Forget Marble, Check Out These 10 Unique Countertop Materials

You can’t wait to embark on your kitchen countertop replacement project. There’s just one thing: You can’t decide between marble and granite.

Hold up a minute.

Yes, granite and marble countertops are the go-to countertop materials that people opt for when designing a new kitchen. But what if you didn’t follow everyone else and actually had unique countertops?

Here’s a list of 10 unique countertop materials that look absolutely stunning!

Let’s get started!

1. Unique Countertops Include Stainless Steel Ones

Stainless steel is on an increasing number of homeowners’ radars as they try to duplicate the types of kitchen designs used in restaurants.

This material is perfect for impressing relatives and friends, as the material is alluring and non-porous.

The downside? It’s relatively difficult to fabricate and is on the expensive side.

On a uniqueness scale ranging from 1 to 10, we’d give this a 5.

2. Reclaimed Wood

Imagine showing off a countertop in your kitchen that has been made of salvaged wood. Your countertop could easily be made of oak, maple or ash from an old commercial property or barn, for example.

This countertop material is neat for a couple of reasons.

First off, it’s simply gorgeous.

Second, you couldn’t get any “greener” in your countertop remodel.

Not many homes feature wood countertops — and especially recycled wood countertops — so your kitchen will most certainly stand out.

The downside? Wood does require a great deal of maintenance.

On the uniqueness scale, we’d give this material a 9.

3. Zinc

Zinc mimics stainless steel in the countertop world, as a layer of the metal simply drapes over a base.

This material is truly unique and beautiful. You’ll even find a reference to it in the work of famous writer Ernest Hemingway, who mentioned Paris bistro zinc countertops following the First World War.

The downside of this material? It may develop fine scratches over time. (Fortunately, you can sand the scratches out if you wish.)

On the uniqueness scale, we’d give this material a 9 as well.

4. Poured Epoxy

This surface material is one you’d find on a lab table or in a well-built biomedical facility. But that doesn’t mean they can’t go in your kitchen, too.

In fact, if you’ve always loved the look of marble, you’ll quickly fall in love with poured epoxy.

But this material isn’t just nice looking; it can also take hundreds of degrees Fahrenheit before distorting.

The downside? It doesn’t handle sudden temperature changes well (for instance, replacing a frozen turkey with a steaming-hot pan.

On the uniqueness scale, we’d give this material a 10.

5. High-Definition Laminate

This material is an excellent choice if you want a truly outstanding kitchen.

It looks chaotic — a lot like granite does. And it doesn’t repeat patterns like many laminates do.

Therefore, it’s great if you’re going for a high-end look but don’t want to spend the high-end price.

The downside? It’s still laminate, so your home’s resale value will be lower than it would be with a granite countertop, for example.

On the uniqueness scale, we’d give this material a 3.

6. Quartz

Quartz, which is basically engineered stone, is a great way to make your kitchen look classy and upscale.

But that’s not all.

Did you know that the performance of quartz is even better than that of granite?

The downside? It’s not exactly cheap. Still, you can learn more about its many irresistible benefits from the experts at International Granite & Stone, a provider of quartz countertops.

On the uniqueness scale, we’d give this material a 4.

7. Solid Glass

You’ve probably never seen a glass countertop firsthand before.

Yours could become the first.

Your solid glass countertop could easily range from one-and-a-half inches to one-and-a-half feet thick. Glass is a high-end countertop material that will no doubt catch the eye of anyone who enters your kitchen.

You could even embed light-emitting diode lights in it.

The downside? This material is super expensive.

On the uniqueness scale, we’d give this material a whopping 10.

8. Paper

Here’s another countertop material you’ve probably never seen before.

Imagine having a countertop fabricated from recycled cardboard. This is hands down one of the most eco-friendly countertop materials you’ll find.

The downside? It’s plain hard to get.

On the uniqueness scale, we’d give this material a 7.

9. Polyester

This is yet another uncommon countertop material option that may be worth trying in your kitchen.

What’s great about this material, aside from its aesthetic appeal, is that it isn’t porous. That means you don’t have to worry about sealing it.

On top of that, it makes for a great conversation starter. After all, who else can say they have polyester for their countertops?

The downside? It’s not cheap.

On the uniqueness scale, we’d give this material a 5.

10. Concrete and Skimcoat Concrete

Concrete is among the most versatile countertop material options on the market.

With concrete, you can take advantage of a wide range of thickness levels, sizes and colors. And it will mesh well with whatever kitchen design you have.

The downside? Concrete can be a bit pricey. It may also scorch and crack.

On the uniqueness scale, we’d give this material a 7.

Skimcoat Concrete

Now, let’s take a quick peek at concrete’s sister material: skimcoat concrete.

Never heard of it? It’s basically concrete that has been skimmed over cement backerboard and then smoothed before being waxed.

It’s no doubt unique. And it will most certainly give your kitchen a dramatic look.

The downside? It can scratch easily — especially if you use cutting boards often or have a habit of tossing your keys onto the countertop.

On the uniqueness scale, we’d give this material a 10.

How We Can Help

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Our goal? To inform you and inspire you in a new way — one that will add spice to your day and value to your life.

Get in touch with us to find out more about today’s unique countertops and make your house — and your life — even more exciting.

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