--- title: Kitchen Remodeling Alternatives To Granite description: Besides granite, what choices are there for kitchen countertops? At least half a dozen options are available for your kitchen remodeling project--and you can use more than one image: https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1-granite-countertop-kitchen-island.jpg --- [![Gilday](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/theme2021/images/gilday-logo-white.png) ](https://www.gilday.com/) [ 301.565.4600 ](tel:301.565.4600) - [About Us](https://www.gilday.com/about-gilday-renovations) - [About](https://www.gilday.com/about-gilday-renovations) - [Architects & Designers](https://www.gilday.com/architects-designers) - [Administration](https://www.gilday.com/administration) - [Production & Construction](https://www.gilday.com/production-team) - [Careers](https://www.gilday.com/careers) - [Awards](https://www.gilday.com/awards) - [What Our Clients Say](https://www.gilday.com/gilday-renovation-reviews) - [Press](https://www.gilday.com/press) - Service Area - [Arlington VA](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-arlington-va) - [Alexandria VA](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-alexandria-va) - [Bethesda MD](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-bethesda-md) - [Chevy Chase MD](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-chevy-chase-md) - [Cleveland Park DC](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-cleveland-park-dc) - [Kensington MD](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-kensington-md) - [McLean VA](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-mclean-va) - [Potomac MD](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-potomac-md) - [Rockville MD](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-rockville-md) - [Washington DC](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-washington-dc) - [Portfolio](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio) - [Additions](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio#additions) - [Kitchens](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio#kitchens) - [Baths](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio#baths) - [Whole House Renovations](https://www.gilday.com/portfolio#wholehouse) - Services - [Home Remodeling the Design Build Way](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-the-design-build-way) - [Renovation Architect Services](https://www.gilday.com/renovation-architect-services-gilday-renovations) - [Whole-Home Remodeling](https://www.gilday.com/whole-home-remodeling-gilday-renovations) - [Kitchen Remodeling](https://www.gilday.com/kitchen-remodeling-gilday-renovations) - [Bathroom Remodeling](https://www.gilday.com/bathroom-remodeling-gilday-renovations) - [Home Additions](https://www.gilday.com/home-additions-gilday-renovations) - [Pricing & Budgeting](https://www.gilday.com/how-to-budget-for-a-home-renovation-project) - [For Realtors - Pre-Purchase Evaluation](https://www.gilday.com/for-realtors-pre-purchase-evaluation) - [Resources](https://www.gilday.com/renovation-resource-center) - [Renovation Articles](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.gilday.com/contact) x Search the site # Kitchen Remodeling Alternatives To Granite [Kevin Gilday](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/author/kevin-gilday) ![Kitchen Remodeling Alternatives To Granite](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/1-granite-countertop-kitchen-island.jpg) ## The End of Granite Countertops in Kitchen Remodeling Are we sick of the slab yet?  Starting about eight years ago there were remodeling industry predictions of an end to the great granite countertop obsession that swept Metro [Washington DC homeowners](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-washington-dc) off their feet.  Well, eight years later rock is still tops in the DC kitchen. The day will surely come in the fickle and trendy world of kitchen remodeling when the timeless look of granite will have timed out. Whether that moment arrives soon or later doesn't matter because, if you don't want granite, you have many options. ## What Are the Options for Kitchen Countertops? Alternative countertop materials that our kitchen designers have used successfully are: ### Concrete Concrete countertops give a wide range for creativity.  They can tinted any color and spiced up by adding mica flecks or stone chips into the mix. ![kitchen remodleing with concrete countertop](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/2-concrete-countertop-kitchen-island.jpg?width=600&name=2-concrete-countertop-kitchen-island.jpg) ### Wood The butcher block center island countertop is an an oldy but goody work surface solution. ![kitchen remodeling with butcher block countertop](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/3-butcher-block-counter-top-at-kitchen-island.png?width=600&name=3-butcher-block-counter-top-at-kitchen-island.png) This built-in buffet features a solid wood countertop with stainless steel bar sink. ![kitchen remodeling with solid wood countertop](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/4-solid-wood-counter-top-sink-buffet.jpg?width=600&name=4-solid-wood-counter-top-sink-buffet.jpg) ### Quartz Composites This American University Park kitchen has Silestone countertops on the perimeter cabinets and a solid wood countertop at the center island.  