9 Best Types Of Kitchen Countertops

No kitchen is complete without countertops. Deciding on which types of kitchen countertops are best for your needs involves considering price, durability, maintenance and more.

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It's also worth revisiting preconceived notions about the best kitchen counter materials: Some materials, like granite, have become more affordable in recent years. Newer options, such as poured concrete and engineered stone, also present good alternatives. Even laminate looks better than what you might remember from the 1990s.

Here are the pros and cons of different types of kitchen countertops.

Granite

Polished granite remains a popular choice among homeowners for its durability and timeless beauty. Advances in fabrication and a larger supply make granite more budget-friendly than before.

A majority of granite stones are tan, but lighter and darker options exist. Granite is categorized into different grades, from entry-level to high-end, the latter being more unique and thicker.

Pros

• Low-maintenance
• Water- and heat-resistant
• Wide range of prices from mid-range to luxury
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons

• Requires professional installation
• May have seams
• Cracking is possible if not properly installed or sealed

Quartz (Engineered Stone)

Quartz is a great option if durability and style top your list. It’s virtually impervious to damage and is non-porous, making it hygienic. Quartz costs more than some other materials, but the investment is often worth it.

Engineered from crushed quartz and resin, quartz countertops offer a versatile look similar to granite or marble but with enhanced durability.

Pros

• Virtually maintenance-free
• Doesn’t chip or crack easily
• Extensive style options available
• Very hygienic due to non-porous construction

Cons

• May be sensitive to heat
• Heavy and difficult to DIY install
• More expensive than the average material

Laminate

Laminate countertops, though past their peak, still offer numerous benefits, notably affordability and easy maintenance. Known under brands like Formica, this option should not be overlooked.

Pros

• Budget-friendly
• Relatively easy to DIY install
• Easy to maintain
• Can complement a retro look

Cons

• Doesn’t help homes’ values
• Not resistant to heat
• Damage is impossible to repair
• Visible seams

Marble

Marble offers unmatched luxury and elegance, making it a favorite among high-end kitchen designs. Available in whites, greys, and greens, it remains cool to the touch, ideal for bakers.

Despite its appeal, marble is costly and prone to staining and scratching, which requires regular sealing.

Pros

• Adds to homes’ values
• Every stone is unique
• Heat- and water-resistant
• Great surface for doughs and chocolate work

Cons

• Warranty may not be possible
• Requires regular sealing
• Stains, chips and wears easily
• Must be professionally installed
• Among the most expensive options

Poured Concrete

Poured concrete countertops are gaining popularity for their customizability and unique aesthetic. Adding tinting or decorative textures can create one-of-a-kind countertops.

However, concrete is prone to cracking, especially in homes with foundation issues, and should be properly sealed.

Pros

• Customizable with color, texture and more
• Heat- and scratch-resistant
• DIY is possible for basic designs
• Modern and unique alternative

Cons

• Requires regular sealing
• May chip, crack or stain
• Takes up to 28 days to dry after installation
• Custom finishes make for a high cost

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are making a comeback for their warm aesthetics and practicality. These countertops can double as cutting boards, making them highly functional.

Although they show signs of wear, butcher block can be sanded and resealed, extending their lifespan.

Pros

• Easy to DIY and control costs
• Can be sanded and resealed
• Long-lasting
• Can be used as a built-in cutting board

Cons

• Can absorb stains and bacteria
• Requires regular maintenance
• Swells or shrinks with seasons
• Unsealed counters must be regularly oiled

Tile

Tile countertops offer extensive customization options from hand-painted to mass-produced tiles. They are budget-friendly alternatives to full slabs of granite or quartz.

While installation can be a DIY project, grout lines can be difficult to clean and tiles may crack under heavy impact.

Pros

• DIYing is possible with minimal skills
• Heat- and stain-resistant
• Can be low-cost
• Extensive customization options

Cons

• Prone to cracking over time
• Grout lines can be a headache to clean

Soapstone

Comparable to marble in style but more durable, soapstone offers unique veining in gray or black hues. However, it's prone to scratching, but scratches can enhance its patina.

Pros

• Long lifespan of 20+ years
• Has great character
• Heat-, stain- and bacteria-resistant
• Scuffs and scratches can be sanded

Cons

• Expensive
• Requires professional installation
• Must be maintained with mineral oil
• Easily scratched and chipped

Solid-Surface Material

Solid-surface materials provide the look of stone without the high cost. Made from acrylic and resin, these countertops are seamless and resistant to stains and bacteria.

While not heat-resistant, solid-surface countertops are easy to repair and come in numerous styles, making them a versatile option.

Pros

• Stone-like at a lower cost
• Possible to sand out damage
• Seamless and can include a built-in sink
• Mid-range prices

Cons

• Not heat-resistant
• Requires professional installation
• Less premium than natural stone

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