Everything You Should Know Before You Buy a New Kitchen Countertop (2024)

01 of 35

Quartz

Quartz countertops are synthetic countertop materials made popular by brands such as Dupontand Cambria. This material is composed of pulverized waste rockplus resins for hardness and binding. Thus, quartz countertops are not solid slabs of quartz mineral but instead are an engineered stone product. Many quartz counters have antibacterial agents added. Quartz is rapidly overcoming solid-surface material as a convincing alternative to natural stone for countertops.

Prized for their high resale value and abundance of colors and styles, quartz countertops are more durable and less susceptible to scratching than solid surface countertops.

Quartz countertops are quite expensive—on par with natural granite.Quartz countertops are exceedingly heavy and must be installed only by experienced installers. There is no DIY option.

Continue to 2 of 35 below

02 of 35

Solid Surface

Solid surface is a synthetic material originally created as an alternative to stone,designed to resemble 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.

The material is held together with resins and shaped into slabs for use in countertops. The material can also be molded intoone-piece units with sinks integrated into the countertop.

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

Continue to 3 of 35 below

03 of 35

Laminate

A laminate countertop is formed from a thin layer of plastic laminate material bonded to a core of particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard). Laminates are made by many manufacturers, including Formica and Wilsonart, and hundreds of color and style options exist.

As one of the most affordable countertop options, laminate can even be an easy DIY project when you install pre-fabricated (post-form) countertop sections. Thousands of colors and patterns of laminate countertops are available.

Long considered inferior by some home buyers, laminates are now in higher regard due to crisper graphics and more resilient surfaces. Still, laminates can chip and scorch easily, plus they feel hollow and lightweight compared to other materials.

Continue to 4 of 35 below

04 of 35

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, butnewer ceramic and porcelain tiles are available in large sizes that can help minimize thenumber of seams and make for easier upkeep.

Along with laminate, tile is an inexpensive countertop material that is easy for a DIYer to install.Modern porcelain types offer diverse design options—porcelain tiles can look like natural wood, real stone, and many other materials.

But tile is brittle and prone to cracking. Repair is difficult, requiring full replacement of damaged tiles.Grout seams are easily stained and are hard to clean.

Continue to 5 of 35 below

05 of 35

Granite Slab

Solid slab granite is the most popular option for natural stone countertops. Beginning life as a quarried slab of solid natural stone, granite countertops are fabricated to specification and installed by professional crews.

Solid granite slabs make very heavy and durable countertops. No two pieces of granite are alike, making each countertop entirely unique. Long considered a premium building material, granite countertops tend to improve home real estate values.

But you will need a substantial kitchen remodel budget for granite. Granite is a fairly expensive material.Like many other types of natural stone, granite requires periodic sealing in order to protect it from stains.Not at all a DIY-friendly material, granite must be installed by pros.

Continue to 6 of 35 below

06 of 35

Concrete

Concrete countertops are an unusualcountertop 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. The result is a perfectly seamless countertop. Not only that but the concrete can be colored and textured, if you wish, or the concrete can be highly polished to a shiny gleam.

Concrete countertops are a great conversation piece, and the concrete can be shaped to fit any size. Concrete countertop​sare very heavy, requiring special bracing. These are very expensive countertops, requiring the work of custom technicians.

While not foreveryone, concrete countertops may be appropriate for high-end homes for a truly unique, modern look.

Continue to 7 of 35 below

07 of 35

Marble

Marble's unique appearance and veined patterns make it one of the most attractive natural stones. Marble is a relatively soft and porous stone that must be carefully and consistently sealed if used for kitchen countertops. Like granite, marble is availablein 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.

Because each slab has slightly different veining, each marble countertop will be entirely unique.Marble is porous and can be easily stained unless it is regularly sealed with a top-quality sealing product.

A relatively soft stone, marble is easily scratched by knives and other kitchenutensils.Like most natural stones, marble is one of the costlier materials to use for kitchen countertops.

Continue to 8 of 35 below

08 of 35

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 expensivecountertop option, stainless steel can be an excellent addition to a higher-end home where the look of a commercial kitchen is desired.

Continue to 9 of 35 below

09 of 35

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 a variety of styles, ranging from very unusual material in which bits of recognizable glass are evident, to those that look almost indistinguishable from engineered quartz or natural granite.

