once a year.
5. Slate Countertops
If you love granite because of its natural look and solid feel, consider slate. It’s also affordable and beautiful and can give you the one-of-a-kind stone slab appeal you’re looking for. Slate can be more neutrally colored and less varied in color than granite, but that uniform appearance has gained fans who want sleeker, chicer, more earthy kitchens.
Slate Countertop Cost
Slate is surprisingly affordable at an average of $20 to $60 per square foot. While rarer colors can be more expensive, most slate falls within that range.
Pros and Cons of Slate Countertops
Natural, beautiful, and brittle. Here are the pros and cons slate can offer as a kitchen counter material:
Pros:
Natural stone offers an earthy, homey, relaxed feel
Can last 100 years and more
More affordable than most marble, granite, and similar natural stone
Beautiful range of colors, including black, gray, blue, green, brown, red, and combination colors
Even, flat finish that doesn’t need to be polished
More uniform, less variegated color patterns than granite
Not porous, so it’s easy to clean, won’t absorb liquids, and won’t stain
Doesn’t harbor bacteria
Easy to clean
Very hard—won’t chip or scratch
Versatile: can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, bars, backsplashes, and sinks
Cons:
Corners can be brittle and will be sharp if broken or cut too square; rounded corners are recommended
Colors are more nuanced and earthy than flashier granite slabs
Slabs are often smaller than other types of natural stone, so countertops can have more seams
Slab quality can vary; invest in higher-quality, harder slate for best results
May be hard to source in some locations
Can be polished, but will never be shiny
How Are Slate Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Both slate and granite countertops are natural stones that will last for decades if cared for properly; however, slate is a softer stone, comes in a range of darker colors, is more affordable, and can look more neutral and earthy compared to granite, but can become brittle or sharp around the edges over time.
6. Limestone Countertops
Limestone countertops are made from naturally formed limestone, which comes in an array of light, neutral colors, including white, tan, pink, and beige, along with some darker tones. Most limestone is formed at the bottom of bodies of water, where marine sediment deposits harden into rock over time. This means that limestone often includes delicate fossil patterns, so every slab is unique and interesting in a way that most other types of stone aren’t.
Limestone Countertop Cost
Limestone counters cost approximately $15 to $35 per square foot, making them one of the most affordable natural stone countertop options.
Pros and Cons of Limestone Countertops
This timeless material was used to build the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Lincoln Memorial. Here are the pros and cons you should know if you consider giving it a place of honor in your kitchen.
Pros:
Affordable
Pretty, neutral color palette looks great in many kitchens and with a variety of decor styles
Slabs have unique and varied patterns, and many include marine fossils
Heat resistant
Can last 50 years or more when properly cared for
Cons:
Softer stone that can scratch; always use cutting boards
Will etch and stain exposed to acidic liquids like vinegar, coffee, wine, and acid-based cleansers
Should be resealed annually to prevent etching and staining
Can be polished smooth, but will never be as shiny as marble or granite can be
How Are Limestone Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Both granite and limestone are durable, can last a lifetime, are resistant to cracking, and are beautiful options that require regular maintenance and upkeep, but they have some serious differences. Limestone is softer and can include fossil fragments, while granite is harder and often has a sparkly, grainy look. Granite can be polished to a shiny surface, while limestone will always appear more matte. Limestone is more affordable than granite, too.
7. Travertine Countertops
Travertine is a natural stone made from limestone, but it is harder than other limestone-based rock. Because it’s made from mineral deposits at natural water springs, it has a distinctive appearance, including swirls and water-like marks. Its colors range from warm, creamy tones to earth tones.
Travertine Countertop Cost
Expect your travertine counters to cost between $25 and $100 per square foot, which is more affordable than most granite.
Pros and Cons of Travertine Countertops
Don’t be stunned by its good looks. Travertine has other pros and cons that you must carefully consider.
Pros:
Expensive, luxurious looks at an affordable price
Less expensive than many other kinds of natural stone
Durable against stains and liquids
Reflective, so it makes kitchens seem brighter
Comes in different textures, including brushed, honed, polished, and tumbled
Softer and easier to cut, so it is easier to install
Can take custom shapes, including intricately shaped countertops
Unique veining and imperfections make slabs look elegant and delicate
Lighter than marble
You can install it as flooring and backsplashes, too, for a coordinated look
Cons:
Must be sealed regularly
Acidic liquids such as citrus, vinegar, wine, coffee, and cleansers will damage its surface
Can scratch, etch, and abrade with rough treatment, hard objects, and heavy use
Susceptible to heat damage from pots and pans
Absorbs water, so it can harbor bacteria and should be disinfected regularly
Repairs and resurfacing are complicated to impossible
How Are Travertine Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Both are natural stone, and they can both have an elegant and sophisticated look. Still, while granite has some natural sparkle and comes in various colors, travertine is more neutral and flat with veining. Travertine is softer and less durable in high-traffic areas, whereas granite is tough and durable when sealed. Travertine also needs sealing and regular maintenance; it is usually considered higher maintenance than granite.
