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“ Investing in gamy - quality countertop can importantly boost the resale value of the home , since the kitchen is one of the focal points for prospective buyer , ” say Vicki Zagrodnik , a kitchen and bathing tub designer at Stoughton , Wisconsin - based purpose and remodeling firmSims . “ The highest return on investment funds is offer by countertops that are indestructible , promiscuous to maintain , and offer a timeless solicitation . ”
All of these factor — plus price — are of import when choosing the best countertop cloth that suits the way you use your kitchen and how you want it to look . And sometimes it ’s not just one countertop . Some homeowner are opt to mix materials within their kitchen for the look and for functionality .
Photo: Perry Mastrovito via Getty Images
“ Mixing surfaces is a not bad way to create a dynamical design . Sometimes it ’s done for aesthetics , other time , you may also do this with budget in mind , ” says Alena Capra , owner ofAlena Capra Designsin Fort Lauderdale , Florida . “ mate a busier gemstone or porcelain slab with a more monochromatic engineered quartz ( or vice versa ) brings great balance to a purpose . ”
While there are many types of counter materials that can be used in apparently endless ways , we ’ve pin down the bailiwick to take a closer look at the most pop options , detail their cost , and deal where they are well suit . With all the fact at hand , you ’ll be in the proficient placement to piece the good kitchen countertop textile for your home .
1. Quartz
Quartz is undeniably one of the best countertop material available in full term of both appearance and strength . While these countertops cost less than actual marble , which they resemble , quartz is still a comparatively expensive type of countertop .
“ Quartz is still dominating the mart , due to its non - holey nature , low maintenance , and wide range of designs that mime rude Stone like marble , ” pronounce Zagrodnik . “ It is immune to stains , scratches , and bacteria and come in in a wide-eyed ambit of invention option that invoke to a broad market . ”
lechatelierite kitchen countertopsare made from a blend of natural stone powder , synthetic resins , and pigments . They are combined at high temperature , and under utmost pressures . The result is a material that looks and feels much like raw Oliver Stone . It is usable in an almost endless choice of patterns and colors , is severely - wearing , and is one of the easiest countertops to hold .
Photo: iStock Photo: iStoc
Robbie Maynard , principal internal designer withRobbie Maynard Interiorsin San Diego , California , says , “ Some pattern closely reduplicate luxurious white marble but quartz will not take in grime like marble so it do work well in the kitchen as a timeless , undestroyable marble substitute without the vexation of a spill meth of red wine . ”
Quartz is impervious to liquid and is repellent to maculate , bacteria , mildew , and mold , so it ’s often regard one of the safe materials for households with young children . It ’s not , however , perdurable .
“ It can colour when exposed to uttermost heat energy , ” enjoin Maynard . “ The rationality being , the resin content in the quartz . If it has a scurvy resin content of 7 percent or less , it ’s less likely to colour , but it ’s recommended not to put a hot pan flat on your quartz countertop . ” to boot , it will eventually evanesce under lineal sun , so it may not be the good option as an outside countertop material .
Photo: iStock Photo: istockphoto.com
Best For : Those look for a raw stone esthetical that is also loose to keep . Price:$65 to $ 270 per set up foursquare footLongevity:30 to 100 years
2. Granite
Like vitreous silica , granite comes many case , colors and patterns . Because it ’s a natural stuff , every piece of granite is unique . It is also among the most durable countertop , and putting a hot pan on a granite kitchen countertop is perfectly safe . It is also highly resistant to cold shoulder or scratch .
Granite does have a few major drawbacks : It is holey , so it involve to be sealed annually to prevent staining . Since it is very clayey , professional installation is recommend . Although not a common trouble , natural fissure can cause weaknesses . As a result , the patterns offered are usually thick , which does n’t suit all kitchen flair . Also , unlike quartz , there are no “ plain ” solid gloss in granite .
