Cheap Kitchen Countertop Alternatives to Granite

Marble Countertop: ©Iriana Shiyan – stock.adobe.com

Although granite counters are an extremely popular choice, they may not work in every situation or appeal to everyone. If granite just doesn’t feel like the right fit for your home or budget, finding attractive and high-value alternatives can seem difficult. Fortunately, there are plenty of other choices that offer beauty, durability, and a great return on your investment.

Check out these nine popular granite alternative countertops to find the one that fits your style and budget.

On Page:

1. Marble
2. Quartz
3. Wood
4. Tile
5. Stainless Steel
6. Concrete
7. Laminate
8. Sintered Stone
9. Soapstone
10. Cheap Kitchen Countertop Alternatives
11. Countertops That Look Like Granite
12. Lightweight Alternatives
13. Considerations and ROI

1. Marble

Marble countertops cost $1,000 to $10,000 depending on your location and the size of your kitchen. Marble countertops create an inviting and timeless look, whether you choose clean, classic white marble or one of the dozens of other colors available.

The natural mineral deposits and impurities in this stone give rise to streaks, specks, and unusual patterns, which ensure that your surface looks utterly unique.

• Softer and more porous than granite.
• More prone to scratching, etching, or staining.
• Appearance will change slightly over time.
• Clean up spills quickly and treat the surface ever year with a special sealer.

2. Quartz & Engineered Stone

If you love the idea of marble countertops but want an option that is a little more uniform or low-maintenance, choose engineered quartz. Quartz countertops cost anywhere from $1,000 to $4,000 or more.

Consider a few more points:

• Explore the differences between granite vs. quartz countertops before making a decision.
• Caesarstone and Silestone, like all quartz counters, are a mix of quartz and resin that creates a strong, nonporous surface.
• Health-friendly option, since they do not release harmful byproducts or worsen allergies.

3. Wood

To many people, wood offers a beauty that other materials, whether natural or engineered, simply can’t rival. Traditional wood countertops can add immediate warmth to your kitchen or elegance to your bathrooms. If you are willing to put in a little extra work, wood can add value and timeless beauty to your home. Installing wood countertops costs $2,000 to $4,500.

Wood offers a surface that is:

• Warm to the touch.
• Quiet to work on.
• Weathered and only improves with time.
• Prone to drying. Oil two or three times per year to prevent drying.

4. Tile

Tile countertops are an appealing option for more creatively-inclined homeowners because they allow for full customization of color and pattern. Ceramic or porcelain tile also creates a polished, classic look that will stand the test of time with proper care and maintenance.

• Installing tile countertops costs $3,000 to $5,000.
• Scrubbing the grout between the tiles to remove food particles and prevent staining is essential, and this task can be time-consuming.
• Grout usually needs to be resealed every year. Aggressive cleaning can harm the tile finish, while excessive force can cause chips or cracks. However, with caution and proper care, tile can offer a unique and beautiful look for years.

5. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel counters create a sleek, clean, and highly modern feeling. These modern metal designs turn your kitchen into a culinary focal point that is sure to satisfy any home chef. They’re incredibly durable and match almost any décor. Installing stainless steel counters costs $4,000 to $11,300.

6. Concrete

Concrete is another highly functional and attractive material. It’s incredibly heavy and usually needs additional supports. It combines the modern look of stainless steel with the natural attractiveness of stone surfaces. Installing concrete countertops costs $5,000 to $10,000.

7. Laminate

Laminate counters come in a wide range of quality, styles and colors. Cheap versions sit at the back of most big box stores while high definition granite look-alikes come custom from the manufacturer. Laminate countertop installation costs $800 to $1,700.

8. Recycled and Sintered Stone

Sintered stone is a used composite of stone, glass, porcelain, ceramic, silica and sometimes other minerals. Costs vary widely.

9. Soapstone

Soapstone, a quarried stone with a high concentration of talc, makes a great countertop surface. Though it’s slightly softer than granite, it doesn’t require sealing. It’s denser than most other natural stones. It comes in various shades of gray with blueish or greenish hues. Soapstone installation costs $1,500 to $2,000 for a 30-square-foot slab.

©Tyler Olson – stock.adobe.com

Cheap Kitchen Countertop Alternatives

*Material cost only. Labor costs run $35 to $100 per square foot, regardless of the type of material you choose.

For an even cheaper makeover, try an epoxy kit applied by a professional. They’re durable and you can customize them to fit your home, even make them look like granite. Regardless of the type of material you choose, countertop installation costs total an average of $2,000 to $4,000.

Countertops That Look Like Granite

Due to granites popularity, most countertop types and brands include options that mimic the look of granite.

• Quartz and marble often have their own unique look. However, since they are often engineered, they can mimic almost any look.
• Laminates can copy any look of any surface.
• Get a granite look without the granite countertop cost using a colored epoxy kit to cover any type of surface.

Lightweight Countertop Material Alternatives

If you’re looking to shed weight, ditch stone or engineered stone alternatives. The options remaining include:

• Put this over engineered wood or reinforced plywood.
• Stainless Steel. Works just like laminate, covering a wood substrate.
• Solid Wood. Butcher block styles tend to weight at a fraction of any stone style.

Cheap Countertop Alternative Considerations & ROI

The return on your investment in new countertops depends heavily on your location, home style, neighborhood value and the material you choose. But there are other things to consider before starting your project.

• Long-Term Planning: When choosing your non-granite surface to spend money on & install, it is important to consider what you want in the long-term. Are you hoping to add value to a home that you may be selling soon, or are you trying to choose a timeless look that you will love for years?

• Lifestyle Considerations: It is also smart to make concessions about your lifestyle. For instance, if you have young children, or if cleaning isn’t your strong suit, you may get a better value by focusing on functionality and durability rather than appearance or trendiness.

With the many choices available today, finding the right countertop can be challenging, but with some research and thought, it can be done. Considering these six options can be a great starting point, since they are all difficult to go wrong with if you want a granite alternative that still offers the same level of versatility, functionality, and aesthetic appeal.

FAQs

What’s an inexpensive granite option?

Buying granite tile or overlays can save you up to 50% off a new installation. But it’s not always cheaper. Talk to a professional installer for options and costs.

What’s the best imitation granite alternative for DIYers?

An epoxy coating kit is the best imitation granite alternative for a DIYer.

What substitute is better than granite for durability?

Engineered stone countertops have better durability than most granite.

What’s the best quartz alternative?

Granite, marble and engineered solid surface stone are the best quartz alternatives as far as durability and cost.

What’s a good countertop that looks like marble?

Epoxy countertops make great marble replacements. They can be made to look similar and are highly durable.

Is soapstone cheaper than granite?

Soapstone, costing $2,700 to $4,200, costs about the same as granite.

What is a composite granite countertop?

Composite granite countertops are a type of engineered stone, typically made from 90% quartz and 10% resin.

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