8. Concrete Countertops
If you considered granite but moved it down your list because you wanted something more rustic and industrial, you might want to look at concrete counters.
Concrete Countertop Cost
Concrete countertop costs vary widely, from $65 to $135 per square foot, with installation costs ranging between $30 and $90 per hour. Whether you pour them yourself or hire a professional will change installation costs significantly, as will whether you buy precast concrete or pour it in place. Staining, texturing, finishes, embedded stone or tile, and other concrete countertop ideas and customizations can add even more to the cost.
Pros and Cons of Concrete Countertops
They’ve become trendy in recent years. However, the trendy appeal of concrete counters has some serious advantages and a few disadvantages that we’ve highlighted below.
Pros:
Very durable—can last decades
Have an earthy, rustic, non-fussy, low-key industrial look
Infinitely customizable—color, shape, finish, texture, embedded objects, edge styles are all up to you
Will develop a mellow, aged patina over time
Repairing cracks, chips, and other damage is relatively easy and inexpensive
Sealing can make it more resistant to scratches, stains, and heat
Considered a premium, desirable surface that will get a good ROI if made and installed well and maintained
Cons:
Materials and installation can be expensive
Concrete can crack, especially if it’s poured in place
Can take 30 days or more to cure enough for regular use
Needs resealing to protect the porous surface from liquids and stains
Heat can damage sealants, so always use hot pads and trivets
Damage, including stains and scratches, will happen and will be easy to see
Can water spot
Repairs, while possible, usually require an expert
How Are Concrete Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Both are rock hard, very heavy, and require specialized installation, but that’s where concrete and granite countertops diverge. Concrete is human-made, granite is a natural stone; concrete is available in almost any color and with endless options, and granite is available only in natural colors and patterns; both require maintenance and are tough, but granite requires less maintenance than concrete; and concrete can harbor bacteria and mold, while granite resists it.
9. Tile Countertops
While tile is more common as a backsplash and floor material, tile countertops can also be an asset in kitchens. When done right, tile can look eclectic and artsy or traditional and homey—but when done wrong, it can be a kitchen disaster. So, before you embark on a tiling journey for your countertops, consider this information and how tile will work best in your home.
Tile Countertop Cost
Very affordable at an average of $3 to $35 per square foot, with expected professional installation costs ranging between $18 and $35 per square foot, tile can look fresh and take on any number of color and pattern combinations. Watch your product choices carefully because handmade or custom tiles can get expensive fast, and stone and glass tiles are more expensive to install. Make the most of your budget by saving pricey tiles for limited installation as focal points above stovetops or sinks.
Pros and Cons of Tile Counters
Let go of your vision of dated tile countertops. Here’s what to consider when deciding whether modern tile counters have a place in your kitchen.
Pros:
Can be very affordable
Durable
Non-stop options for colors, shapes, types, patterns, finishes, installation patterns, and grout colors make tile counters completely customizable
Easy to replace cracked or damaged tiles
Heat resistant
Resistant to chemicals, and acidic foods and liquids (depending on type of tile)
DIY installation and repair is possible if you're handy
Cons:
Glass, ceramic, and other types of tile can crack and chip with daily use
Hard to clean and keep clean—grout lines collect grime and stain
Bacteria can live in porous grout lines; regular sanitizing and resealing can help
Installation can be expensive, depending on the job and who you hire
How Are Tile Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Looks are just the start of the major differences—tile usually appears more artsy and bohemian and less upscale than granite, considered a premium surface. Granite is also much more durable and requires less upkeep than tile, which has the downside of being surrounded by fallible grout that needs cleaning, sealing, and replacing. Price, too, is very different, with tile almost always coming in at a fraction of the cost of granite countertops.
10. Recycled Glass Countertops
Usually formed by embedding crushed glass in solid-surface resin, glass counters are a beautiful and visually interesting countertop known for being unique and low maintenance. Along with the more common terrazzo or mosaic-type appearance, some recycled glass countertops are also available as solid, one-color slabs made of melted, colored glass.
