Granite counters are very popular and they have established a strong image. However, they are not the only option. Other materials and types have started to gain admirers. People enjoy things that make them distinguish themselves from the rest of the world and it’s why granite counters are not something a person that wishes to be original would prefer. Here are a few examples of some other alternatives.

This counter might seem like marble but it’s not. It’s actually a laminate. It’s a nice trick and it’s an alternative that deserves your attention when searching for new counters for your kitchen.

Technically, this is a granite countertop. But it’s not the type you’re used with. This is absolute black granite and it also features a flamed finish. It’s a specialty finish just like brushed, leathered and honed and it gives this material a whole new appearance. So even though it’s still granite, it’s not the one that everyone else has.

Glass counters are not something most people consider. Despite the popular opinion, glass is a very resilient material. It also has natural qualities that no other material has and it’s elegant, versatile and easy to match with anything else.

Even though it’s more commonly used for room dividers and sliding doors, acrylic can also be used to make a great countertop for the kitchen. It’s not a typical counter material but it has plenty of advantages that others don’t. For example it’s a more modern alternative, it’s original, versatile and it comes in lots of colors and finishes.

Marble is a very beautiful and stylish material so no wonder it’s no appreciated. But, unlike granite, marble countertops are softer and they scratch and stain. It’s a material that ages and that shows signs of wear in time. So if you prefer something more resilient you should focus on other materials.

Wood is an extremely common and popular material. Nevertheless, it’s not very popular with countertops. Wood counters look bountiful on a kitchen island. They give it texture and personality. They require periodic oiling and they shows signs of wear just like any other wood piece.

If you prefer something a little less common, maybe quartz composite is for you. Composites are made from stone aggregate and polymers and they are compressed under high pressure. The resulting countertops are very practical and they are also as strong as most natural stones. They come in many colors and patterns.

If you’re particularly concerned for the environment and if you prefer green products, maybe you should also follow the same concept when choosing kitchen counters. This one is a green product and it’s made from post-consumer recycled paper that has been mixed with resin. It’s a material called paperstone. It’s strong, sustainable and waterproof.

Usually, when you want to make something stand out you use all sorts of tricks and improvisations. But these counters don’t need all that trouble. They are made from a natural stone called sodalite that is similar to granite and may even be mistaken as granite but that is actually a different mineral. It’s not as strong as granite but features wonderful colors.

These are zinc counters. They’re not actually a new concept as they have been around for many years. They are made by hammering sheets of zinc that are then fit over a wood form. The counters are naturally anti-bacterial and they are also very resilient and, in time, develop a very beautiful grey patina.

This counter is made from Corian. It’s a brand of solid surface material. In this particular case, it has been polished and got a very light look so it’s quite different than the image people have in mind when thinking of Corian.

Terrazzo is a form of concrete and it can also be used to make countertops. These terrazzo counters have a very stylish look. The material is made from a concrete base with decorative aggregates and it’s then polished. It’s this last detail that makes unique. Terrazzo is a material also used for flooring.

Another beautiful alternative for granite counters is onyx. It’s technically a mineral called banded calcite and it’s not the same as the onyx used for jewelry. It’s made from the same material as travertine but it’s less resilient, it’s softer and it’s more stain-prone than granite.

Picture sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13.