35 Options for Kitchen Countertop Materials

Quartz

Quartz countertops are synthetic countertop materials that are durable and low-maintenance. Quartz is rapidly overcoming solid-surface material as a convincing alternative to natural stone and is prized for its high resale value and abundance of colors and styles.

Quartz countertops are quite expensive, costing between $50 to $200 per square foot for the material alone; with labor costs, anticipate adding between $60 to $230 per square foot. Labor costs are not optional; there is no DIY way to install quartz countertops because they are exceedingly heavy and must be installed by professionals.

Solid Surface

Solid surface is a synthetic material resembling granite and other natural stones. Solid surface is made mostly of blends of synthetic acrylic and polyester materials, sometimes with a small amount of natural stone dust blended in. Held together with resins, it is shaped into slabs for use in countertops. The material can also be molded into one-piece units with sinks integrated into the countertop. 

Easy to clean and maintain, solid-surface countertops are more affordable than natural stone and engineered quartz; they are a reasonable simulation of granite or quartz. Minor scratches can be buffed out with fine sandpaper. Solid surface materials are prone to scorching, cracking, and scratches.

Laminate

Laminate is the most affordable type of countertop, costing between $10 and $40 per square foot of the material. As one of the most affordable countertop options, laminate can be an easy DIY project when you install pre-fabricated (post-form) countertop sections. It is not the most heat-resistant.

Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tile counters are made from individual clay-based tiles adhered over a cement-board core using thin-set mortar adhesives. For kitchen countertops, grout seams make tile a less-than-ideal countertop material but newer ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in large sizes that can help minimize the number of seams and make for easier upkeep. 

Tile is an inexpensive countertop material, costing between $1 and $100 per square foot. While it is easy for a DIY project, remember that tile is brittle and prone to cracking. Repair is difficult, requiring full replacement of damaged tiles. Grout seams are easily stained and are also hard to clean. 

Granite Slab

Solid slab granite is the most popular option for natural stone countertops. They are very heavy and durable. No two pieces of granite are alike, making each countertop unique. Long considered a premium building material, granite countertops tend to improve home real estate values. Do know you will need a substantial kitchen remodel budget for granite.

Like many other types of natural stone, granite requires periodic sealing to protect it from stains. Not at all a DIY-friendly material, granite must be installed by pros. Granite slab costs between $40 and $100 per square foot.

Concrete

Concrete for a countertop is an unusual choice, but one that gives a home a one-of-a-kind look. They are usually fabricated and poured on-site by a specialist crew who creates forms to match the space. Concrete can be colored and textured, or the concrete can be highly polished to a shiny gleam. 

Concrete countertops can be shaped to fit any size. Concrete countertop​s are very heavy, requiring special bracing. These are expensive countertops, requiring the work of custom technicians. Concrete countertops cost between $50 to $150 per square foot.

Butcher Block

Butcher block countertops are slabs comprised of several pieces of wood bound together with glue. They're the ultimate way to warm up a kitchen and impart a healthy dose of rustic appeal.

Butcher block countertops are generally considered budget-friendly, with costs ranging between $20 to $70 per square foot. However, butcher block countertops are not stain or scratch-resistant. In the event of any messy spills, you must clean them immediately to prevent damage.

Marble

Marble's unique appearance and veined patterns make it one of the most attractive natural stones. Marble is a relatively soft, porous stone that must be carefully and consistently sealed if used for kitchen countertops. Like granite, marble is available in three forms—solid slabs, modular marble, and marble tiles. As with granite, solid slabs are the best choice when a continuous, low-seam surface is desired.

A relatively soft stone, marble is easily scratched by knives and other kitchen utensils. Like most natural stones, marble is one of the costlier materials to use for kitchen countertops. On average, marble slabs cost between $40 to $100 per square foot of the material.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel countertops are not just for restaurants anymore and have entered the home. Stainless steel counters are custom-fabricated to precise specifications and installed by technicians specializing in this material. 

Stainless steel is germ-resistant and sanitary. Difficult to fabricate, stainless steel requires specialty workmanship that may be difficult to find. While an expensive countertop option, stainless steel can be an excellent addition to a higher-end home where the look of a commercial kitchen is desired. Stainless steel ranges in price from $70 to $215 per square foot.

Recycled Glass Slab

Recycled glass slab countertops are made from a blend of recycled glass melted down into slabs for use in countertops. These countertops come in various styles, ranging from very unusual materials in which bits of recognizable glass are evident, to those that look almost indistinguishable from engineered quartz or natural granite.

Slate

Slate is quarried straight from the earth, cut into slabs, and surface-grinded to a matte finish, is a good material for countertops since it is relatively non-porous and resists stains well. Although it's easy to think of slate as a dark gray or black stone, some types have shades of green or pink within them.