Recycled Glass Countertop Cost
The average cost of recycled glass counters is $50 to $125 per square foot. However, custom patterns and colors can be more expensive.
Pros and Cons of Recycled Glass Counters
Ready for the modern, eclectic vibe recycled glass countertops can give your kitchen? Here are the pros and cons you need to know.
Pros:
Can be very affordable
Low maintenance with no sealing or refinishing required
Durable
Do not fade or discolor
Will not stain
Resists heat
Modern look
Variety of colors, patterns, and looks
Usually made with recycled glass
Cons:
Can crack and chip with impact
Repairs are hard and expensive
Solid-surface binders may not be heat resistant
Limited edge styles
Custom colors, patterns, and edges can raise the price dramatically
Modern look may not fit every kitchen or style
How Are Recycled Glass Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Recycled glass countertops and granite countertops look and function quite differently. With its unique look, recycled glass is likely to appeal to fewer homeowners than granite, one of the most popular countertop materials. Granite is also more durable than recycled glass, and can stand up to heat better; however, granite is a porous, natural material that needs regular sealing and can scratch, stain, and etch, unlike nonporous glass counters.
11. Solid Surface Countertops
Solid surface countertops, like Corian®, are made using natural and human-made materials. For this reason, some styles can look more natural and mimic granite and other natural stone countertops. They’re also very solid from a physical and design standpoint.
Solid Surface Countertop Cost
Solid-surface counters like Corian® countertops cost an average of $75 to $125 per square foot, making them an excellent choice for homeowners wanting durable, affordable materials.
Pros and Cons of Solid Surface Counters
There are many reasons why solid surface counters have been popular and bordering on trendy for years now. For quality on a budget with just a few downsides, it’s hard to do better than these.
Pros:
Affordable
Low-maintenance—require no sealing or upkeep
Easy to clean
The whole slab is one solid surface, with no distracting or gunk-attracting seams
Durable—can last 30 to 50 years or more with good care
Some styles look like natural stone
Easy to repair scratches and blemishes, including DIY buffing
Cons:
Softer than natural stone
Not heat resistant
Not chemical resistant
Hard to DIY install
How Are Solid Surface Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Both are very popular, valuable countertop materials that will serve you well and can give you a good return on your investment, but solid surface and granite countertops have some significant differences. Solid surface counters are engineered and come in a more subtle palette, can scratch, are easy to buff smooth, won’t crack, and never need sealing; granite counters are natural stone, come in much bolder natural patterns, are hard to scratch, can crack, and require regular sealing.
12. Laminate Countertops
If you’re picturing the old-school Formica countertops of yesteryear—complete with stains, scratches, and discolored chips, today’s laminate counters would like you to reconsider. Today’s laminate products are entirely different in form and function. Now, they’re stronger, prettier, and hold up better with no extra maintenance.
Laminate Countertop Cost
Affordable for almost any budget at an average cost of $20 to $50 per square foot, laminate countertops are one of the lowest-priced countertop options on the market. That can make them a good deal and idea for many homes, even if you need to replace them more often.
Pros and Cons of Laminate Counters
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly countertop that has acceptable pros and cons, look into what laminate can offer:
Pros:
Very affordable
Many color and pattern options
Various quality options
Low maintenance—no sealing required
Easy to clean
Nonporous, and won’t absorb stains or liquids
Easier to DIY than most other countertop materials
Cons:
Not as durable as natural stone or metal; have the shortest lifespan of popular countertop materials
Can scratch, burn, and delaminate
Cannot be resurfaced or repaired
Not as desirable as more expensive, more durable options; no added resale value
How Are Laminate Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Laminate and granite are very different materials, so it’s no surprise that they don’t have many features in common. Laminate is much less expensive, less durable, requires less maintenance, and won’t boost your home’s value, while granite is more expensive, more durable, needs regular maintenance, and will be a selling point for most homes. If you’re looking for a shorter-term solution that’s more cost-effective, laminate can be a decent option. Still, granite is the better choice for long-lived countertops that add value to your home now and in the future.
13. Epoxy Countertops
Unlike most other types of countertops (with tile being the notable exception), you don’t usually purchase epoxy counters as a finished slab that you can install. Instead, epoxy is a countertop refinishing material that comes in a kit containing resin and hardener that you or a contractor can apply to refinish existing countertops and make them into something entirely new.