Giving guidance on thecost of granite kitchen countertopsis hard . Often it is more low-priced than crystal , though rarified manakin of the stone can control agio prices .
Photo: John Keeble via Getty Images
well For : prominent , traditional kitchens where granite ’s raw beaut can be on full display . Price:$50 to $ 340 per installed straight footLongevity:100 or more yr
3. Laminate
Laminate is unremarkably one of the cheapest countertop materials available . Often look up to by the brand name Formica , because it ’s the OG of laminate , it is constructed using a particleboard core with a laminate sheet glued to the exterior . The laminate is made from newspaper publisher or material fibers combined with melamine rosin to make it strong and waterproofed . In the past times , laminate countertopmaterials had something of a poor report and were prone to surface peeling or swelling when wet . Thanks to forward-looking adhesive material and manufacturing techniques , these issues seldom occur unless the laminate is gravely damaged .
And today ’s laminate design are truly exceptional . about any colouring or pattern can be print onto the laminate , so it can in effect mime granite , marble , or Mrs. Henry Wood grain , and is available in almost any color conceivable . This work it easy to find a laminate countertop to pair with modern kitchen trend , retro designs , or traditional looks . It is comparatively leisurely to saw and exercise , and is comparatively lightweight , which make it a very popular choice for DIY kitchen installing .
While it is easy to wipe clean , it does n’t have the lastingness of quartz or natural stone . live pans should not be direct directly on the control surface , and a cutting display panel should always be used to forbid surface excise . While today ’s laminate are quite bad , weighty impact can knap the surface . Fortunately , repair and refinishing products are widely usable .
Photo: iStock Photo: istockphoto.com
Best For : Kitchen installment where budget is a major determining cistron . Price:$40 to $ 80 per installed square footLongevity:15 to 30 years
4. Marble
“ I am a firm truster in natural stone . I feel like it has a beauty that ca n’t be replicated , ” Ariana Lovato , owner and principal designer atHoneycombin Pismo Beach , California . And there is n’t a material more luxurious or elegant in the kitchen than gamy - quality , marble countertops . Marble is useable in a full range of colors , and each slice has unique veining that constantly creates sensational shock . When treated with caution , it can last for generations .
Marble is unaffected by the heat from hot Pan or oven tray , but it is more holey than other natural stone countertops , and muchless forgiving than quartz . While it will gain from annual sealing to provide stain opposition , it is always a good thought not to have spills rest on the top for long . Liquids like wine-colored , coffee bean , vinegar , and lemon and other acidic fruit juice can engrave into the surface . Marble will also scratch jolly easily , although pocket-size imperfection usually buff out jolly well .
However , selecting marble can be more knotty than other counter material . “ Typically , smaller marble samples are not uncommitted to see with other finishes at your dwelling house , you will involve to take your cabinet , wall color , and flooring sample distribution to the slab yard , make the process more unmanageable and time - use up . Also , the ignition at the slab yard is typically not the same as the inflammation in your place , ” tell Maynard .
Photo: iStock Photo: istockphoto.com
Marble is undoubtedly one of the most worthy type of countertops for a gamy - end kitchen , butmarble does necessitate a considerable investiture . It is even laboured than granite , and we advocate it only be installed by suitably experienced pro .
well For : gamy - conclusion , luxury kitchens for Cook who will take the clip to keep it look its best . Price:$55 to $ 390 per installed square footLongevity:20 to 100 years
5. Butcher Block
Butcher blocks take their name from their original use as a issue open for butchery . The woodwind instrument block used in their construction are very good at absorbing the impact of lumbering knives and cleavers , and the grain is , to some extent , ego healing . Many woods are also naturally antibacterial and invoke to a sustainable home pattern .
