There is a lot to consider when choosing a countertop material for a kitchen.
It can’t just look fabulous – unless you never plan to use it…
…but factors like durability, maintenance, and cost also have to be considered. For many homeowners, new kitchen counters are an investment and having the knowledge about the various options before shopping + deciding can make the process a bit less stressful.
Upon choosing the right material for our kitchen renovation, I did extensive research to find the best fit for our lifestyle – aesthetically and functionally.
Here’s a breakdown of 10 countertop materials to consider for the kitchen…
10 COUNTERTOP MATERIALS TO CONSIDER
Whether renovating your kitchen or giving it a facelift, there are many countertop choices to consider…
1
NATURAL QUARTZ
> Natural stone
> Extremely hard mineral giving it great strength
> Nonporous
> Stain-resistant
> Maintenance-free / never has to be sealed
> Cleanup can be done with water + mild soap.
> Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot
2
GRANITE
> Unique / One-of-a-kind
> Vast selection of colors and patterns
> Durable to heat, cutting, and scratching
> Semi-Porous
> 2 finishes – polished (shiny) or honed (matte)
> Needs to be sealed (and resealed once a year) to resist stains
> Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot
3
MARBLE
> Gorgeous white material with gray veining
> Durable to heat; Ideal for baking and pastry-making
> Porous / Has to sealed and is still susceptible to stains
> Soft material so it can scratch or nick, especially at the edges
> Cost: $75 to $150 per square foot
4
SOAPSTONE
> Beautiful soft black/gray material with lighter colored veining (great for cottage-style kitchens)
> Resistant to heat damage
> Porous / Has to oiled
> Patinas /darkens over time
> Soft material so it can scratch or nick, especially at the edges
> Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot
5
SOLID SURFACE
> Similar durable qualities to Quartz yet looks artificial
> Often referred to as ‘Corian’, but they are a manufacturer of laminate
> Cost is similar to Natural Quart and Granite
6
LAMINATE
> Vast selection of colors + styles
> Inexpensive / Great option for the budget-conscious
> Solid /Stain-Resistant (typically)
> Heat + cutting may cause damage
> Cost: $10 to $40 per square foot
7
STAINLESS
> Modern, commercial aesthetic
> Incredibly durable
> Resists heat + bacteria
> Can scratch + dent + show fingerprints
> Certain foods can affect the color
> Expensive due to the low demand + custom fabrication
> Cost: $85 to $150 per square foot
8
BUTCHER BLOCK
> Beautiful / Great for an island or butler’s pantry
> Not good for sink areas
> Sealed surfaces are mostly stain-resistant
> Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot
9
CONCRETE
> Custom-formed so the installation process is important
> Custom inlays / decorative enhancements can be added
> Can scratch + chip + develop hairline cracks
> Porous / Has to sealed and is still susceptible to stains + heat
> Expensive due to the time to create the custom form
> Cost: $60 to $100 per square foot
10
TILE + RECYCLED GLASS
> Unique / One-of-a-kind
> Resistant to heat, cuts, scratches
> Susceptible to stains
> Cost: wide range depending on material and installation
I think that covers it. Did I miss something? Wow, there are a lot of choices for counters!
What do you prefer most?
Want to see what I chose for my kitchen… click here
If you want to see all the posts documenting the kitchen renovation, here they are from start to finish:
Wonderful White Kitchen Inspiration
Kitchen Remodel: Before + Plan of Action
Demo Day: Steps for Demolishing the Kitchen
Kitchen Progress: Staining Hardwood Floors
The Cabinets Arrive + Get Installed
Natural Quartz Countertops in the Kitchen
10 Countertop Materials to Consider for the Kitchen
Subway Tile Installation + Choosing the RIGHT Subway
Kitchen Backsplash Tile Options + Inspiration
Choosing a Paint Color + Wallpaper for the Kitchen and Dining Room
Kitchen Renovation: The Appliances
Dissecting the Details
Kitchen Renovation: REVEALÂ + RESOURCES
