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Budget-friendly alternatives to granite include quartz, laminate, or solid surface materials. Quartz naturally mimics the look of granite, or homeowners can choose a laminate designed to resemble the natural stone for a much lower cost.

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.

Stone can last anywhere from 15 to 100 years before it needs to be restored. You should clean your stone flooring or countertops regularly using cleaners designed for stone surfaces. Stay on top of vacuuming to prevent scratches from deteriorating stone faster, deep clean your stone surfaces using a pH-neutral cleaning solution at least once a year, and reseal the stone every one to five years, depending on foot traffic or usage.

Fortunately, there are many types of heatproof countertops. Granite, quartzite, concrete, and stainless steel are all fiery contenders. These surfaces work best in busy kitchens where hot pots, pans, and baking sheets are part of the daily routine. Plus, their durability means you get a long-lasting work surface that won’t flinch at a bit of heat or heavy use. However, many stone and concrete counters require a sealer, which is typically not heatproof.