Continue to 10 of 35 below

10 of 35

Slate

Slate, which 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. Unlike soapstone, slate has some subtle veining, though less dramatically than marble.

Slate countertops warrant consideration for homeownerslooking 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.

Continue to 11 of 35 below

11 of 35

Recycled Glass Tile

Glass tile countertops applied over a cement-board core are yet another way to make use of 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.

Continue to 12 of 35 below

12 of 35

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 is slightly more expensive than granite.

Continue to 13 of 35 below

13 of 35

Non-Recycled Glass

High-tensile glass can also be formed into slabs for countertops. The result will be a truly unusual countertop with a number of 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.

Continue to 14 of 35 below

14 of 35

Recycled Aluminum

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

They are made of97 percent recycled waste aluminum flake, solid surface scrap, and recycled acrylic. The aluminum flakes are added in for appearance, not to create a hom*ogeneous surface. The product is truly eco-friendly, using no VOCs.

Continue to 15 of 35 below

15 of 35

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 inarchitectural salvageyards for raw materials.

The epitomeof 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.

Continue to 16 of 35 below

16 of 35

Zinc

Zinc is another unusual countertopsurface — 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.

Thehigh cost makes zinc impracticalfor most residential kitchens. Even so, zinc is an absolutely unique countertop material.

Continue to 17 of 35 below

17 of 35

Bamboo

Bamboo is one of the more unusualmaterials for kitchen countertops. Although often lumped together with wood, bamboo is actuallygrass, 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.

Continue to 18 of 35 below

18 of 35

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 the use of 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.

Continue to 19 of 35 below

19 of 35

Paper Composite

Paper composite countertops are a relatively new countertop option. Innovative manufacturers are constantly experimenting with new materials, and one such countertop is a composite made of paper heavily impregnated with resins.

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.

Continue to 20 of 35 below

20 of 35

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 even 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, which can lead to cracking. This can be worsened if the existing countertop or substrate isn't solid. Too thin of a skim coat will result in low heat resistance.

Continue to 21 of 35 below

21 of 35

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 actually 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.

Continue to 22 of 35 below

22 of 35

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 of finish and the quality of the finish.

Continue to 23 of 35 below

23 of 35

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, softening the overall look of the countertops. The juxtaposition of the smooth top with the rough edge gives raw-edge stone countertops a unique appeal.

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.

Continue to 24 of 35 below

24 of 35

Poured Epoxy

Poured-epoxy countertops are becoming more and more 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.

If you've seen videos of pouring epoxy countertops, it looks very easy (and oddly satisfying). However, 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.

Continue to 25 of 35 below

25 of 35

Travertine

Travertine countertops are an affordable alternative to marble that can effortlessly elevate the look of your kitchen. Though it has a fancy name, 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 when 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.

Continue to 26 of 35 below

26 of 35

Terrazzo

Terrazzo countertops are growing increasingly popular, though terrazzo itself is nothing new. 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.

Continue to 27 of 35 below

27 of 35

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.

Continue to 28 of 35 below

28 of 35

Copper

Copper countertops are a surefire way to strike the perfect rustic-yet-elegant aesthetic. Copper is known for its high price point, so many people who choose copper for a countertop material opt to use it as a "moment" in their kitchen, rather than coat every surface with it. Oftentimes, this looks like a portion or all of an island being covered in copper.

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.

Continue to 29 of 35 below

29 of 35

Quartzite

Quartzite countertops are not the same as quartz countertops. In fact, 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.

Continue to 30 of 35 below

30 of 35

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 of the same qualities as quartz countertops, with some additional styles and colors available.

Continue to 31 of 35 below

31 of 35

Dekton

Dekton countertops aren't as time-tested as materials like 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.

Continue to 32 of 35 below

32 of 35

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. Because Corian countertops are totally man-made, you can also integrate sinks and other features directly into the countertop.

Continue to 33 of 35 below

33 of 35

Polyester

Polyester countertops are often compared with acrylic countertops due to their similarities, as they're affordable, easy to clean, and durable. In fact, 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.

Continue to 34 of 35 below

34 of 35

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.

Continue to 35 of 35 below

35 of 35

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.

While butcher block countertops are considered generally budget-friendly, they're are plenty of luxury butcher block countertop options available at a premium price point. In the end, wood is wood and the type and quality of the finish will determine how well the countertops handle stains and moisture.