Epoxy Countertops Cost
Kits range from an average of $100 to $200, with luxury kits coming in even higher. DIY installation won’t cost you anything beyond your time and effort, but hiring a professional is recommended and can cost around $100 per foot. Added up, that can be as much or more than other, more durable countertops that are easier to install.
Pros and Cons of Epoxy Countertops
You don’t see epoxy countertops often, and there are good reasons why they aren’t as popular as other surfaces. However, there are some real upsides to consider, too.
Pros:
Use existing countertops that are structurally sound as the base
Shiny, glossy surface can make worn-out counters look beautiful and new
Durable and long-lasting when applied correctly
Nonporous and resistant to stains and liquids
Heat resistant (although you'll still want to use hot pads and trivets)
Cons:
Most epoxy must be set over existing countertops
Are usually messy and hard to install correctly, even for experienced installers and DIYers
Costs for kits and professional installation can be as expensive as installing other types of premade counters
Can stain if liquids and spills are left to sit for long periods
Premade epoxy counters are very expensive and hard to find
How Are Epoxy Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Granite is prized for being strong, durable, beautiful, and rich looking; on the other hand, epoxy countertops can be sleek, smooth, less expensive up front, and allow you to use your existing countertops as a base. Epoxy can be easier to care for since it resists heat and cracking, has a flat and nonporous surface that washes easily, and doesn’t need regular sealing; however, granite is much more durable over time, even though it does require resealing to maintain its stain resistance and shine.
14. Wood Countertops
There are many options for wood countertops, from functional and beautiful butcher blocks to live-edge solid-wood slabs made of bamboo, cherry, walnut, and oak. Wood is a natural product that can fit the popular natural, modern, or bohemian aesthetics many homeowners are searching for, including Scandinavian designs. But you’ll want to do your homework and choose carefully, as wood counters come in various styles, colors, materials, and looks.
Wood Countertops Cost
Ranging in cost from $10 to $45 per square foot—with custom live-edge solid slabs costing even more—wood counters can be an affordable or luxury material for kitchens.
Pros and Cons of Wood Counters
If you’ve ever touched a wood countertop, you know they feel different and evoke different senses than stone or human-made materials. Here are the pros and cons you should consider:
Pros:
Beautiful, warm, and inviting
Range of colors, types of wood, shaping, thickness and edge styles leave almost endless options and can fit almost any home or decor
Some types, such as butcher block and hardwoods, can stand up to heavy use with prevention and care
Eco-friendly when harvested, processed, shipped, and installed in a conscientious way
Reclaimed wood countertops can be even more earthy, aged, beautiful, and eco-friendly
Cons:
Require a lot of care and maintenance, including regular sealing and oiling
Porous, so spills will cause stains, spots, and damage
Softer wood will damage incredibly easily, but all wood can be cut, scratched, dented, burned, and waterspotted
Is unsanitary and will grow bacteria and mold if not sealed correctly and frequently
DIY can be easier than with other types of countertop materials
Resurfacing and repairs may be easier and less expensive
How Are Wood Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Wood countertops are the polar opposite of granite counters in many ways—wood is soft, warm, rustic, traditional, and less expensive, while granite is hard, cold, more formal, and can be expensive. Both will require maintenance, however. And while granite can chip and break, wood can dent and scratch, so neither is indestructible.
15. Recycled Paper Countertops
Recycled paper as a countertop material? Yes, you read that right. You’ll probably be as surprised to learn that this relatively new product can offer a lot of style, function, and life. Recycled paper counters are made from—no big surprise—recycled post-consumer paper that is combined with natural pigments and resins and then baked at a high temperature to create durable, smooth, attractive countertops.
Recycled Paper Countertop Cost
Recycled paper counters range between $45 and $70 per square foot, placing them in the lower to middle range of countertop costs.
Pros and Cons of Recycled Paper Countertops
Get to know these newer counters by looking at some of the standout pros and cons.
Pros:
Very durable—resistant to stains, scratching, bacteria, and chipping
Can last 25 years or more with good care
Easy to clean with gentle soap and water
Feels like warm, soft stone
Lighter than stone counters
Can handle heat up to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
DIY sealing is inexpensive and easy
Scratches and stains buff out easily with an orbital sander or sanding pads, no pros required
Foodsafe and homesafe—not made with radon, formaldehyde, or other VOCs
Eco-friendly and made from post-consumer recycled paper, saving landfill space and preventing CO2 emissions
Cons:
More expensive than some types of natural stone or laminates
Must be sealed regularly to prevent staining, scratching, and other damage
Limited color palette includes mostly darker colors, although new colors are coming
Will fade with extended UV exposure, so shouldn’t be used in sunny rooms, porches, or outdoor spaces
How Are Recycled Paper Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Recycled paper countertops are softer, warmer, solid colored, and use recycled materials, while granite is harder, colder, variegated, and usually is a new product mined for countertop manufacturing. Both require sealing to prevent damage.