Generally, we are using a wood countertop on a surface that takes a lighter workload such as a seating area or sideboard. ![kitchen remodeling with wood and silestone countertops](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/5-solid-wood-top-kitchen-island-and-silestone-countertops.jpg?width=1200&name=5-solid-wood-top-kitchen-island-and-silestone-countertops.jpg) ### Stainless Steel The industrial sheen and utility of stainless steel is a choice for serious amateur chefs. ![kitchen remodeling with stainless steel countertop](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/6-stainless-steel-kitchen-countertop.png?width=600&name=6-stainless-steel-kitchen-countertop.png) ### Marble The silky smooth surface of marble is a bit of a diva.  Like all exceptional beauties it tends to be high maintenance--but worth the trouble if you love it. ![kitchen remodeling with marble countertop](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/7-marble-kitchen-countertop.png?width=600&name=7-marble-kitchen-countertop.png) ### Tempered Glass This contemporary [kitchen in  McLean](https://www.gilday.com/home-remodeling-mclean-va) features a split level kitchen island that employs granite for the prep area (lower) and a tempered glass bar counter. ![kitchen remodeling with tempered glass countertop](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/8-tempered-glass-counter-top-and-granite-countertop.png?width=1200&name=8-tempered-glass-counter-top-and-granite-countertop.png) ## Kitchen Remodeling With or Without Granite Another trick Gilday designers have used successfully--when granite is specified--is to use two types of granite for their kitchen countertops.  This kitchen island (photo below) has a split surface using two types of granite countertop. It uses a black polished granite for the seating area on the left side, and a traditional type of granite for the prep area. ![potomac kitchen with 2 types granite countertop](https://www.gilday.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/kitchen/hofheimer/03%20web%20potomac%20kitchen%20.jpg?width=1200&name=03%20web%20potomac%20kitchen%20.jpg) It is now quite common to see two and sometimes three different types of countertop surfaces in a remodeled kitchen.  Kitchen designers are typically using one type of material at the center island and another for the perimeter cabinets.  Sometimes there will be a third type of counter top material applied to a sideboard or banquette (built-in seating and table top). So, even though granite countertops continue to be the top choice for our kitchen remodeling clients, the stone can be used more creatively than you might think.  And don't forget there are (and have always been) at least half a dozen other types of surfaces to choose from. Learn about how to approach a kitchen design and remodeling project by downloading [The Definitive Guide to Kitchen Design & Remodeling Success](https://www.gilday.com/the-definitive-guide-to-kitchen-design-and-renovation).   [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4060073/fcedc039-fa05-42ab-80a8-3d78d9993148.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4060073/fcedc039-fa05-42ab-80a8-3d78d9993148) ## Related Articles: Kitchen Design and Remodeling [![Modernizing a Classic Kitchen in a 1920’s Bungalow](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/blog-images/02a-kitchen-renovation.jpg) **Modernizing a Classic Kitchen in a 1920’s Bungalow** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/modernizing-a-classic-kitchen) [![Transforming Your Kitchen: Strategies for Modern Living](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/portfolio/Kitchens/Modernizing-Classic-Kitchen/Modernizing-Classic-Kitchen-4.jpg) **Transforming Your Kitchen: Strategies for Modern Living** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-transformation-strategies) [![Kitchen Design Styles to Know Before You Remodel](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/whole-house/Duellman/Kitchen_2_F.jpg) **Kitchen Design Styles to Know Before You Remodel** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-design-styles-to-know-before-you-remodel) [![Kitchen Color Ideas for Your Home Renovation](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/Delan/4-kitchen-towards-family%20-oom.png) **Kitchen Color Ideas for Your Home Renovation** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-color-ideas-for-your-home-renovation-1) [![The Art of Kitchen Lighting Design](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/kitchen/Shaffer/Shaffer%202017%20Kitchen%206.jpg) **The Art of Kitchen Lighting Design** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-lighting-design) [![How Kitchen Layout Makes or Breaks the Kitchen Design](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/portfolio/Kitchens/Modernizing-Classic-Kitchen/Modernizing-Classic-Kitchen-4.jpg) **How Kitchen Layout Makes or Breaks the Kitchen Design** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-layout) [![Kitchen Renovation Take Two: Refining a Previously Remodeled Kitchen](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/blog-images/kitchen-renovation-1.jpg) **Kitchen Renovation Take Two: Refining a Previously Remodeled Kitchen** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-renovation-take-two-refining-a-previously-remodeled-kitchen) [![Kitchen Color Ideas for Your Home Renovation](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/Images/whole-house/Duellman/Kitchen_2_F.jpg) **Kitchen Color Ideas for Your Home Renovation** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/kitchen-color-ideas-for-your-home-renovation) [![Three Kitchen Remodel Strategies You’ll Want to Know](https://www.gilday.com/hubfs/cutler%20kitchen/wood-island-Kitchen-corner.jpg) **Three Kitchen Remodel Strategies You’ll Want to Know** ](https://www.gilday.com/design-build-dc-blog/three-kitchen-remodel-strategies-youll-want-to-know) [![Should I Renovate My Kitchen and Bath For Resale? 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