“ Environmentally conscious homeowner are preferring eco - favorable materials such as reuse meth and sustainable woodwind countertop , making them popular , ” says Zagrodnik . “ They align with the grow requirement for sustainable building practice and also provide a unequaled aesthetic . ”
Teak , which has natural protective crude oil , is sometimes used , though oak and maple are more coarse . Thesewood countertop need even sealingor oiling to protect the surface from stain . The type of woodwind instrument used will also have a major impact on theprice of stumbler blockage countertops , which can vary tremendously .
Photo: iStock Photo: istockphoto.com
Butcher stop countertopsare durable , but nicks and cuts will eventually make an impression . It is not hard to sand out these marks , and refinish the control surface , though many multitude simply accept small imperfectness as part of the nature of the stuff . For those with restricted budgets , there are laminate adaptation that have the appearance of sad sack block , but without the resiliency .
considerably For : Traditional , countryfied , and farmhouse kitchens where a little wearing and tear becomes part of the timeless charm . Price:$90 to $ 350 per installed square footLongevity:20 years
6. Soapstone
soaprock may be one of the less common countertops for kitchens but this natural cloth is well worth considering , and it has proven history : Native Americans have used soapstone for cooking vas and cut boards for thousands of years . The predominant color ofsoapstone countertopsis grey , though common and blues are fairly rough-cut , and white and black can also be regain . Soapstone often has vein , much like marble .
There is a gamey per centum of talcum in steatite , give it an unusual , almost sonant feel , and hence the name . The surface oxidate over meter , develop a lustrous patina that add together to its appeal . veritable handling with mineral oil help to bring this out .
soap-rock offers proficient strength . “ It is naturally non - porous , oestrus and grease resistant , and develops a rich patina over prison term , adding character to the kitchen , ” say Zagrodnik . Since it has good stain electrical resistance , soapstone does n’t need to be varnish .
Photo: iStock Photo: istockphoto.com
It is also naturally antimicrobial and whole unaffected by rut so hot pans will not leave mark . Although generally hard - tire , it can scratch up or abrade . Such marks can be buffed out , though doing so will affect the patina . Unless they are specially obvious , they are commonly best leave alone .
well For : Those who want the stain - opposition of crystal and the appearance of lifelike stone without the premium price of marble . Price:$60 to $ 270 per installed straightforward footLongevity:20 years or foresightful
7. Terrazzo
Terrazzo might vocalize like a surprising countertop material pick , even though it can in reality line its stemma to mosaic workers in 16th - century Italy whereterrazzo began as a flooring material . It can be made from cow chip of granite , marble , or quartz , and may also contain spyglass or alloy shard . These are bound with cement and resin , and may be polished to a high refulgency . This amalgam entail Terrazzo looks unlike any other material .
While the drift for terrazzo as a kitchen countertop cloth is new , it has some clear benefits . It has the durability associated with quartz , but is oft less expensive . It is nonporous so it wo n’t stain , and it is highly resistive to warmth . It is very tough , and also ultraviolet illumination resistant so it wo n’t melt if used as an out-of-door countertop material .
“ We are see a proceeds to tiled countertops ( I ca n’t believe I ’m say it ! ) but I ’ve seen some really beautiful installment of tiled countertop in overseas publishing , whether it ’s a small 4×4 - in or eventerrazzo tiles , ” says Lovato .
Photo: iStock Photo: istockphoto.com
The use of reuse materials , and the lack of toxic fickle constitutive compounds means terrazzo also has more eco - favorable credentials than many alternatives . The appearance wo n’t appeal to everyone , but the only literal drawback with Terrazzo is that it can break through if not correctly installed , and it ’s very difficult to repair .
Best For : Those take care for something a piffling different that offer an alternative to lechatelierite or raw stone . Price:$460 to $ 810 per installed square footLongevity:75 years
8. Stainless Steel
Stainless brand has long been considered the estimable countertop surface for professional chefs . The sleek , industrial look is used in commercial kitchens around the world because it is wanton to maintain high point of hygiene , and it offers outstanding durability . It is unsullied by name , unsullied by nature , insubordinate to mold and mildew , and easy to wipe neat . It is completely impervious to oestrus or liquids .
