15 Best Countertop Materials for Kitchens

Quartz (Engineered Stone)

Engineered stone quartz is an ideal option if you are looking to cut costs but still want the natural stone appearance of marble or granite. This type of countertop material is made of about 90 percent quartz particles, mixed with other minerals to create a strong and durable product resistant to staining.

Quartz comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose the best design for your kitchen aesthetic. It's an easy-to-clean material that is resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria.

Due to the non-porous design, you don't need to worry about sealing a quartz countertop regularly. However, engineered quartz can fade under direct sunlight, so keep the layout of your kitchen in mind.

Granite

One of the top choices for kitchen countertops is granite. Granite countertops are popular because they are durable and tough, able to resist impact and abrasive damage. It is a more expensive countertop option, but homeowners love its resistance to heat and stunning finish.

A granite countertop can last for decades if it is taken care of properly. Granite is easy to clean, but it is a porous natural stone, so you must apply a new sealant over the granite about once every three to five years.

Soapstone

Using soapstone as a kitchen countertop material is an excellent way to avoid stains. Soapstone is an entirely non-porous naturally occurring stone, and its percentage of talc gives the surface a soft texture, similar to soap.

Soapstone is also resistant to heat and bacteria, though it is susceptible to scratches and dents.

Any minimal damage to the soapstone can actually help develop the unique patina that appears gradually as the surface of the soapstone oxidizes, giving the material a unique look. You can also pick the color from a variety of shades that have blue or green undertones with marble-like veining.

To keep soapstone kitchen countertops in good condition for years to come and to help develop the patina on the surface, treat the countertop with mineral oil about once per month during the first year after installation.

Marble

Similar in price to granite, marble is a high-end kitchen countertop material that is known for its aesthetic appeal. Marble comes in a wide range of colors, each with marble veining or naturally occurring patterns made from mineral deposits. It is an excellent option for anyone who wants a truly unique countertop design.

Marble holds up well against heat and it is resistant to cracking, chipping, or breaking, allowing it to last for years without problem. Marble is vulnerable to scratching and staining, so do have the marble sealed at least once a year.

Solid-Surface Material

Solid-surface material is a blend of acrylic particles and resins that have been pressed into sheets to create kitchen countertops. This material was first designed as an alternative to natural stone countertops, which its creators sought to mimic.

The main benefit of solid-surface material over natural stone is that solid-surface material is more cost-effective, making it an excellent middle-tier option for your kitchen. There are many colors, patterns, and styles, including duplicates of granite and marble.

The seams on the material are almost invisible and it is resistant to stains, so you can expect the countertop to stay in good condition for years. However, solid-surface material is not heat resistant and it's vulnerable to abrasive damage.

Ceramic Tile

More commonly used in the bathroom, a ceramic tile is an interesting option for a kitchen countertop. It can be installed by an experienced DIY to help save on installation costs. Ceramic tile counters are typically made by laying individual tiles over a cement-board core with thin-set mortar adhesives.

Putting in a ceramic tile countertop is an inexpensive option for the kitchen. It's hard, durable, and resistant to heat, though the size of each tile can impede the functionality of the countertop, making it more difficult to prepare food and keep it clean.

This material has a wide selection of colors, patterns, and styles, so you can get just the look you want. Do keep in mind that ceramic tile is brittle and prone to cracking. The grout lines are also vulnerable to staining and can be difficult to clean.

Laminates

A go-to kitchen countertop option for many DIYers is laminate, as it's an inexpensive choice that's relatively easy to install due to its lightweight design.

Laminate is made of particleboard, resins, plastic, and pattern paper that has been seared together using a combination of heat and pressure.

This material comes in a variety of styles, colors, and patterns, making it easy to find the right look for your kitchen. The nonporous surface keeps out mold and bacteria while preventing stains from forming.

Do note that laminate is vulnerable to heat damage, so avoid placing any hot pots or pans on the surface of a laminate countertop. This material also has a shorter lifespan than most other countertop options and it is prone to peeling.