16. Stainless Steel Countertops
There’s a reason commercial kitchens usually have stainless steel countertops—they’re affordable, easy to care for, and stand up to a lot of heavy use. Those are great attributes for home kitchens, too, especially if they’re in a home with a modern sensibility and in a kitchen that gets used often.
Stainless Steel Countertop Cost
Stainless steel can be affordable to moderately expensive, averaging $50 and $150 per square foot. The price goes up if you choose thicker or coated metal sheets or if you opt for a nontraditional edge.
Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Counters
For a hard-working kitchen, you can’t go wrong with stainless steel. Just make sure you also consider the cons before booking a contractor.
Pros:
Affordable to moderate cost
Very durable—can last a lifetime
Easy to maintain, and requires no sealing or refinishing
Hygienic, scent resistant, bacteria resistant, and easy to clean
Will not stain, burn, rust, scorch, or melt
Multiple finish and edge profile options
Can be recycled
Cons:
Shiny applications will show fingerprints and smudges
Will scratch
Thinner gauge metal can dent; thicker metal is more expensive
Can look industrial
How Are Stainless Steel Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Stainless steel and granite are as different as metal and stone. While hard and cold to the touch, stainless steel is much easier to maintain and resists damage better than granite. However, stainless steel will show fingerprints and smudges.
17. Zinc Countertops
Metal countertops are popular, but not everyone likes the look of stainless steel. Zinc countertops can be the answer for those who prefer a softer, less shiny, less industrial, and more unique metal. Zinc fits the modern aesthetic and can go with more traditional decor schemes, too, as it develops an aged patina over time.
Zinc Countertop Cost
Zinc is very expensive at approximately $150 to $200 per square foot. The thicker the gauge, the more expensive the metal, but it will also hold up better and resist dents compared to thinner zinc. If you want zinc countertops on a budget, ask whether your supplier has any already starting to form a patina or surface defects. This can come at a discounted price; any defects will blend into the patina over time.
Pros and Cons of Zinc Countertops
Beautiful and expensive, durable yet scratches easily—zinc countertops are a study of pros and cons. Here’s what to consider:
Pros:
Very durable—can last for 50 years or more
Beautiful and unique
Solid metal that forms a one-of-a-kind patina with use
Will not stain or absorb liquids
Bacteria-resistant makes food preparation safer
Can be installed with decorative edging and integral sinks
Zinc-experienced countertop contractors near you and metal fabricators can do the installation work
Cons:
Expensive
Scratches and dents easily (thicker gauge metal can help)
Can warp with exposure to pans heated above 300 degrees Fahrenheit
Patina can take 12 months or longer to develop, and counters may appear splotchy and dirty before then
A luxury material that not all buyers may want, so sellers may not get a good ROI
How Are Zinc Countertops Different From Granite Countertops?
Zinc and granite countertops are equally hardy, beautiful, and unique looking, and both are considered luxury countertops, but the two materials are very different. Because it’s a soft, solid metal that forms a patina, zinc won’t stain, etch, or need sealing; conversely, granite must be resealed often to help resist stains, scratches, etching, and other damage. Granite is usually much more affordable than zinc, though, and it may offer a better return on your investment, as zinc is a less common, less widely desirable material.
How to Choose the Right Granite-Alternative Countertops for Your Home
Every home and every homeowner is different, so there is no one right answer when it comes to choosing granite alternatives for your countertops. As we’ve seen, granite is popular for many reasons, and many homeowners and buyers look for granite when shopping for new counters or a new home. That said, so many amazing countertop materials are available that it’s shortsighted not to consider your options.
When looking at countertops, factor in your budget, personal aesthetics, home style and decor preferences, maintenance requirements and willingness, use requirements, eco-friendliness, resale value, and other factors that matter most to you and your family. If you use your kitchen often, want low-maintenance countertops, or need a sturdy surface that will stand up to eager kids “helping” out, your result will probably look very different than that of someone who wants a showpiece kitchen that doesn’t see much more action than jealous looks from visitors.
To get it right, be sure you’re asking questions and narrowing down your options based on the overall look, material durability, maintenance requirements, heat resistance, material costs, cost to install countertops, and overall value.