Slate countertops warrant consideration for homeowners looking for something unusual but subtle. Slate is non-porous and resists stains and bacteria well. It is usually less costly than granite, marble, or soapstone, with average costs of $20 to $70 per square foot.

Recycled Glass Tile

Glass tile countertops applied over a cement-board core are yet another way to use recycled glass, much the same as ceramic tile. Although not uncommon, this is generally not a very functional countertop—glass tiles are better suited for backsplashes. Seams between tiles are subject to staining. Glass is a brittle material, prone to breaking, chipping, and cracking.

Soapstone

Soapstone has been used for laboratory countertops for many years. Another quarried stone, soapstone has a warm, milky appearance that allows it to complement other design features without overwhelming them.

Soapstone is usually found in varying tones of whites and grays, and it lies in between granite and marble in terms of hardness—not as hard as granite, but less porous than marble. Less porous than other stones, soapstone resists stains and is fairly easy to clean. These countertops should be oiled periodically to maintain their patina. Soapstone costs between $20 to $70 per square foot.

Non-Recycled Glass

High-tensile glass can also be formed into slabs for countertops. The result will be a truly unusual countertop with several virtues. For one, glass is one of the very best materials for resisting bacteria and is easy to clean. High-tensile glass is heat-, scratch-, mold-, and stain-resistant. Still, glass is glass. With enough force, glass can crack. Prices vary, but higher-quality varieties can be expensive.

Recycled Aluminum

Aluminum countertops aren't the shiny, metal surfaces you're expecting. Instead, aluminum countertops are closer to the look of quartz (engineered stone) or solid surface than to stainless steel.

They are made of 97 percent recycled waste aluminum flakes, solid surface scrap, and recycled acrylic. The aluminum flakes are added in for appearance, not to create a homogeneous surface. The product is truly eco-friendly, using no VOCs.

Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed wood countertops take green remodeling one step further. Barns, flooring, siding, and old wood counters, are repurposed and made into new wood counters for an antique and truly unique look. Look in architectural salvage yards for raw materials.

The epitome of green and eco-friendly, wood does require significant sealing with tung oil. If not carefully maintained and sealed, wood countertops can harbor germs. Reclaimed wood has highly variable pricing depending on the type and the source.

Zinc

Zinc is another unusual countertop surface — formed by applying zinc sheets over a base core material. Found fairly often in bars and other commercial settings, zinc kitchen countertops are a rare sight. 

The high cost makes zinc impractical for most residential kitchens. Even so, zinc is an absolutely unique countertop material.

Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the more unusual materials for kitchen countertops. Although often lumped together with wood, bamboo is grass, and the slabs used in countertops are made from shredded bamboo fibers blended with resins. Bamboo is a very hard substance and in many ways is better than wood for countertop use. 

Bamboo gives your kitchen an eco-friendly aspect. since bamboo is a fast-growing and completely renewable resource.

Porcelain

Porcelain countertops are man-made countertops prized for their heat resistance and low water absorption. Porcelain is typically used as an alternative to natural stone countertops, as the look can be convincingly imitated with a pigmented glaze.

Porcelain is affordable, extremely durable, and even harder than granite, which makes it highly resistant to scratches. Its high heat resistance and non-porous surface make it perfect for food prep.

Paper Composite

Paper composite countertops are a relatively new countertop option. This can be considered a green kitchen countertop alternative to that other, more common composite countertop—laminate. Even the resins in these products are green—plant-based rather than petroleum-based.

The time may not yet be right for paper countertops. Because this is a special order item, prices are high and supplies are limited. This option is for the adventurous homeowner who wants to try a truly unique, and somewhat unproven, countertop material.

Skim-Coat Concrete

Skim-coat concrete countertops are a way of achieving the look of concrete countertops without the price tag. The process of installing a skim-coat concrete countertop typically doesn't require you to uninstall your current countertops. Instead, you simply cover them with a thin coat of concrete.

This makes skim-coat concrete a great solution for DIYers. Keep in mind, that skim-coat concrete isn't a 1:1 replacement for standard concrete countertops. While you can mimic much of the luxe look of solid concrete countertops, skim-coat concrete countertops will not be as durable and strong.

Honed Granite

Honed granite countertops are a type of granite countertop that has a smoother, duller sheen than standard granite, which is traditionally glossy. If you're after the durability of granite but want something with a unique look that sets your kitchen apart, honed granite should be top on your list.

While honed granite isn't cheap, it may add resale value to your home. Some varieties of honed granite may show fingerprints and smudges, so if that bothers you, it may not be for you. Honed granite is more porous than traditional granite, so frequent sealing is a must.

Live-Edge Wood Slabs

Live-edge wood slab countertops are unlike most wood countertops, which are often butcher blocks. The key difference is the word "slab." Whereas butcher block countertops are typically comprised of several thin cuts of wood glued together, a slab is one solid piece.