Wood or Butcher Block

Wood has long been used for the construction of homes, chairs, tables, and more, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that you can get wood countertops made similar to a butcher block.

These countertops are typically composed of maple, oak, teak, ash, or possibly even bamboo, giving you a range of options.

Wood is tough and durable, allowing it to stand up to years of use without failing. However, the fibrous nature of wood means that the surface of the countertop can become scratched, stained, or even burned. Sand and reseal the wood once every two to three years to restore the original appearance of the countertop.

Wood needs to be regularly oiled and benefits from being sealed to prevent mold, mildew, and bacteria from seeping into the fibrous countertop.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is commonly used in commercial kitchens due to the nonporous construction that makes it easy to keep clean. This is one of the types of countertops for the kitchen that resists mold, mildew, and staining, though the longer you leave a splash or spill, the more difficult it is to clean.

Consider stainless steel for your kitchen countertop if you are looking for a modern aesthetic for the kitchen that is highly heat resistant. Just be sure that you are prepared to deal with the high frequency of water spots and fingerprints that get left behind.

Stainless steel is also susceptible to scratches, dents, and other abrasive damage, so make sure that you use cutting boards to protect the surface of the countertop.

Concrete

If you want a truly unique kitchen, concrete countertops may be the move. Due to the heavy weight of the material, concrete countertops are usually cast in forms right in your kitchen for custom installation. It's necessary to note that this custom work does come at a higher price than other options.

Concrete countertops can be color-tinted or may have decorative textures added to improve their look and feel, adding character to your kitchen. It's scratch-resistant and heat-resistant, though it is vulnerable to moisture, bacteria, and staining.

To keep the concrete countertop in great shape, regularly seal the surface. Also, note the home shifting or tension being applied from over-tightening the faucet or other connected fixtures can create stress within the concrete. If tensile stress builds up in the concrete, it can crack over time.

Glass

Glass kitchen countertops are one of the most versatile materials, with many styles, colors, and textures available. Not only that, glass can be cut into pretty much any shape you can think of, making it totally customizable for your unique kitchen.

Glass countertops are also very durable, and resistant to heat. That said, glass countertops can be damaged by sharp or heavy objects. Not only that, if damage were to occur, glass countertops would be very difficult and costly to fix. Sometimes, they can't be repaired at all, depending on the type of damage.

Recycled

You can go the eco-friendly route with recycled materials for your kitchen countertop. There are a variety of recycled materials that can be used as a kitchen countertop material including glass, paper, and bamboo.

Depending on the type of recycled material you choose, there will be different care requirements, pros, and cons to consider. For example, recycled paper countertops are fairly inexpensive and durable. However, these types of countertops do require a fair amount of maintenance in the form of regular sealing as well as avoiding abrasive cleaners.

Onyx

Onyx is a gorgeous natural stone that can be used for your kitchen countertops. Onyx is very durable and can last for many years with proper care and regular maintenance.

On that note, onyx is a high-maintenance material, requiring specific stone cleaners and proper sealing. If used often, periodic refinishing may be necessary to keep it in tip-top shape. Not only that, onyx can be complicated to install, making it more costly than other countertop options.

Dolomite

Dolomite is a natural stone that can be used in kitchens as a backsplash or countertop. It's a more affordable option with good resistance to heat. In fact, you can even place hot pans directly on top of the counter if you want. An added bonus is the beauty of dolomite. Each piece of dolomite is unique, making it a beautiful addition to any kitchen.

That said, dolomite is not resistant to scratching and is prone to stains, chipping, and cracking. This makes it not the most durable option.

Quartzite

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that is constructed of quartz and is often used in flooring, walls, and, you guessed it, countertops. It's a durable material that looks beautiful too.

Quartzite is a similar option to quartz and can work as a great alternative. This would be a great choice if you're concerned about scratching and heat damage, as quartzite has a better heat tolerance. As well, the natural markings disguise any potential knicks that can occur.