Granite counters are often seen as the ultimate option. They're gorgeous, durable, and low-maintenance. By all measures, granite is the perfect kitchen countertop material—except for one thing: its price. If you look at the prices of granite counters and realize they are outside of your budget, then what are you to do? Luckily, there are some other amazing countertop options that are almost as nice and much more affordable. 

Quartz

Quartz is often confused with granite, but the two are quite different. Granite counters are made from solid slabs of stone. Quartz is an engineered product. In other words, quartz counters are made by piecing various chunks of stone together using a resin. Because quartz counters can be made with chunks of stone leftover from other processes, they are much more affordable than granite counters. Additionally, you can find quartz counters in all sorts of color options. Some even have beads of blue or purple running through them. Quartz is heat-tolerant, does not need to be sealed, and can last several years, so you may never need to replace your counters again.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile counters used to be very popular. They're not quite as common anymore, but if you want your kitchen to have an older-fashioned, traditional look, ceramic tile counters can be a good choice. Ceramic is heat-resistant and durable. The tiles themselves are quite cheap, as is the grout. The one difficulty with ceramic tile counters is that the grout can sometimes absorb liquids and oils. You will have to be careful to seal the grout to prevent these issues. It will need to be resealed every year or two.

Concrete

If you want to create a more industrial or "rough" vibe, then concrete counters may be the right choice. Concrete is really affordable, and it can be poured in place so your contractors don't have to worry about hauling big slabs of it into your home. While you might think of concrete as having a boring, grayish color, it can actually be stained to give it any look you desire. You can use a colorful sealer or one with a more subdued color. Concrete is heat-resistant and durable, though you should have it resealed every few years, especially if you use your counters a lot.

There are plenty of desirable and more affordable alternatives to granite counters. Explore the options above, and enjoy your new kitchen surface. Contact a kitchen countertop service for more information. 

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