Alternative counter tops

Question

Im almost sick of the granite and marble counter tops, but mostly the price of them. Im redoing my Father's kitchen and want some different updated styles of different counter tops. I need to keep the price down also he is on a fixed income. Any ideas? Also Im looking to do the style of the kitchen French country so I need something that is not to sterile looking. Thanks for any info!

Answer 1

High end colored concrete counter tops are more expensive than granite and marble slabs.  You should consider installing granite or marble tiles instead of slab counter top.  If you are looking for solid material, it will be pricey, no matter what you use.  But ceramic, porcelain, natural stone tiles will have higher maintenance.  So you're left with plastic laminate.

Answer 2

granite counter tops were recently found to have traces of radiation in them. No joke. Personally I like The cement counter tops with a rusty looking stain. It may be to sterile but its cheap. I dont think its gonna go with your style I dont even know why I brought that up/

Answer 3

The most inexpensive counter tops are the ready made formica ones available in home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes.  You can also use tile to get a French Country look.You can do both of these yourself.  Just take your time.

Answer 4

You can get the most amazing laminate counter tops for reasonable  prices (down right cheap compared to granite or marble) that will fit any decor.  Shop around and be pleasantly surprised.

There is also a new product made of recycled bottles that looks like stone.  I can't say how it stacks up price-wise, but it is beautiful and seems like it would wear quite well.

http://www.bottlestone.com/#info  

Answer 5

Concrete countertops are really great but may not fit his decor.

Laminates have come a long way and are inexpensive.  There are so many different patterns and companies to choose from. You can also get different edges to fit your style.