Which type of countertop is best for kitchen?

The choice of countertop material isn’t an easy one for most homeowners because there are so many fantastic options. To make a decision you’ll love now and continue to be happy with in the years to come, you’ll need to be familiar with each type, its pros and cons, level of care, how well it ages and other details we discuss here. An informed decision is always best, and this guide to countertop materials is the resource you’ve been looking for.

So, which type of kitchen countertop material is right for you?  Would something upscale and elegant suit your image of the perfect?  Is a material that requires little maintenance a top priority?  Traditional or contemporary in style, or perhaps rustic or retro?  Kid friendly?

With so many options, your answers to these types of questions will help you decide the right type of countertops for your kitchen. Finally, at the end of this article is a video from Nadia at Howdini, walking through several tips to help you out.

Look and Appearance?

Let’s consider today’s top countertop materials and the look they’ll bring to your kitchen along with a few pros & cons. See each individual countertop material guide for a full list of pros & cons.

Butcherblock countertops were originally made from the grain ends of dimensional boards, but you’ll also find them produced with grain sides. In other words, they’re made with smaller and larger pieces of wood. The look is neat and tidy however they’re made. The traditional smaller pieces of wood produce a casual, somewhat rustic appearance. When the wood is cut in longer strips, the look is still rustic but in a more contemporary way.

• Pros: Warmth of natural wood, several “looks” available, affordable
• Cons: Must be sealed and oiled properly and fairly often to prevent water damage

Concrete countertops sound cold and drab, like a sidewalk Well, they are quite hard, obviously, but the look of most is anything but dull. The concrete can be pigmented, but most often it is acid stained and then polished to a brilliant gleam. In the end, many concrete countertops resemble natural stone like granite, but the look can be easily customized too. They are an excellent choice for high-end, elegant kitchens.

• Pros: Beauty and elegance, natural stone look and other appearances with fewer hassles, durability
• Cons: Pricey, unforgiving on dropped glass items, proper sealing required to prevent stains

Granite countertops might be the most distinguished material currently used. Polished granite slabs and granite tiles are both available. Slabs have the edge in elegance; tiles bring an Old World or country feel to the kitchen. Both are gorgeous.

• Pros: Rich, luxurious look, natural stone, durability and scratch-resistance
• Cons: Expensive, hard, require regular sealing and can chip (though chip repair can be DIY and very effective)

Laminate countertops are available in an impressive range of colors and styles, many mimicking more expensive materials such as natural stone or tile. Laminate gives you the look you want at an affordable price. Most countertop dealers have dozens if not hundreds of samples to show you.

• Pros: Great style range, affordable, easy to clean
• Cons: Some look cheap, not resistant to heat, scratch somewhat easily

Lava countertops are unique, a conversation starter for sure. The look is classy and unique, polished to a sparkling gleam. Lava countertops feature a glazed surface available in many colors, and their appearance works with designs ranging from traditional to retro to contemporary to modern.

• Pros: Uncommon, strong, pretty and resistant to heat
• Cons: Very expensive, hard to refinish (though they last many decades)

Marble countertops boast traditional beauty that is unsurpassed. The stone comes in a range of hues including lovely pinks, greens and neutral tones.

• Pros: Stunning good looks
• Cons: Not commonly used in kitchens due to probability of staining and need to seal properly and often

Porcelain countertops can be stunning, glazed in a rainbow of creamy, gleaming hues to suit your kitchen scheme. The look is quite contemporary.

• Pros: Variety of color options, tough and strong finish, non-porous, so easy to clean
• Cons: High price, can be dulled with heavy wear

Quartz countertops are another elegant choice. This engineered material is pigmented in many colors, each one polished to a bright surface. Quartz is a good choice in traditional kitchens but looks good in contemporary space too.

• Pros: Strong, color options, easy to clean, doesn’t require sealing, resists scratches
• Cons: Costly, not very resistant to heat

Reclaimed wood countertops is among the most popular ecofriendly countertop materials. Wood planks and slabs are milled again and resurfaced to produce profoundly beautiful countertops that work well in country, traditional, Old World and contemporary designs.