The "live-edge" portion of the name refers to the edge profile of the countertop, which is left natural, preserving the curvature of the tree. As with many wood countertops, the durability and ease of maintenance are determined by the type and quality of finish.

Raw-Edge Stone

Raw-edge stone countertops are a similar concept to that of live-edge wood slabs. While the raw edge isn't technically the natural edge, it lends a more natural look than that of a milled edge.

The durability, ease of maintenance, and other characteristics of raw-edge stone countertops are determined by the stone material used. However, the rougher edge profile is more difficult to clean than a smooth edge profile.

Poured Epoxy

Poured-epoxy countertops are becoming increasingly popular, as advancements are being made in the ability to mimic traditional stone varieties like marble and granite with epoxy.

One of the draws of epoxy countertops is the ability to pour them into place, which makes them an appealing option for DIYers. Note that there is a significant learning curve to working with epoxy, which is only compounded when dealing with large applications, such as countertops. Successful installation results in high heat resistance, easy maintenance, and a beautiful appearance.

Travertine

Travertine countertops are an affordable alternative to marble, costing between $5 and $50 per square foot. Travertine is a form of limestone that's often associated with tile. The highest quality travertine uses the least amount of filler material, which gives it a higher price point but travertine is still considered an affordable countertop solution compared with marble and granite.

To maintain its durability and avoid stains, travertine should be resealed often. And, while it's generally considered durable, it is prone to scratching.

Terrazzo

Terrazzo is made by suspending various recycled materials in cement. These aggregates include but are not limited to glass, granite, marble, and onyx. The overall appearance of the terrazzo is determined by the color and mix of the cement and the colors of the materials used in the mixture.

Terrazzo's composition of materials makes it incredibly durable and gives it great heat resistance. Because so many recycled materials are used to create terrazzo, it's great for those who are after an eco-friendly option.

Contact Paper

Contact paper countertops aren't technically a countertop material, but rather a way of refreshing your current countertop's look. The process consists of covering dated countertops with contact paper that has a printed surface typically imitating the look of marble.

If you're after durability, heat resistance, and resale value, contact paper isn't for you. Contact paper isn't a long-term countertop solution, but rather a way of giving your old countertops an on-trend overhaul. However, if you're looking for a quick, budget-friendly refresh or a renter-friendly countertop upgrade, there really aren't any better options.

Copper

Copper countertops are a surefire way to strike the perfect rustic yet elegant aesthetic. Copper is known for its high price point, costing between $70 to $100 per square foot of the material.

The other thing copper is known for is its rich patina, which happens naturally with time. Some people choose copper with its patina in mind, while others prefer to keep it clean and polished to maintain its sheen. Copper is antimicrobial, easy to clean, and naturally beautiful.

Quartzite

Quartzite countertops are not the same as quartz countertops. Quartzite is a natural, mined material that comes from sandstone interacting with magma, while quartz is an engineered stone material.

Quartzite is incredibly durable with high heat resistance. It has a less consistent look than quartz with an appearance similar to marble at a much more accessible price point. It costs between $80 to $120 per square foot to install.

Silestone

Silestone countertops are a specific brand of quartz countertops produced by Corsentino, an Italian stone company. With their wide array of styles and history of quality, Corsentino has carved a niche in the market with Silestone, which is now treated by many as a designated countertop material.

Silestone countertops share many qualities with quartz countertops, with some additional styles and colors available. Silestone costs between $50 to $100 per square foot (excluding installation).

Dekton

Dekton countertops aren't as time-tested as marble, copper, terrazzo, and porcelain, but their durability is making its mark on the industry. At just 10 years old, Dekton countertops are one of the newer options on this list, but their high durability and heat resistance are second to none.

Often compared to quartz, Dekton is a similar engineered material with higher heat resistance, more durability, and a higher price point.

Corian

Corian countertops are named after their manufacturer, though many installers use the term to refer to solid-surface countertops. Corian countertops are acrylic, yet mimic the look of natural stone.

If you're after an affordable countertop material, Corian countertops are a great option that offers durability and low maintenance. They cost between $20 to $75 per square foot. Because Corian countertops are totally man-made, you can also integrate sinks and other features directly into the countertop.

Polyester

Polyester countertops are often compared with acrylic countertops due to their similarities, as they're affordable, easy to clean, and durable. People often only choose polyester countertops over acrylic due to their glossier appearance.

While polyester countertops are considered durable once installed, they are prone to cracking and breaking during transportation, so it's often best to choose professional installation.

River Rock

River rock countertops give kitchens a natural, earthy look. And, no, river rock countertops aren't just river rocks with mortar between them. River rock countertops are made by suspending river rocks in cement or sometimes acrylic, then cutting the solid formation into slabs, and slicing directly through the river rocks.

This creates a beautiful countertop material with beautiful tones and textures. River rock countertops are affordable, heat resistant, and highly durable, but you should stay on top of spills because they're prone to staining.