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Corian® is a popular countertop alternative to quartz. Created from an acrylic resin and natural minerals, Corian® resembles quartz and offers some similar benefits, but it comes at a cheaper price. Corian® countertops cost an average of $26 to $65 per square foot, which is less than half of what quartz countertops usually cost. The downside is that Corian® isn’t as durable as quartz, particularly regarding its resistance to scratches and high temperatures.

You can put hot pans on porcelain countertops. Porcelain is highly resistant to heat—it’s manufactured at around 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit, so it can withstand a ton of heat without cracking or damaging. Even though the high heat is a plus, you should still be cautious when putting hot surfaces on porcelain countertops.

The best budget-friendly countertop option depends on personal preference. Concrete is a great alternative to more expensive materials, as it can be cured and treated for unique designs. Another cheap material worth considering is plywood. It can be laminated or stained to suit nearly any aesthetic. Granite remnants are also a good choice. 

Epoxy is typically more affordable than granite, especially if you’re choosing a high-end slab. Most granite countertops cost $75 to $145 per square foot to install, with high-end varieties topping $185 per square foot. 

In contrast, epoxy countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot to install. The material costs for epoxy are significantly lower than granite, but installation costs can be higher. Rather than simply cutting granite countertops to size before installation, your contractor will need to carefully pour the epoxy over an existing surface.