• Pros: Warm and beautiful
• Cons: Expensive, require sealing, limited choices

Recycled glass countertops are produced from crushed glass and a clear binder that allows the beauty of the glass to sparkle through. The crushed glass might be of one general hue or a rainbow of glasses can be used. The look ranges from retro to modern.

• Pros: Each is unique, easy to clean, tough and strong
• Cons: Limited styles, expensive

Resin countertops are made from various synthetic materials to produce a wide range of appearances from solid colors to the look of small glass beads or colored pebbles fixed in a clear field. Resin countertops have a very contemporary, modern feel.

• Pros: Good range of appearances, easy to clean, durable
• Cons: Inconsistent quality among manufacturers, can be expensive

Solid surface countertops are another synthetic material that is pigmented to produce many different styles from solid colors to a look similar to natural stone. Depending on the appearance of solid surface material, it works in kitchens that are traditional or contemporary/modern.

• Pros: Many color options, easy to clean, tough and durable
• Cons: Poor heat resistance, fairly costly

Stainless steel countertops give any kitchen the look of cleanliness and order. They are embraced by those who do a lot of food preparation and want a material that assists them in their efforts while continuing to look fantastic. Traditional, retro and modern kitchens employ stainless steel countertops.

• Pros: Beautiful, easy to clean, scratch-resistant, durable
• Cons: Somewhat sterile in appearance, expensive

Tile countertops are used to achieve any look because tile comes in such an amazing spectrum of style, size, color and shape. Even if your countertop is another material, tile makes great backsplashes! Traditional kitchens use tile more than any other, but tile enhances other looks including country, Old World, retro, contemporary and modern.

• Pros: Vast array of options, versatile design, heat-resistant
• Cons: Grout must be properly sealed or it will stain, tile can chip and be hard to replace

What’s your Lifestyle?

Do you have a short list of potential countertops you’re considering after reading about appearance, pros & cons? Perhaps you can narrow it down a bit after considering what you want from a countertop.

Your lifestyle is a factor in how much maintenance you’re willing to put into your countertops and how heavily they will get used. Each has implications for what materials you should consider and which you should stay away from.

What’s your tolerance for maintenance?

Are you a person on the go who isn’t a big fan of housework?  If so, choose a low-maintenance product.  Solid surface, laminate, recycled glass, quartz, engineered stone and stainless steel countertops require very little extra effort to keep them in pristine condition.

If you enjoy working on your home and don’t mind giving countertops some TLC when required, your options expand to include porous types such as granite or concrete countertops or wood kitchen countertops.

All of these need to be sealed periodically and wood does better if it is oiled every 2-3 months.  Grout on tile will also need occasional maintenance to counteract discoloration or stains. You’ll need to clean it and seal the grout to keep it looking new.

How much do you cook?

If you prepare most of your own meals and give your countertops a workout, then you’ll want a material that is durable and easy to clean. Choose a non-porous material like stainless steel, porcelain, quartz, glass, solid surface, resin or laminate. If you choose solid surface or laminate, keep hot pads or trivets handy for hot pots and pans, because those materials don’t handle heat well.

Looking for an Eco-Friendly Material?

Recycled materials are now making their way into kitchen countertop designs.  Recycled glass countertops use up to 90% recycled material.  Other solid countertop types are made from a high percentage of recycled paper, particle board, wood and metal.  There are very attractive options with each recycled and repurposed material that are also very friendly to the environment. Glass requires little maintenance; the others will consume a bit more of your time to keep them in top shape.

Family and Budget?

Some kitchen countertops are not as kid-friendly as others.  Those that stain easily include marble, some granite and concrete, wood that isn’t well-maintained and tile grout that isn’t sealed on a regular basis.  If your kids are older and doing some cooking on their own, keep in mind that laminate, solid surface products and wood countertops don’t resist heat very well. Hot pots or pans can leave a lasting mark.

If your budget is large, consider pricier kitchen countertops such as concrete, granite, quartz, Corian, or stainless steel.  Mid-range options include solid surface products, tile, some woods, and recycled glass countertops. Those on a limited budget can still find very nice kitchen countertops in butcher block, laminate and even tile, especially if you could install the tile yourself if you’ve got good DIY skills.

