There are lots of countertop options on the market for kitchen countertops, but 10 materials comprise the majority of countertops in residential kitchens. They include granite, marble, quartz, and more. Each material has its positive and negative aspects. For instance, some are very strong while others can be scratched or marred. And some materials cost a lot more than others.
Pros and Cons of the Top Kitchen Counter Surfaces
Here are the pros and cons of 10 types of kitchen countertops.
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01 of 10
Granite
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For some time, granite has been the countertop material of choice when there were no cost issues to consider. Granite defines elegance in a kitchen. Even modest kitchens seem like luxury spaces when flavored by the beauty of granite countertops.
Historically, granite has been an expensive material, but its cost has come down somewhat as supplies have increased and engineered stone has become more common.
ProsAlmost impervious to heat
Very strong and durable
Adds real estate value to home
Thousands of different colors and types available
Nearly maintenance-free when treated with newer sealers
ConsVery expensive material
Not suitable for DIY installation
Slabs may have imperfections
Can crack if stressed or improperly installed
Knives are quickly dulled by cutting on granite
Stone is porous and requires sealing to avoid stains
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02 of 10
Soapstone
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Soapstone is another natural stone, usually dark gray in color with a smooth, silky feel. It has seen a recent resurgence as an alternative to granite. Soapstone is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material. Over time, soapstone takes on an antique-like patina that can be very attractive in certain kitchen styles.
Contrary to expectations, the architectural soapstone used for countertops is actually quite hard and resistant to stain. However, it will scratch over time, although this can add to the antique patina of the stone.
ProsDeep, rich color
Somewhat stain resistant
Fairly impervious to heat
Damage can be sanded out
Offers antique, historic look to a kitchen
ConsMay darken over time
DIY installation not possible
Must be treated with mineral oil
Surface can scratch and dent, though this can create an attractive antique look
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03 of 10
Marble
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Another natural stone commonly used in kitchen countertops is marble. Because no two sheets of marble are exactly the same, each marble countertop will be entirely unique.
Because of its extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the entire expanse of countertops of most kitchens. More often, its luxurious look is limited to use on an island or section of countertop reserved as a baking center.
Although highly prized, marble may not be the best choice for kitchens due to its penchant for staining and scratching. Newer sealers can reduce the upkeep on marble, but this is a considerably more temperamental stone than granite or soapstone.
ProsWaterproof and heatproof
Adds to real estate value of a home
Exceptionally beautiful stone, with unique veining
ConsExpensive
DIY installation not possible
Can be scratched; repairs are difficult
Stone is porous and stains easily unless sealed
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04 of 10
Quartz (Engineered Stone)
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The countertop material known as "quartz" is actually an engineered stone product that contains as much as 93 percent quartz particles and other minerals, shaped into slabs and bound with resins. These are not solid quartz slabs produced by quarrying.
Sold by companies such as DuPont Zodiaq, LG Viatera, Cambria, and Silestone, quartz was created as a more adaptable and better-performing alternative to granite and marble. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists both scratching and staining. Some types are convincing copies of natural marble, with similar veining. Unlike natural stone, engineered quartz requires no annual sealing.
Similar technology is now being used in so-called glass countertops, which consist of particles of recycled glass blended with resins and shaped into countertop slabs. Consumers keen on being on the cutting edge may want to consider glass as well as quartz countertops.
ProsDIY installation possible
Easy to maintain, no sealing required
Slabs are uniform, with no imperfections
Can be custom-fabricated in any size and shape
Resists stains and is impervious to heat and acid
More convincing, natural appearance than solid surface material
ConsExpensive
Countertops are very heavy
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05 of 10
Solid-Surface Material
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Solid-surface material, sold under brands including Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone, is a man-made material consisting of a blend of acrylic particles and resins that are pressed into sheets and other shapes. Solid-surface countertops and sinks have now been around for nearly 50 years, but at the time of introduction, they were regarded as space-age alternatives to natural stone, which they sought to mimic.
Once regarded as premium, luxury countertops, solid-surface material is now considered somewhat mid-tier, but it is still an excellent choice for mid-range kitchens. It can also be a good material in high-end kitchens with a lot of countertop space that would be prohibitively expensive to cover with granite or quartz.
ProsResists staining
Seams are virtually invisible
Damage can be easily sanded out
Available in many, many colors and patterns
Integrated sink/countertop units are available
ConsModerately expensive
Vulnerable to damage from hot pans
No DIY installation; must be fabricated by pros
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06 of 10
Ceramic Tile
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Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean, and it is considerably less expensive than natural stone, quartz, or solid-surface countertops, especially for DIYers willing to do their own work.
Recent innovations in porcelain tiles offer many more design options than ever before, including tiles that look like wood, marble, or even leather or cork. Ceramic and porcelain tiles offer more design options than nearly any other countertop material.
ProsEasy to clean
Usually affordable
Easy for DIYers to construct
Immune to heat damage from hot pans
An enormous range of colors and styles available
ConsCustom tiles can be very expensive
Tile are brittle and may crack under impact
Grout lines can stain and are difficult to clean
Does not carry the same prestige as granite or quartz
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07 of 10
Laminates
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Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. The laminates are plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. Countertops are made by bonding the laminate sheets to a particleboard (MDF) core. Laminate countertops can be purchased as pre-formed segments (called "post-form countertops"), or custom-fabricated to specifications, either on-site or in a fabrication shop.
Although for many years regarded as more ordinary than premium countertop materials, laminates have seen a recent surge in popularity, thanks in part to the thousands of colors, patterns, and styles now available. Laminates are especially popular in retro designs, particularly midcentury modern kitchens.
ProsVery easy to maintain
Thousands of options available
DIY installation is relatively easy
Very inexpensive countertop option
ConsSeams are always visible
May be viewed as too average by potential home buyers
Custom edging and backsplash treatments can add expense
Surfaces can be scratched and chipped; damage is almost impossible to repair
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08 of 10
Wood or Butcher Block
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Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are the species most often used as countertop woods.
ProsRelatively easy to clean
Very long-lasting when properly cared for
Can be sanded and resealed, as needed
Offers a charming country look in most kitchens
ConsFairly expensive countertop material
Surfaces can be scratched and cut by knives
Can be damaged by water and stains over time
Bacteria can be a problem if not properly maintained
Wood is subject to cracking if not maintained; must be oiled and sealed frequently
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09 of 10
Stainless Steel
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For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. Stainless steel countertops are heat-resistant and durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop.
ProsImpervious to heat damage
Excellent for modern-style kitchens
Easiest of all countertop materials to clean
Regarded as "premium" countertop; adds real estate value
ConsNoisy
Very expensive to fabricate
Can be easily scratched; not a cutting surface
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10 of 10
Concrete
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If you have countertops in unusual shapes, or if you want a truly unique kitchen, concrete may be a good choice for your countertops. Due to their heavy weight, concrete countertops are usually cast in forms right in your kitchen. These are not the same kind of concrete slabs used in sidewalks but are highly polished concrete slabs that may even be textured or acid-stained to produce colors.
Although concrete can be subject to cracking, new treatments can reduce this tendency. The porousness of concrete can be reduced with additives.
ProsCan be color-tinted
Heat and scratch resistant
Provides a look that is sophisticated and unusual
Decorative textures and colors are possible
ConsNo DIY installation possible
Cracking may occur over time
Costs are high due to custom work
Surface is porous unless regularly sealed
Appearance may seem too "industrial' by future home buyers