01of 12
Marble
Marble countertops have really come into prominence in recent years. "Marble is still king in terms of aesthetics and in high-end new development," says agent Allison Chiaramonte of Warburg Realty in New York. It's easy to understand why. This natural stone instantly elevates a kitchen, giving it a clean, contemporary feel. There's nothing else that looks quite like a bright white marble finish, but marble countertops are available in other colors as well, including shades of gray, brown, taupe, and even green. No two marble countertops are exactly alike.
This stone is certainly not the most practical choice, however. Marble is softer than other natural stones, so it's important to be careful and invest in proper cutting boards. If you cut directly on marble, it will scratch.
Another issue with marble is that it's porous, so temporary spills easily become permanent stains. This means those accidental red wine and lemon juice splashes need to be cleaned up fast, and you'll want to clean the surface regularly. Luckily, technology is improving to make marble a little more durable. "New sealants are making this notoriously-risky countertop less worrisome for messy chefs," Chiaramonte says.
One unique aspect of marble is that it maintains a naturally low temperature, making it ideal for people who enjoy baking. Marble is a great surface to roll out and shape dough.
This type of countertop can also be more affordable than you would assume. While marble looks upscale and sophisticated, some kinds of marble, such as Carrara, can be budget-friendly.
02of 12
Quartz
Do you have a large family, cook a lot of meals, or just want to make sure you invest in an all-around durable countertop that's built to last? Then quartz could be the best choice for you. You might be surprised to learn that quartz countertops aren't made of 100% quartz, but rather they are a composite stone engineered from natural quartz combined with a resin binder. This stone is also non-porous, incredibly hard, and never needs to be re-sealed.
According to Chiaramonte, it's a smart investment. "We are seeing an increasing number of quartz countertops being coveted by buyers and sellers alike," she says.
Because they're manufactured, quartz countertops are a great way to get the look of natural stones like marble or granite without worrying about durability.
Pros
- Durable
- Come in a huge range of colors and patterns
Cons
- Pricey
- Will need professional installation
03of 12
Granite
Granite countertops have been the standard for many years because it's a natural stone with great durability. Granite is available in a range of dark and light colors with all sorts of flecks and variations. Another unique feature of granite is that it can be cut with a variety of edge choices, including square, beveled, ogee (which is an S-shape), and half and full bullnose.
Granite countertops require very little maintenance and are easy to take care of, but it's best to avoid harsh cleaning products—choose a granite countertop cleaner like Method's natural and plant-based formula. Cleaning granite only requires a little soap and water. Some granites are more porous than others and may require periodic sealing in order to prevent stains.
Granite is heat-resistant, so feel free to take pots directly from the oven and place them on the granite counter. No trivet needed! However, it isn't wise to cut directly on granite; this stone is so hard that it will dull your knives.
Pros
- Heat and scratch resistant
- Generally low-maintenance
Cons
- Require sealing from time to time
- Pricey
04of 12
Concrete
Made popular by Joanna Gaines, concrete countertops are a wonderful way to elevate a farmhouse chic kitchen or add a special touch to an industrial, modern kitchen. Concrete has a really bold, striking look. It is also almost entirely indestructible, which is why they use this material to make roads and sidewalks.
You can buy commercial concrete countertops, or if you are really skilled with DIY, you can make your own using a kit. However, keep in mind that concrete can take up to 28 days to dry completely, so it's not ideal if you're working on a tight schedule. It also needs to be sealed.
Concrete is far from perfect as these countertops can crack as a home settles. The good news is that cracks are very easy to repair. But, if you want a countertop that will look Pinterest-perfect for years to come, this isn't your best choice.
Pros
- Long-lasting
- Have countless seal options
Cons
- Can crack as it settles
- Not stain resistant
10 Farmhouse Sink Pros and Cons to Consider Before Buying One
05of 12
Butcher Block
Butcher block is an affordable alternative to stone countertops. It's made from pieces of wood that are bonded to form a larger slab. Butcher block countertops have traditionally been made from all types of wood, including cherry, maple, oak, walnut, and even teak. What finish you choose depends entirely on the style of your home and kitchen.
Butcher block is also the only type of countertop surface that allows for direct cutting and slicing, because it is essentially a giant cutting board. Butcher block countertops can be sealed or unsealed; however, once the wood is sealed, it's no longer appropriate for food prep and must be used with a separate cutting board. This material is also porous, so spills must be sopped up quickly or you risk staining the wood. Unsealed butcher block countertops must be oiled twice a year.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Functions as a very long cutting board
Cons
- Not stain or heat resistant
- Porous material can harbor bacteria
Dreaming of a Butcher Block Countertop? Here's What You Need to Know
06of 12
Soapstone
Soapstone is a natural stone domestically sourced from the Appalachian Mountains, or often imported from Finland and Brazil. It has a high percentage of naturally occurring talc, which gives the surface a soap-like or soft feeling.
When compared to marble and granite, soapstone has several advantages. It requires minimal maintenance and is entirely non-porous, so it is stain-, bacteria-, and heat-resistant. It also has a unique look to it and is available in a variety of gray shades with blue or green undertones. The natural, marble-like veining varies from stone to stone.
While soapstone is susceptible to damage, it gives the stone an antique-looking patina. In fact, it is recommended that homeowners oil the countertop once a month for the first year to allow the surface to oxidize and for the patina to develop.
Pros
- Scratches can be sanded out
- Heat resistant
Cons
- Tougher stains won't come out
- Pricey
07of 12
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel has always been popular in commercial kitchens, but it's become a trend in residential ones as well. This type of countertop is an instant way to give your kitchen a stylish, industrial look.
