Whether building a new kitchen from scratch or remodeling one, countertops play a central role in the look. Kitchen countertops set the tone for the kitchen design, so you want to choose a countertop material that complements your style and is in line with how you use your kitchen.
Before spending money on this significant investment, check out the pros and cons of the most common types of countertop materials to help you determine the best option for your space.
Granite Countertops
Granite has reigned supreme in the kitchen countertops market for years. The beauty and timeless appeal of a granite countertop can add luxury to even the most modest kitchen.
Pros
- Durable
- Heat and scratch-resistant
- Low-maintenance
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires occasional sealing to maintain its surface
Marble Countertops
Marble has earned a reputation as one of the most luxurious materials for kitchen countertops. Since no two sheets of marble look exactly the same, buyers can enjoy a one-of-a-kind natural stone countertop.
Pros
- Striking natural beauty
- Waterproof and heatproof
- Adds to a property’s real estate value
Cons
- Expensive to buy and maintain
- Soaks up stains with ease
- Low resistance to scratching
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is an engineered stone product that contains quartz particles and other minerals, molded into slabs and bound with resins. It’s one of the world’s hardest materials. Additionally, a quartz countertop is more stain, heat, and scratch-resistant than many other types of countertops.
Pros
- Non-porous
- No sealing needed
- Can be fabricated in any size and shape
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
Wood (Butcher Block) Countertops
Wood countertops offer a warm aesthetic that no other material can mimic adequately. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes, making them easily customizable.
Pros
- Sand and seal as needed
- Long-lasting when cared for
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Can harbor bacteria if poorly maintained
- Scratches easily
- Prone to warping
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is a natural quarried stone usually available in various gray tones. Unlike other natural stones, it doesn’t require sealing but regular applications of mineral oil.
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Stain-resistant
- Looks antique
Cons
- Surface can scratch and dent
- May darken over time
Solid-Surface Material Countertops
Solid-surface material consists of acrylic particles and resins pressed into sheets and other shapes.
Pros
- Affordable
- Come in multiple countertop colors, patterns, and styles
- Stain-resistant
Cons
- May receive damage from heat
- Moderately expensive
Ceramic Tile Countertops
You’ll often find tiles on the floor or wall, but you can lay them on countertops too. Recent innovations in ceramic tiles offer many more design options than before.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Heat-resistant
- Affordable
Cons
- Brittle
- Grout lines can stain and are difficult to clean
Laminate Countertops
Manufacturers make laminate countertops by bonding sheets of plastic laminate to a particleboard (MDF) core. They come in numerous countertop colors, patterns, and styles.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to maintain
- Easy DIY installation
Cons
- Susceptible to warping, scratches, spitting, or bubbling
- Visible seams
Concrete Countertops
A concrete countertop makes for a truly unique kitchen. Advancements in concrete technology mean concrete countertops are now lighter than ever before.
Pros
- Durable
- Heat and scratch-resistant
- Creates a sophisticated look
Cons
- May look and feel unrefined
- Expensive
Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops provide a sleek finish for contemporary kitchens. You can have stainless steel constructed to your specifications, allowing for a seamless countertop.
Pros
- Durable
- Recyclable, environmentally friendly material
- Easy to install
- Stain and heat-resistant
Cons
- Expensive to fabricate
- Noisy
- Can scratch and dent
When choosing from different types of countertops, treat your decision like any significant investment. For expert help with kitchen design and countertop selections, please call or email us to schedule a consultation. We look forward to hearing from you!