Which of these categories resonates with you?  Use your answers to narrow your choices – it will make the ultimate decision that much easier!  A wide array of materials, colors, patterns, styles and prices mean that there are great kitchen countertops made for every home.

Appearance is probably the number one reason why many people pick a particular type of countertop, but what about the underlying structure? How will it cope with hot pans or spills? How easy is it to keep clean? Does it need to be sealed regularly? How long is it likely to last?

Choosing the best countertop material for the way you use your kitchen is just as important as how it looks. In this article we’re investigating eight of the most popular options, looking at the technical aspects of their construction, and discussing what type of countertop is best for the kitchen in your home.

1. Quartz

Quartz is undeniably one of the best countertop materials available in terms of both appearance and durability. While quartz countertops cost less than real marble, which they sometimes mimic, they are still a relatively expensive choice.

Quartz kitchen countertops are made from a blend of natural stone powder, synthetic resins, and pigments. They are combined at high temperatures, and under extreme pressures. The result is a material that looks and feels much like natural stone. It is hard-wearing, particularly easy to maintain, and available in an almost endless choice of patterns and colors. Quartz is also impervious to liquids and is resistant to staining, bacteria, mildew, and mold, so it’s often considered one of the safest materials for households with young children.

However, quartz isn’t indestructible. Hot pans should not be placed directly onto a quartz kitchen countertop because the heat can damage it. Additionally, quartz will eventually fade under direct sunlight, so it may not be the best choice as an outdoor countertop material.

Best For: Those looking for a natural stone aesthetic that is also easy to maintain.

RELATED: What’s the Difference? Quartz vs. Quartzite

2. Granite

Like quartz, granite comes in a wide range of colors and patterns. It also vies with our number one choice for popularity. Granite is certainly beautiful to many, and, because it’s a natural material, every piece is unique which for some is an important consideration. It is also among the most durable countertops, and putting a hot pan on a granite kitchen countertop is perfectly safe. It is also highly resistant to cuts or scratches.

There are a few drawbacks with granite. It is porous, so it needs to be sealed annually to prevent staining. Since it is very heavy, professional installation is recommended. Although not a common problem, natural fissures can cause weaknesses. As a result, the patterns offered are usually dense, which doesn’t suit all kitchen styles. Also, unlike quartz, there are no ‘plain’ solid colors with granite.

Granite is often more affordable than quartz, though rare forms can command premium prices.

Best For: Large, traditional kitchens where granite’s natural beauty can be fully appreciated.

3. Laminate

Laminate is usually one of the cheapest countertop materials available. It is constructed using a particleboard core with a laminate sheet glued to the outside. The laminate is made from paper or fabric fibers combined with melamine resin to make it strong and waterproof. In the past, laminate countertop materials had something of a poor reputation and were prone to surface peeling or swelling when wet. Thanks to modern adhesives and manufacturing techniques, though, these issues now rarely occur unless the laminate is badly damaged.

One of the benefits of laminate is that any pattern can be printed onto it, so it can effectively mimic granite, marble, or wood grain, and it’s available in almost any color imaginable. This makes it easy to find a laminate countertop to pair with modern kitchen styles, retro designs, or traditional looks. It is relatively easy to saw and drill and relatively lightweight, which makes it a very popular choice for DIY kitchen installations.

While it is easy to wipe clean, it doesn’t have the durability of quartz or natural stone. Hot pans should not be placed directly on the surface, and a cutting board should always be used to prevent surface scratching. While today’s laminates are quite tough, heavy impacts can chip the surface. Fortunately, repair and refinishing products are widely available.

Best For: DIY kitchen installations where budget is a major determining factor.

4. Marble

There isn’t a material more luxurious in the kitchen than high quality countertops made of marble. A material of unrivaled elegance, it is available in a wide range of colors, and each piece has unique veining that invariably creates stunning impact. When treated with care, it can last for generations.