If you clean stainless steel properly (with a little bit of soap and water or a product formulated specifically for this surface), it's easy to maintain. But the longer you leave a splash or spill, the harder it is to clean. Stainless steel also shows fingerprints and water spots easily, so it isn't ideal for a home with young children.
Another pitfall of stainless steel is that it can dent and scratch. But for the most part, stainless steel is incredibly durable and entirely non-porous.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Heat resistant
Cons
- Dents and scratches
- Shows fingerprints and water spots
08of 12
Laminate
Laminate countertops, which are often called by the brand name Formica, were incredibly popular during the 80s and 90s. While older laminate countertops can look dated, the laminate countertops of today are a bit different. Newer laminates can give the look of more expensive materials like wood and stone for a fraction of the price.
But cost isn't the only advantage of laminate. This product is nonporous and won't absorb bacteria. It also never needs resealing and is easy to clean with a little bit of soap and water.
On the other hand, it's easily damaged by heat, so forgetting a trivet can ruin your entire countertop.
Furthermore, unlike other synthetic materials or stones, laminate won't add resale value to your home. So while it isn't ideal for large kitchen renovations, it is a great way to stay on budget for less important projects like small rental property kitchens, a basem*nt bathroom, and a guesthouse.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Won't add resale value
- Easily damaged by heat
Do Peel and Stick Countertops Actually Work? The Pros Have Answers
09of 12
Tile
Tile countertops had their heyday in the 70s and 80s, but they're starting to make a comeback. If you're good with DIY and need to stay on budget, tile is an option worth considering.
Tiles are available in a variety of sizes and shapes from classic squares to subway tiles and even trendy hexagons in different materials, including porcelain, ceramic, and natural stones. Granite, quartz, and marble tiles are a more affordable alternative to large slabs.
While the maintenance and durability of tile depend on the material, all tile countertops have one issue in common, which is that grout lines can be a challenge to keep clean and fresh looking. So, if your kitchen countertop tends to get dirty, you may want to consider darker-colored grout like gray or black.
Pros
- Huge variety of styles
- Affordable
Cons
- Grout lines are hard to clean
- Prone to chipping
10of 12
Solid Surface
Made of a combination of acrylic and resin, this countertop choice is a great middle-tier option. A seemingly endless number of styles are available, including some great dupes for granite and marble.
There are many benefits to choosing this type of countertop. It's stain-resistant, seamless, and most damage can be sanded out. However, solid surfaces aren't heat-resistant, so have plenty of trivets on hand.
Pros
- Stain-resistant
- Lots of styles available
Cons
- Can be damaged by heat
- Can scratch easily
11of 12
Travertine
Travertine is a natural stone that tends to cost a bit less than marble and granite. It's very durable and heat-resistant, making it a choice material for baths and kitchens. It's also known for reflecting light well thanks to its shiny exterior.
One thing to note is that while it can stand up to most stains, it is a porous material and can be reactive when exposed to corrosive ingredients like lemon juice. You also have to be careful when cleaning it—small holes in the stone can develop and house bacteria (yikes).
Pros
- Less expensive than marble and granite for a similar look
- Very heat-resistant
Cons
- Corrosive substances will stain it
- Porous holes can harbor bacteria
12of 12
Dekton
What exactly is Dekton? It's a lot of things—a mixture of stone material that comes from a combination of quartz, porcelain, and glass that's compacted under high pressure. This material is super strong and is abrasion, scratch, water, heat, and UV-ray resistant.
Another big bonus is that it comes in a variety of thicknesses, sizes, colors, and textures. You can use it for countertops, yes, but you can also do pretty much anything with it, such as create flooring, furniture, and statement walls. Lastly, Dekton is carbon neutral, so featuring it in your home is eco-friendly.
Pros
- Plenty of style and size options
- Durable
Cons
- Pricey
- Hard to repair
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most durable countertops?
When assessing for durability, we're looking at hardness, heat resistance, scratch resistance, stain resistance, and crack resistance. The tricky thing is that some materials are super durable in one area but not so much in another. Quartz, however, is your best bet overall. Quartz is resistant to all of the above and it's non-porous, so cleaning quartz countertops is easier too.
What are the most affordable countertop materials?
Countertops can get pretty pricey, so it's smart to research all types to find out which material is a good value. Butcher block countertops are among the least expensive, but they're also prone to cracking and staining. Laminate is also super inexpensive, and while it sometimes gets a bad rep for looking cheap, it's resistant to everything and there are so many options now that look modern and chic.
What are the countertop trends for 2024?
Marble's been big for a long time (centuries, some might say), but this year you'll start to see a ton of marble with dramatic veining. Think Calacatta, or quartz that's made to look like it. People are also focusing on the edging around their countertops, adding fluted accents around the kitchen island. Lastly, there's a big focus on repurposed materials. Reclaimed wood counters and composites made out of stone, glass, and porcelain discards are good-looking and environmentally conscious. But, it's important to note, trends come and go! So the most important thing is to pick a countertop that you love the look of and that fits your lifestyle.
Should countertops be lighter or darker than your cabinets?
Conventional design wisdom says that your kitchen countertops should be lighter than your cabinets, but there's no hard and fast rule here. Light countertops, in general, are great for kitchens that have limited natural light or are smaller since they can make a space feel a bit bigger. But, dark countertops have a certain cool factor. It's all about finding your personal style—whether you choose a light marble with sage green cabinets or honed granite counters with bright white cabinets.