2020 Kitchen Countertop Guide: Alternatives to Granite

Countertops December 2019
2020 Kitchen Countertop Guide: Alternatives to Granite

Make your kitchen stand out with a granite alternative.

Upgrading your kitchen can be a fun process that adds value to your home, but there are so many decisions to make. The countertop is the centerpiece of any kitchen remodel, and it can change the personality of your kitchen.

Granite is a common choice that most people think of when they are considering kitchen upgrades, but there is more to countertops than just granite. True Builders has put together a list of some of our favorite granite alternatives for Central Florida residents, including those in Plant City, Lakeland, Winter Haven, and other nearby areas.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a quarried stone that has a smooth, soap like texture that comes in several shades of slate, with hints of dark blue, gray, and green. Soapstone is durable, stain-resistant, and can withstand high heat. It also does not need to be sealed, like granite does, which means one less maintenance element for the homeowner. However, slabs are cut smaller than granite, meaning countertops of a certain length may require a visible seam.

Marble

Marble comes in many, many varieties, and each pattern is as unique as a fingerprint. Part of what makes marble so appealing is that it is a symbol of luxury while still looking unique. A marble countertop is a stunning design choice and is one of the trendiest options for kitchens right now. However, marble is also high-maintenance and is vulnerable to dings and stains if you do not take care of it.

Tile

When it comes to tile, you are not limited by color, texture, or shape. Quite literally, if you can dream it, you can probably have it. Ceramic tile, the type used for countertops, is naturally heat resistant. Tile can chip or crack if you drop something heavy on it. Grout lines, while aesthetically pleasing, can also take a little more maintenance to keep clean.

Quartz

Quartz is a natural material that is extremely durable and resistant to staining. Unlike granite, quartz does not need to be sealed regularly. It comes in a wide variety of colors and textures and has quickly become a very popular granite alternative. It is slightly more sensitive to sudden temperature changes than other countertop materials.

Corian

Corian is a trademarked, man-made solid surface material, sometimes known as engineered stone. The color choices are outstanding (over 40 options), and the material can be shaped to suit any area. Seams are practically invisible, creating a consistent and cohesive look. It is vulnerable, however, to heat and scratches.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers Central Florida homeowners ask us most often.

Do you respond to fire and storm emergencies 24/7?
Yes. When disaster strikes we respond 24/7 for emergency board-up, tarping, and water removal, then handle the full cleanup and reconstruction with the same team. Call (863) 647-1800 any time.
What happens when I call?
A real Central Florida team member takes your call, gathers the details, and gets an estimator or emergency crew moving. For remodels we schedule a consultation and walk-through; for damage we dispatch mitigation first and plan the rebuild with you from there.
How does pricing work?
You get an up-front quote before work starts, and you approve it first. No surprise line items: changes are priced and approved before we proceed.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Lakeland, Plant City, Tampa, Brandon, Valrico, Winter Haven, Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Davenport, and the surrounding communities across Polk, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties in Central Florida.
Do you work with insurance on fire and storm claims?
Yes. We document the damage thoroughly, provide the estimates and reports your adjuster needs, and coordinate with your insurance company throughout the repair and rebuild.
Can I finance my remodel or repairs?
Yes. You can apply for project financing through our third-party lending partner, subject to credit approval. Terms vary by lender, by the amount requested, and by your creditworthiness. We walk you through the process before anything is submitted, and for smaller jobs we also accept all major credit cards.
Does True Builders handle both remodeling and repairs?
Yes. True Builders is a full-service general contractor that handles remodeling (kitchens, bathrooms, additions) and reconstruction after fire, smoke, and storm damage, all with one accountable team.
Are you licensed and insured?
Yes. True Builders is a licensed Florida general contractor (#CBC1258346) and fully insured, serving Central Florida since 2009.

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Three offices across Central Florida: Lakeland, our Plant City headquarters, and Auburndale. We remodel and restore homes throughout Polk, Hillsborough, and Pasco counties.

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