Marble is unaffected by the heat from hot pans or oven trays, but, when comparing marble to quartz or natural stone countertops, it is more porous and much less forgiving. While it benefits from annual sealing to provide stain resistance, it is always a good idea not to let spills rest on a marble countertop for long. Liquids like wine, coffee, vinegar, and lemon and other acidic fruit juices can etch into the surface. Marble will also scratch fairly easily, although minor imperfections usually buff out reasonably well.

While marble is one of the most desirable types of countertops for a high-end kitchen, this material requires a considerable investment. It is even heavier than granite, and it should only be installed by suitably experienced professionals.

Best For: High-end, luxury kitchens for cooks who will take the time to keep it looking its best.

RELATED: A Beginner’s Guide to Engineered Stone Countertops

5. Butcher Block

Butcher blocks take their name from their original use as a cutting surface for butchery. The wood blocks used in their construction are very good at absorbing the impact of heavy knives and cleavers, and the grain is—to some extent—self healing. Many woods are also naturally antibacterial.

Teak, which has natural protective oils, is sometimes used, though oak and maple are more common. These need regular oiling or sealing to protect the surface from stains. The type of wood will also majorly impact butcher block countertop price, which can vary tremendously.

Butcher block countertops are durable, but nicks and cuts will eventually make an impression. It is not difficult to sand out these marks, and refinish the surface, though many people simply accept small imperfections as part of the nature of the material. For those with restricted budgets, there are laminate versions that have the appearance of butcher block, but without the resilience.

Best For: Traditional, rustic, and farmhouse kitchens where a little wear and tear becomes part of the timeless charm.

6. Soapstone

Soapstone may be one of the less common countertops for kitchens but this natural material is well worth considering, and it has proven history: Native Americans have used soapstone for cooking vessels and cutting boards for thousands of years. The predominant color is gray, though greens and blues are fairly common, and white and black can also be found. It often has veining much like marble.

There is a high percentage of talc in soapstone, giving it an unusual, almost soft feel, and hence the name. The surface oxidizes over time, developing a lustrous patina that adds to its appeal. Regular treatment with mineral oil helps to bring this out.

Soapstone offers good durability. It is nonporous, so it has good stain resistance without needing to be sealed. It is also naturally antimicrobial and completely unaffected by heat so hot pans will not leave marks. Although generally hard-wearing, it can scratch or abrade. Such marks can be buffed out, though doing so will affect the patina. Unless they are particularly obvious, they are usually best left alone.

Best For: The stain-resistance of quartz and the appearance of natural stone without the premium price of marble.

7. Terrazzo

Terrazzo is the newest countertop material on our list, though it can actually trace its origins to mosaic workers in 16th century Italy where it was originally used as a flooring material. In fact, it is still popular as such. It can be made from chips of granite, marble, or quartz, and may also contain glass or metal fragments. These are bound with cement and resin, and may be polished to a high shine. This amalgam means terrazzo looks unlike any other material.

While the trend for terrazzo as a kitchen countertop material is new, it has some clear benefits. It has the durability associated with quartz, but is frequently less expensive. It is nonporous so it won’t stain, and it is highly resistant to heat. It is very tough, and also UV resistant so it won’t fade if used as an outdoor countertop material.

The use of recycled materials, and the lack of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) means it also has more eco-friendly credentials than many alternatives. The appearance won’t appeal to everyone, but the only real drawback with terrazzo is that it can crack if not correctly installed, and it’s very difficult to repair.

Best For: A budget-friendly and unique departure from quartz or natural stone.

RELATED: The Best Countertop Installers

8. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has long been considered the best countertop surface for professional chefs. The sleek, industrial look is used in commercial kitchens around the world because it is easy to maintain high levels of hygiene, and it offers outstanding durability. It is stainless by name, stainless by nature, resistant to mold and mildew, and easy to wipe clean. It is completely impervious to heat or liquids.

All of these benefits make stainless steel the countertop of choice among keen amateur chefs who would rather concentrate on preparing fine food than looking after the kitchen. The natural oils in fingerprints do leave marks though they do no damage, and require little effort to remove. The surface can be scratched but most see this simply as evidence of the kitchen being well used.

Best For: Enthusiastic cooks who favor a kitchen focused on hygiene and culinary excellence.