For the longest time, granite was the material of choice.

It was top choice for people who wanted to have the most beautiful, highest-value-added kitchens. It’s the strongest rock on the planet, has a calm, relaxing appearance, and will last forever.

But there are a couple of problems with granite these days.

First off, it’s a lot more common than it used to be, especially in upmarket districts. It seems like practically every other home has a granite countertop somewhere in the kitchen, taking away some of its sex appeal. The other problem is the price: granite is expensive. Not only does it weigh a lot, but it’s also tough to cut and requires specialist facilities. This all adds to the price and makes it impractical for many families. What’s more, it needs to be sealed periodically to prevent stains and can chip.

The question is, what can replace granite as the best material choice for a kitchen countertop? Fortunately, there are many alternatives.

Alternative #1: Recycled Glass

The last thing you want in a contemporary kitchen is a big chunk of granite. Instead, you need something sleek and minimalist that will complement the rest of the room. Enter recycled glass.

Recycled glass is not only popular because of its eco credentials, but also because most modern glasses are impervious to heat, scratches and stains. Wooden sideboards are a nightmare, collecting moisture, mold, scratches and stains. But glass has none of these worries.

When it comes to glass countertops, you still have to be careful though. Not all manufacturers achieve the same quality. Check review sites to make sure that your glass countertop won’t crack under the heat.

Alternative #2: Concrete

Industrial interiors are right on trend at the moment, according to Hyde Concrete, because of the level of customization offered by concrete. People are looking to simplify their lives, and they’re doing it by choosing only the most functional and long-lasting materials. Rather than worry about maintenance, concrete countertops will serve homeowners for a long time without the hassle of other materials.

The downside, you might think, would be the appearance. But manufacturers have gotten very good at making concrete more appealing. It doesn’t look like your driveway anymore – additives and fillers provide exciting colors and a smooth finish.

Alternative #3: Laminate

If you want to go cheap, then laminate is the way to go. Laminate countertops were the original reason why people switched over to granite. They were ugly and tended to make the entire kitchen look cheap. But over the years, the laminate industry has had to adapt to its poor image and has since improved manufacturing technologies a lot.

Decorative edges and advanced printing now make laminate far more attractive and convincing than before. It’s still prone to damage from cutting, but as far as aesthetics go, things have improved a lot.

Alternative #4: Marble

Marble scratches easily, but it can be repaired by fine sanding and applying mineral oil. It’s heavy and expensive, but there’s nothing better if you want to create a luxe feel in your kitchen.

So tell me, which alternative are you going to try?