All of these benefits makestainless steelthe countertop of pick among keen amateur chefs who would rather concentrate on preparing fine food than looking after the kitchen . The natural oils in fingerprints do go forth marks though they do no damage , and require little drive to remove . The control surface can be call off but most see this simply as evidence of the kitchen being well used .
well For : Enthusiastic cooks who favor a kitchen focalise on hygiene and culinary excellency . Price:$70 to $ 225 per installed square footLongevity:20 year
Photo: Mike Crane via Getty Images
9. Solid Surface
Whilesolid aerofoil countertopshad their heyday in the nineties and early 2000s , it ’s still a popular choice for its consistent look , variety of colors offered , and ability to mime raw Isidor Feinstein Stone . “ Some National Kitchen and Bath Association members also prefer solid airfoil materials for their seamless show and repairability , ” say Zagrodnik .
Since it is a soft material , it can scratch more easily than natural stone . However , dents and scratches can be sanded and bushel because it is composed of a consistent satisfying composite throughout . It ’s not heat repellent and it ’s nonporous . It tends to be more affordable than natural stone , but more expensive than laminate .
make in 1967 by DuPont , the first substantial open brand was Corian . And to this sidereal day , the family of substantial surfacing is often referred to as Corian . Still , there are several brands that make a satisfying airfoil including Formica and Wilsonart .
Photo: John Keeble via Getty Images
better For : Budget - conscious buyers who want a unlined flavor that can be easily repaired . Price:$60 to $ 275 per install satisfying footLongevity:20 to 30 years
10. Porcelain
The fastest develop countertop trend is porcelain . A durable fabric , porcelain is also passably pricedand appeals to a luxe modern esthetic . “ They are ideal for forward-looking , minimalist kitchens because of their power to be construct in ultra - flimsy profiles , ” says Zagrodnik . But more than just for the expression , “ porcelain slabs are gaining popularity due to their estrus resistivity and UV constancy . ”
“ Porcelain slab tops have also become popular , especially for those who want to incorporate unseeable cooking engineering under the countertop , ” allege Capra . “ However , this type of slab has so many great design capability , beyond just countertops and backsplashes . It can be used for cladding cabinets and create furnishing , such as a dining table , and offer a great surface for unseeable induction cooking . ”
And Maynard adds : “ Porcelain is a great choice for indoor or outdoor countertops . These work extremely well , peculiarly for exterior kitchens and cabanas . ” However , Capra warns : “ With this textile ( and any countertop surface)working with a restricted installer is cardinal . ”
Photo: John Keeble via Getty Images
well For : cook who want an mix cooktop or a minimalist flavor . Price:$43 to $ 228 per set up straight footLongevity:50 years or more
11. Quartzite
While some may usequartz and quartziteinterchangeably , they are n’t the same . Quartzite is a natural stone . Quartz is mastermind Edward Durell Stone . So where it ’s possible to moderate the look of a lechatelierite countertop , it ’s not possible to control Mother Nature .
“ Quartzite is a very good selection if you get it on the sweetheart of lifelike gemstone , ” says Capra . “ It ’s quite indestructible , and there is a encompassing array of choice — some with hard , bolder veining , and others with balmy , more elusive expression . There are other quartzites in a variety of stunning blue devil , greens , and rust fungus tincture . ” She also sound out that leathered finishes and perfect finishes are very popular decent now , too .
Like other instinctive stone , quartzite needs to be sealed every 6 to 12 months . And clean up release chop-chop with mild soap and piddle is a must in ordination to avoid staining the surface . It ’s also more expensive than quartz glass to install , since it is a natural stone .
well For : Those who require a natural countertop that has a sort of colour choices . Price:$95 to $ 275 per instal satisfying footLongevity:100 year
This Is the Year for a Kitchen Renovation
Whether you ’re selling or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we consider this renovation the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
