Right now the hot material for countertops seems to be granite. But did you know that there are better choices than granite for a kitchen countertop?
Granite has a number of drawbacks that you need to keep in mind.
Although many people think that granite is ecologically responsible because it is natural, it is not. Granite for countertops is mined overseas in unsupervised conditions and shipped to the U.S., wasting energy.
Granite is brittle and porous and needs to be sealed regularly once installed, meaning dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are released from the sealant in your kitchen twice a year.
Granite’s porousness also means that liquids can seep through and mold can grow on the underside. And there are concerns with granite about radon, as well.
There are any materials that can give you the great look of granite while being easier to care for and safer. Solid surface, laminate and quartzite materials such as Zodiaq all offer great stone looks in a kitchen or bath setting.
