Beyond Granite

Five attractive alternatives to the increasingly ubiquitous natural stone.

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Why keep up with the Joneses when you can out-do them? Granite has long reigned as the high-end countertop of choice, which is sending some homeowners searching for something outside the norm and for the latest in countertop material. There are many considerations, including stain resistance, colorfastness and durability that, are just as important as the appearance. Granite beware, here are a few alternative choices that are gaining popularity and moving in on your territory.

Shirestone

Photo courtesy Shirestone Custom Countertops Shirestone was developed by Matt Jecker of nixa.

Homegrown and custom-made, Shirestone is the brainchild of 417-land native Matt Jecker. Ranked No. 3 on Surface Fabrication Magazine’s Top 25 Materials of 2006, Shirestone has the look and feel of natural stone or slate and is extremely durable.

Shirestone is poured on-site, allowing for a custom, seamless counter that is an exact fit to its surface. Textures can be stamped on Shirestone, similar to the way decorative concrete is created, though Shirestone is only about a 1⁄2-inch thick and much lighter than concrete. It also dries to look more like a natural stone than concrete does. If being applied in a new kitchen, Shirestone pours onto solid wood on top of the cabinet, but it isn’t only for new homes. It can be poured directly over Formica, tile and most other surfaces, eliminating tear-out costs on remodeling jobs. After the product dries, a sealant is applied that makes it a nonporous, stain-resistant surface. After wear and tear, Shirestone can be refinished or touched up to look new again.

The product came about eight years ago when Jecker was challenged by a local restaurateur to come up with something unique. “That job inspired everything behind Shirestone,” says Jecker, who still has his company based in Nixa. Just three years ago Jecker’s patents were in place, and Shirestone went national, and Jecker says it becoming quite popular.

Prices are comparable to those of lower-grade granite. A variety of colors and other personal accents, logos or crests can make the final product a one-of-kind showpiece.

Pro: Custom-look, seamless finish and exact fit placement

Con: Because Shirestone is poured on site, it is a four- to five-day installation process.

Where to buy countertops in and around Springfield.