The Best Countertop Materials for Your Kitchen

A very important question to consider when planning a kitchen renovation is what’s the best type of material for a countertop? There isn’t necessarily a best and a worst since each person will have their own individual needs. But in this post, I’ll go through the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed decision. 

Marble

Looking at any new kitchen, you can see that marble is very on trend right now. It’s usually white with gray veining. It’s absolutely gorgeous and since it is a natural stone, each piece is unique. But it is also one of the most expensive countertop options. Aside from the price tag, marble is prone to staining and scratching. Sealing properly can help but I would still recommend marble in a bathroom over a kitchen since it can be pretty temperamental compared to other natural stone options.

Laminate

Laminate is a plastic coated synthetic.Remember formica from your grandmother’s kitchen? That’s laminate. Although you may have wrinkled your nose at the thought of it, laminate is seeing a resurgence due to its budget-friendly cost and new patterns that look a whole lot better than what you’re imagining right now. They are very easy to maintain but the seams will always be visible and are easily chipped. It wouldn’t be my first pick for a luxury kitchen but it’s a good choice for a tight budget or a rental property. 

Butcher Block

This countertop can make a kitchen feel really warm and is good for a cottage or farmhouse look. It’s easy to clean and maintain but is prone to damage from water, knives and the wood can crack. It can also be fairly expensive. 

Concrete

This is not the same type of concrete as your sidewalk. These are polished slabs that can be tinted or acid stained in different colors. It’s definitely a unique and industrial look. It is heat and scratch resistant but can crack. It’s also an expensive option. 

Solid Surface

This is a mid-tier countertop that is completely man-made. One brand you may have heard of is called Corian. It is stain resistant and any damage can be sanded out. However, it is prone to heat damage. It also has virtually invisible seams which is a big pro. It won’t give you the luxury look of natural stone but it looks great and is good to keep in mind as a more budget friendly option, especially in a large kitchen. 

Soapstone

Another option that often flies under the radar, soapstone is often used in a more traditional kitchen since over time it takes on a patina but can also look great in a more modern kitchen. It is a natural stone that is usually dark gray. Soapstone is pretty stain resistant but can scratch over time. Often, the scratches add to the patina so if you like the antique look, the scratching isn’t a problem. It is fairly impervious to heat and staining. 

Granite

A very popular option, granite is a natural stone that comes in many variations. It used to be very expensive but although still not cheap, it has gone down in price. It’s very durable, heat resistant and very low maintenance. 

Stainless Steel

This is good if you’re going for an industrial feel. It’s very resistant to heat and damage and very easy to clean which is why it’s used in commercial kitchens. However, it can be expensive and can scratch.

Quartz

Another popular option, quartz is an engineered stone that contains some natural stone mixed with other materials like resins to make it more durable. Quartz comes in many marble-look options without the maintenance needed for marble. Unlike most natural stones, quartz does not require any sealing. It is stain resistant but can be damaged by heat. It is also a higher priced contender on this list. 

So after reading this list, I hope this helps you to decide which material is best for you and your kitchen. When you do go forward with your kitchen renovation, here are some tips for you.

*Note:If you have a kosher kitchen, ask your LOR which materials can be kashered since there are different opinions.