Granite is great and all, but have you heard of basalt?
1. Brushed granite
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Offering the look of soapstone at a more wallet-friendly price.
2. Quartz
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An easy-to-maintain engineered stone available in a wide variety of colors and finishes.
3. Butcherblock
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Requires regular refinishing, but adds a warmth to the kitchen that can’t be matched.
4. Corian
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A solid surface material that’s stain-resistant and nonporous.
5. Cement
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Prone to water spots, but offers a modern industrial aesthetic.
6. Terrazzo
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A fixture of the 70s that is making a major comeback.
7. Glass
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A one-of-a-kind look, but obviously susceptible to cracks, dents and chips.
8. Stainless steel
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Durable and sanitary, but not recommended for those who can’t stand the sight of fingerprints.
9. Polished granite
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A smooth and shiny finish to a natural stone surface.
10. Laminate
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Probably the best bang for your buck — this Italian white marble-esque laminate design is from Wilsonart.
11. Marble
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Much softer than granite (and therefore prone to scratches), but undeniably gorgeous.
12. Honed granite
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Offers a more subtle, matte look.
13. Soapstone
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Non-porous and heat-resistant, but quite expensive as most of it is imported from Brazil.
14. Porcelain
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Because it’s a manufactured material, you can control both the color and pattern.
15. Agate
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A Pinterest dream come true — the agate slabs are likely sealed with polyester resin.
16. Basalt
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A volcanic rock with a dark, moody feel that is surprisingly easy to care for.
17. Live edge wood slab
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Provides a charming rustic look, but must be re-sealed on a regular basis.
