What are counter top options other than granite?

13 years ago

....and laminate.

I feel like the only choice we have is granite, but I'm sure that's not the case. Someone at my dh's work told him that granite causes cancer, but is this really true?

What are some other durable counter top choices?

Thanks!

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Comments (11)

cookie08
13 years ago
For starters: quartz, soapstone, concrete, stainless steel, wood, Corian, marble, ceramic tile

Here is a link that might be useful: comparison of countertops
weissman
13 years ago
Not to start the whole debate all over, but a very, very small percentage of granite slabs have somewhat elevated levels of radon - most don't. The statement that granite causes cancer is way over blown and is the kind of things that salesmen for solid surface countertops tend to push. There are a few threads about this on this forum.
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People are likely to tell you to do a search--which is a good idea. There have been several threads on this in here and I definitely found them helpful. In the meantime, I can tell you that I have carrara on my perimeter countertops. My GC and KD both said "NO WAY" in the beginning, but I forged ahead! Mine have been in for about six weeks and I love them. The biggest cons you'll hear are staining and etching. I haven't had any staining issues at all. My husband left a lid from a margarita mix container on one counter and it did etch (acidic). But I'm pretty sure I'm the only person who can find it. What you'll generally hear on here is that if you're willing to live with some "patina" meaning some etching and possibly staining (though there are poultice recipes that people seem to have great success with), then marble is a great choice. If you want a completely blemish-free surface, it may not be for you. Definitely do a search on here, though--and good luck!
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Here's a beautiful countertop that I saw at an open house. This is a natural stone, probably a marble, maybe Sequoia Brown. Visit more stone yards if you are looking for natural stone. A few more ideas: Glass countertop (consider 3Form or ThinkGlass in Canada) for a modern look: Glazed lava stone, Pyrolave, from France, for the eccentric multi-millionaire: Matching countertop and floor in natural Zebra limestone: Works best if countertop and floor are both light or both dark; or if they have strong contrast, such as this Nero Marquino marble countertop with light-color floor: Fumed black granite: Another option is a uniform color on the countertop with a "wow" factor on the floor; Honed limestone countertop with marble floor: Engineered materials: Integrated concrete sink with "wow" factor on the porcelain floor tile: The Nameeks vessel sink "steals" the show on this natural basalt countertop: If the mirror above the sink does not expand across the whole wall, can put the focus on wall tile instead of countertop. Here's MTI solid surface ESS sink integrated with countertop, with marble mosaic wall tile as the focus:
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Dekton is a wonderful product, it's scratch and stain resistant to name just a few of the benefits. Ask your local showroom if they are able to provide you with a sample.
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@kel_kat5 - It is a mistake to think that Dayana’s situation is representative of granite counters. Most importantly, the Bahamas White granite she pictured looks like it’s in the family of the Imperial White or Kashmir granites, which is notorious for behaving more like marble and staining easily because it is more absorptive than other granites, I.e. porous. If one is looking for a granite with a white background, check out the granites in the family of Alaska White, White Springs, Bianco Delicatus, and Lennon, which are pretty bullet-proof. I’ve had different granites in different homes, and none even needed sealing, and were carefree, and we didn’t baby them. There are a thousand granites out there, and they should not all be lumped under the same umbrella. Quartz is a great choice if you want a more uniform appearance to your counters. There are stories on this forum of Quartz staining, scorching and chipping, and having resin pools. I actually think Quartz is a wonderful choice for counters. But get it for its appearance and beauty, not because you think it is more durable than granite.
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dianalo
13 years ago
If granite really caused cancer, you'd hear it all over and not just from some guy at work!

The many other options are lovely and you should consider everything before you decide what feels right. Luckily, you can see good examples of almost every kind of counter in the finished kitchens blog. You can also find out info about any surface by reading here and asking. Try the search function to see other threads like this. I am sure you will be busy reading for a while, lol...
pharaoh
13 years ago
sorry for being sarcastic, but ask the guy at work about WMDs and other forms of fear mongering!
gsciencechick
13 years ago
Let's not forget Circuspeanut's spectacular COPPER countertops!

Here is a link that might be useful: Circuspeanut's copper DIY counters
PRO
Garden State Soapstone
13 years ago
Soapstone, slate and wood. All natural and honed surfaces
lazy_gardens
13 years ago
Someone at my dh's work told him that granite causes cancer, but is this really true? Like all rocks, granite can give off radon gas ... which if inhaled in large enough quantities for long periods of time might increase your chances of getting lung cancer.

That said ... it's way less of a risk factor than things like air pollution, cigarette smoking, candle smoke, etc.

How about soapstone, laminate, butcherblock, synthetic "quartz" ... or concrete.
pricklypearcactus
13 years ago
terrazzo/recycled glass, recycled paper composite
caryscott
13 years ago
"recycled paper composite": ie Richlite or Paperstone. Bamboo can also be quite nice.
M Miller
4 years ago
Resurrecting a 10-year-old thread. How desperate. SPAMOLA.
PRO
SawHorse Design + Build
4 years ago
The question is still legitimate and there are better options for users now that are looking at these threads for current information. Countertops have come a long way in the last 10 years.

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What are counter top options other than granite?

Comments (11)

cookie08

weissman

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