Which Countertop Material Best Fits Your New Kitchen?

We used classic marble countertops in this modern farmhouse kitchen.

If you are in the process of planning for a kitchen remodel, you will have dozens of decisions to make about your remodeled space; from appliances to flooring, cabinetry, and other details. You should also consider your home’s design style. There is, however, one question that can be surprisingly overlooked: how do you pick the perfect countertops for your kitchen? It may seem like an easy choice based on budget, trends, and aesthetics, but careful thought should go into this feature of your new kitchen! Depending on your family’s habits, cooking style, and level of commitment to a recommended maintenance protocol, you want to be careful about what material you select. Durability, including stain, scratch, and water resistance, is an important factor to consider when deciding what type of countertop to choose. After all, your countertops are not replaced very often.

Natural, Composites, Sustainable, and High-Maintenance Options

Quartz countertops are made with a composite of quartz along with resins and polymers. Quartz is extremely popular, partly due to its durability. Quartz is more popular than granite but can be pricier. Even though quartz is scratch, chip, and bacteria-resistant, it may not hold up as well to heat as granite. Quartz is low maintenance and does not require any sealing. Sounds perfect, right? But Quartz has disadvantages too, like its high price point! Also, the sun can cause discoloration in the resins used in quartz countertops over time.

Granite is still coveted by many for countertops. Some sources say granite is beginning to look dated after dominating kitchens for 20 years, but many people still seem to love the look and durability of granite. Because it is a natural stone, there can be many variations. Unlike quartz, which is a composite, granite is natural stone and requires periodic sealing. While granite holds up well to heat and is quite durable, it is not impervious to damages, and it is pricier than many countertop materials.

Marble is a beautiful surface for a countertop, but it is highly porous, susceptible to scratches, and requires frequent sealing. Marble is fairly heat resistant but not heatproof. It is such a sensitive material that it is even susceptible to water staining. With its high cost, it may cause too much anxiety for homeowners with children or those who are rough on their countertops.

Soapstone is another, softer, natural stone countertop that some people prefer. While it requires no sealing, it does become patinaed over time (which some people appreciate). To maintain an even tone, it can be oiled. Soapstone is soft, so blemishes can be sanded out.  

Butcher block countertops appeal to some homeowners. Not only is the look of butcher block warm and earthy, but the utility of these countertops is desirable—Yes: you can use unsealed butcher’s block as a chopping block! The maintenance for butcher block can be quite high, but unlike quartz and granite, flaws can be sanded away prior to oiling.

Recycled glass countertops are a sustainable choice. Made from crushed recycled glass in either cement or acrylic, these surfaces are scratch, heat, stain, fade, and chip resistant, but they may break under heavy weight. The acrylic used in glass countertops is vulnerable to degradation from acids like citrus and vinegar as well. Glass has a similar, if not slightly higher, price point as granite or quartz.  

Paper composite countertops are another sustainable material made from post-consumer paper and resins. The surface is naturally resistant to mold and bacteria. Paper composite countertops have a look that resembles soapstone. The surface requires periodic sealing and is heat resistant up to 350 degrees.

Laminate and tile are both less expensive options for homeowners on a budget. Tile can result in uneven work surfaces, and also if the grout is not properly maintained it can become breeding grounds for bacteria. Laminate is a countertop that is sometimes not ideal for resale value, and it is not as long lasting as most countertops. But the material is available in a huge variety of colors. Laminate is not as heat, scratch, or crack resistant as natural stone or composites.

If you are feeling inspired about getting a brand-new kitchen, contact us today! We can answer your kitchen remodeling questions and arrange for a consultation for your remodeling project. View our kitchen remodeling portfolio and get a glimpse of our work.

We used quartz countertops in this contemporary kitchen design.

We used dark granite in this Tuscan style kitchen remodel.

This black soapstone by Silestone looks like velvet.

Formica has beautiful laminate options.