Granite countertops have long been a popular choice for homeowners and designers. Their fantastic durability, unique aesthetic, and timeless appeal makes them a functional fit for virtually any home. However, as design preferences continue to evolve and sustainable solutions gain more traction, many are seeking alternatives that deliver the same high quality and performance without sacrificing overall beauty.
These countertops are also versatile and functional enough to be used in numerous applications throughout your home. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, designing a new bathroom, or updating a commercial space, there are a number of alternatives out there that deliver the same type of durability and aesthetic value. When looking to replace or install countertops in Denver, it’s important to understand all of the options out there. There are a number of different surfaces that might even turn into your new favorite style.
Quartz Gives a Popular Alternative
A beautiful alternative to granite countertops is quartz, thanks to its durability and charming appeal. Quartz countertops are engineered from crushed natural quartz and combined with resin and other pigments, creating a surface that is actually harder and more resilient than granite. They are non-porous, making them highly resistant to normal wear and tear like stains, scratches, and bacterial. Many quartz products are made by using recycled materials, making them a popular choice for those watching out for sustainability and greener solutions.
The look of quartz is typically uniform, making it great for any size of countertop. It offers a consistent pattern throughout, meaning you’ll have the same aesthetic across all your countertops throughout the space. It’s also available in a wide array of colors and finishes – including a variety of options that mimic the veining found naturally in granite or marble. All of these factors make quartz a perfect option for kitchens and bathrooms. Its staunch durability and extremely low maintenance also make it a popular choice in commercial spaces.
Soapstone Delivers Unique Looks
Soapstone is a natural stone known for its density and extraordinary resistance to heat and stains. It might be softer than granite, but maintenance with soapstone is still very simple, as minor scratches can typically be sanded out. Soapstone can bring a rustic look to your space, as the subtle veining through the surface will add a touch of sophistication to virtually any space. It has a smooth, matte finish that has a rich and dark tone. Soapstone also develops a unique patina over time, adding to its overall aesthetic appeal.
This isn’t as common as some of the other surfaces, but it can deliver a great aesthetic while alleviating some of the sustainability concerns. Soapstone is a natural material that is easy to extract and produce for use. That means minimal environmental impact in getting the material, and the production process is also simple, avoiding anything that may increase the carbon footprint. Its rustic look is great for places like farmhouses, or anywhere else that wants to embrace natural materials that maintain their natural look and beauty.
Marble Brings Natural Durability
Granite is typically a harder material than marble, but marble is still a very durable natural stone that can withstand wear and tear and is naturally resistant to heat. However, proper care is required to maintain its overall charm. While quite solid, marble is more porous than granite, which requires sealing it to help prevent stains. This is one of the most aesthetically pleasing surfaces out there, thanks to is luxurious look, intricate veining, and unique patters. This makes it a sought after choice for many that are seeking elegance and sophistication.
While the look of the marble countertop can be stunning and unique, it’s important to understand that some upkeep will be required to maintain them. Marble’s durability makes it perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, but heavy use may require more maintenance. If aesthetics is your primary concern, marble can be a great choice for you. It’s naturally made of long-lasting material, sourced from quarries that generally have top-notch sustainable practices in place to minimize the impact on the environment, as well.
Concrete Offers a Modern, Industrial Look
If you’re looking for a more industrial aesthetic, concrete has become a more popular option for countertops. This material is incredibly durable when they’re properly sealed, making them very resistant to heat and scratches. You may need to perform periodic resealing to prevent staining, but that all depends on where the countertop is needed. Concrete countertops offer a modern and industrial look, but they can also be customized with pigments, textures, or other embedded materials like glass or stones.
The look of concrete might not be for everyone, but they are a very resilient surface. That makes them ideal for industrial kitchens and bathrooms, commercial spaces, and for outdoor use. This is a great material for outdoor kitchens or other places that need counter space but are exposed to the weather. Concrete’s resilience is what has made it commonplace throughout society, and it can deliver that same resilience to your counters. It is also usually made by using recycled materials, and eco-friendly additives are also put in to reduce the environmental impact.
Warm, Natural Appeal of Butcher Block
If you’re looking to add character to your kitchen countertops, butcher block could be the right choice. These countertops are made from solid wood, and are surprisingly durable when properly maintained. They can be sanded down to remove a lot of scratches or dents, which can improve their lifespan. Some care is needed to ensure you aren’t making any deep cuts or grooves, but taking good care can help butcher block countertops last a long time.
Butcher block gives off a warm and natural look, and the character of the wood can bring a touch of charm to any space. This type of countertop is available in a wide variety of wood types, meaning you will be able to get the right look and fit for any style and aesthetic. Using notorious hard woods like maple, oak, and walnut, butcher block can complement both traditional and modern styles. This style of countertop is typically only found in kitchens, where it’s perfect for reflecting the character of your space. It can also be used as an accent surface when paired with other materials. Because this are simply a large block of treated wood, opting for sustainably sourced or reclaimed wood makes butcher block countertops a great choice for those that are environmentally conscious.
Eye-Catching Recycled Glass
Another style of countertops is recycled glass, which is produced by combining shards of glass with resin or concrete. This makes a solid, heat-resistant surface that is surprisingly durable – when you consider the delicate nature of glass. Because of some of the natural qualities of glass, these countertops can give be very vibrant and attention-grabbing. The fragments of glass reflect light beautifully, and are also available in a wide variety of colors and patterns to make them suitable to any style. They keep this unique look throughout the life of the countertops, making them a gorgeous option that can stand the test of time.
Made from post-consumer or recycled industrial glass, these countertops are a fantastic eco-friendly option – which is one of the main benefits of this style of countertop. Recycled glass counters are ideal for consumers that are environmentally conscious that are looking for something unique. These are versatile and durable enough to be a great fit for kitchens and baths, but they also make a great option for spaces like bars or other counters in places where people gather. They can make a unique, artistic statement no matter where they’re installed, giving a great alternative option to other surfaces.
How to Choose the Right Countertops
There are a multitude of materials out there used to create countertops, and only a few of them have been listed here. When considering alternatives to granite, it’s going to come down to the specific needs of the consumer – and all of those are unique to each person’s situations. When trying to figure out which material to go with, be sure to ask about the durability. Countertops are obviously a long-term investment, and you need to know how resistant the surface will be to scratches, stains, and heat. This also impacts the level of upkeep that will be required to maintain the countertop’s appearance and functionality.
You also need a surface that’s going to align with your style and overall vision for your design. Of course, budget is also a major concern. Each material comes with a different upfront investment, and it has to fit in with your overall financial plan along with all of the other considerations. Because of the size of the investment, it’s crucial to talk to professionals about all of the different styles and materials available for countertops in Denver. For more information, or with any questions about the multitude of materials available, reach out to the experts at Kitchen & Bath by Design today.