Home Improvement
Countertops
Learn about the types of countertops, characteristics, durability, and more
By
Timothy Dale
Timothy Dale
Timothy Dale is a home repair expert and writer with over a decade of hands-on construction and home improvement experience. He is skilled in residential, commercial, industrial and institutional plumbing, electrical, carpentry, installation, renovations, and project management.
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Updated on 02/01/24
Reviewed by
Deane Biermeier
Reviewed byDeane Biermeier
Deane Biermeier is an expert contractor with nearly 30 years of experience in all types of home repair, maintenance, and remodeling. He is a certified lead carpenter and also holds a certification from the EPA. Deane is a member of The Spruce's Home Improvement Review Board.
Learn more about The Spruce'sReview Board
There are many types of countertop materials available to customize your kitchen. However, before selecting an ideal countertop material for your kitchen, it's important to consider the characteristics of each, including durability, cost, installation, appearance, longevity, resistance, and maintenance requirements.
Whether you are looking for natural stone, like marble and granite, or prefer the look and feel of concrete or ceramic tile, each option has different characteristics, and knowing them can help you choose the best one for your needs.
Use this guide to the most common types of countertops to learn more about the benefits and drawbacks of each so that you can discover the best types of countertop materials for your kitchen.
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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.
A similar option to quartz would be quartzite. 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.
Pros
Easy to maintain, no sealing required
Resistant to mold, mildew, and stains
Wide variety of color options
Cons
Vulnerable to heat damage
Susceptible to scratches
Direct sunlight can fade the color
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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 it's 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.
Pros
Resistant to heat and abrasion
Strong and durable material
Many colors and patterns
Cons
Premium price material
Requires regular sealing
Heavy and difficult to install
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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.
Pros
Unique veining and color patterns
Non-porous, resistant to heat and stains
Patina can create an antique appearance
Cons
Takes time for the patina to develop
Must be treated with mineral oil
Surface is vulnerable to abrasive damage
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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.
Pros
Reistant to heat, cracking, and breaking
Attractive material with unique marble veining
Durable, long-lasting material
Cons
Vulnerable to scratches and staining
Requires regular sealing and maintenance
Premium priced
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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.
Pros
Resistant to staining
Seams are virtually invisible
Available in many colors and patterns
Cons
Moderately expensive
Vulnerable to damage from heat
Susceptible to scratches and dents
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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.
Pros
Affordable countertop material
Relatively easy for DIYers to construct
Range of colors and patterns
Cons
Grout is prone to staining
Tile sizes can restrict functionality
Tile is brittle and vulnerable to cracking
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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.
Pros
Easy to clean and maintain
Inexpensive countertop option
Resistant to mold, mildew, and stains
Cons
Susceptible to heat damage
Prone to peeling
Vulnerable to scratching and dents
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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.
Pros
Durable, long-lasting material
Environmentally friendly countertop option
Attractive country-style appearance
Cons
Susceptible to moisture and stains
Porous material is vulnerable to bacteria
Must be oiled and sealed frequently
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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.
Pros
Impervious to heat damage
Easiest material to clean
Resistant to mold, mildew, and stains
Cons
Expensive
Easily scratched surface
Shows fingerprints and water spots easily
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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.
Pros
Heat resistant
Scratch resistant
Long-lasting industrial appearance
Cons
Expensive
High maintenance
Porous surface must be regularly sealed
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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.
Pros
Versatile
Durable
Low maintenance
Cons
Expensive to repair if damaged
High installation cost
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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.
Pros
Eco-friendly
Easy to clean
Budget-friendly
Cons
Stains easily
Not resistant to heat
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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.
Pros
Lightweight
Durable
Cons
Costly
Difficult to install
High maintenance
FAQ
What is the most durable material for kitchen countertops?
The most durable material for kitchen countertops is quartz. It's a great option for any kitchen, as quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat,
What is the easiest countertop material to maintain?
There are various types of countertop materials that are easy to maintain including quartz, laminate, and steel.
What kitchen countertops never go out of style?
Some types of kitchen countertops that have stayed stylish for many years include granite, marble, and butcher block.
35 Options for Kitchen Countertop Materials