The top kitchen countertop surface to but is granite. The pros outweigh the cons and its benefits top other surfaces. No one will argue of what it can do to a kitchen. However, there are some who find marble too expensive and not in touch with their liking. There has to be something else to put in as a countertop instead of letting marble have the monopoly on it. About 80 percent of households have marble because it is sturdy and last-longing, making the expensive investment worth it. But, budgets and taste come first. So, here are a few surfaces to consider as an alternative for the kitchen.

First, there is marble because it is more smooth and creamy than granite, but it does stain and scratch easily. However, it gets better as it gets older to give it glowing look, which is attractive to people. Then, there is wood, which are becoming popular again because they are both sturdy and stylish. Wooden tops bring an interest dose to the kitchen’s look. The most popular type of wooden countertop is the butcher block, which can come from different types of wood. The “mileage” is takes on give such countertop a certain gloss to it; the mild con to wood is the need to coat it with oil often to keep it from drying, but it may be worth it.

Then, there is soapstone. It’s a smooth stone that comes in the grey color that does not stain to any acidic juice or darkened liquids like soda and does not weaken from high heat. Keep it shiny with certain oils. Another hardened top, concrete, can be installed, but not the type you see on the sidewalk or street. This concrete is produced in a way that differs in sizes and colors from customized chipped or mixed with other ingredients. Granted, they are heavy and prone to damage itself easily – more specialized sealant is needed – but the longevity and resistance to high heat and scratches are attractive assets.

Quartz is a an interesting countertop because it looks natural, but it’s not. It is a mix of naturalized quartz with a specialized paste, creating a hardened, colored top that requires very little maintenance. The downside is that it sometimes can take the heat, but it still can be burned if too hot. Or, we can copy the fridge and oven and have a top that is made of stainless steel. It is very chic and the definition of modern times, but that is the problem. It may be too modern. At the same, it is prone to dents and scratches, and other metals like copper and zinc that are preferable that stainless steel. Finally, there is glass. They can take the heat and not stain, and by easily wiping it down with glass cleaners, it stays fresh and crystal clear. The downside is that it’s quite thick, which some may not like, and it may not look good with a sink because of the see-through aspect in glass.

Looking for a good kitchen countertop in Virginia? For any of these recommended surfaces, go to Discover Granite for their collection of incredible surface for your kitchen.