Black Soapstone Countertops for the perimeter of the kitchen installed by Arch City Granite
With endless colors and variations, it’s easy to find a great slab of granite. Like any other natural material, each piece is unique, and so each countertop is likewise unique.
However, though we love granite, sometimes it’s just not the right fit for a home or homeowner’s style. If you don’t want granite, there are plenty of great countertop options on the market from other natural stones like soapstone to quality man-made countertops like quartz.
Here are our four top picks for granite countertop alternatives:
#1 – Soapstone
Black Soapstone slab in Arch City Granite inventory
Soapstone is a natural quarried stone like granite, but with quite a few differences. Whereas granite is typically shiny and cold to the touch, soapstone has a naturally soft finish (like a dry bar of soap) and is warmer to the touch (it’s a natural heat conductor).
For those looking for something more subdued and rustic than granite, soapstone is a great alternative. It only comes in a small range of colors: gray, blue-gray, green-gray, and black. For more on soapstone, see our recent article: Soapstone Countertops – A Complete Guide.
#2 – Quartzite
Calcatta Macaubas Quartzite in Arch City Granite inventory
Quartzite countertops are widely loved for their marble-esque patterns and granite-like durability. If you are looking for the soft, smooth lines of a white or gray marble but are hesitant about putting soft marble on your counters, this is a great choice. Quartzite is a natural, quarried stone found primarily in Brazil. It is much harder than marble, making it more resistant to etching or staining.
Some quartzite’s that look like classic marbles include: Super White Quartzite, White Macaubas Quartzite, Calacatta Macaubas Quartzite, Sea Pearl Quartzite, White Nile Quartzite, and Fantasy Macaubas Quartzite.
#3 – Quartz designed to look like marble
Calcatta Classique Quartz from Q-Quartz that looks like natural Calcatta marble
Quartz is an engineered (or man-made) stone that has the durability of granite without the limitation of natural color formations. If you are looking for more consistency in pattern or a color that isn’t naturally found in granite, quartz is a great countertop to consider.
Like quartzite, quartz countertops are often a top alternative to marble. Quartz is an extremely durable material that won’t stain, scratch, or etch, and many quartz manufacturers have specifically created patterns that mimic classic marbles.
Two great examples of marble look-a-like quartz are Q Quartz’s Calacatta Classique Quartz, and Caesarstone’s Statuario Nuvo Quartz.
#4 – Contemporary quartz designs
Quartz Countertops may be produced in any contemporary Design or Color- Fossil Gray quartz slabs from Q-Quartz
But perhaps you have decided to look beyond granite because you don’t want the look of natural stone in your home. If you are searching for a countertop with non-natural color like pure white, ruby red, or bright green, then you’ll have any number of quartz options.
If you are looking for a pure white quartz, we recommend Q Quartz’s Artic White Quartz. This is a quality product in a brilliant white that will hold up for years to come. Q Quartz also has a beautiful red called Sparkling Ruby Quartz.
If you are looking for bright, solid colors, Silestone has a great selection of colorful quartz counters, including Green Fun Quartz and Blue Enjoy Quartz.
Looking for granite alternatives like soapstone, quartzite, or quartz in the greater St. Louis area? At Arch City Granite & Marble, we keep soapstone, quartzite, and several unique lines of quartz. Visit one of our two showrooms for a free consultation and quote.