Kitchen countertops come in various materials, from natural stones to bamboo. Different types of kitchen countertops present unique characteristics. Each material offers you upsides and downsides, depending on your cooking style.
If you plan to install a new countertop, browse through these 15 options to determine the pros and cons.
1. Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a more affordable material than granite or marble, but with similar beautiful markings. Quartz is an engineered stone, created by mixing quartz particles and different minerals. Quartz countertops are available in various colors and tones.
Because it is engineered, quartz is one of the best custom countertop materials. The slabs are perfect to create a seamless look.
Pros:
- Not porous
- Easy to customize
- Heat and acid-resistant (such as from citrus juice or vinegar)
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Still relatively expensive
2. Quartzite Countertops
Unlike quartz, quartzite is a natural stone type, originating from sandstone. It has natural markings, blotches, and veins like marble. Quartzite has more similarities to granite than quartz. Because of its natural markings, quartzite is better in hiding scratches or cracks.
Pros:
- More beautiful natural markings than quartz
- Hiding imperfections better
- Great heat resistance
Cons:
- More porous than quartz, easy to get stained
- More expensive than quartz
3. Granite Countertops
Real estate industry values granite countertops, giving any property with them more values. Granite is elegant and durable, able to last for decades. It has a wide range of beautiful natural markings, spots, and veins, giving homeowners unique options.
Pros:
- Durable but elegant
- Heat-resistant
- Adding values to properties
- Easy maintenance
Cons:
- Expensive
- Porous, easy to get stained
- Difficult to install, requiring extra cost for professional installation
- Dulling the knives
4. Concrete Countertops
Concrete is one of the most unusual countertop options, mostly because people think of concrete pavements or walls. Concrete for a countertop has a beautiful surface with unusual subtle markings. It is ideal for a custom project and perfect to handle hot pots.
Pros:
- Beautiful and unusual look
- Suitable for custom kitchen
- Heat resistant
Cons:
- Expensive
- Highly porous
- Having an “industrial” vibe, which could put off some potential home buyers
5. Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block is another name for the wooden countertop. It emits farmhouse-style look, perfect for a traditional kitchen. Hardwood, such as oak and maple, are the most common materials for countertops. They provide good cutting surfaces for knives because they are softer than granite or concrete.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Beautiful, classic look
- Keeping knives sharp
Cons:
- Easy to crack or chip
- Getting stained easily
- Porous, easy for bacteria to seep in
6. Bamboo Countertops
Bamboo is an environmentally friendly option for a countertop. It is also hard and durable, but not making knives dull. Bamboo is perfect to create an elegant, traditional-style kitchen, without looking too common.
Pros:
- Great for “green kitchen” design
- Keeping knives sharp
- Affordable
Cons:
- Requiring regular maintenance
- Easy to get stained
7. Laminate Countertops
Laminate is a great material for DIY countertops. It is easy to install and available in more diverse colors and patterns than before. Laminate countertop is cheap, but it is available in appearances that imitate other materials, such as wood or stone.
Pros:
- Easy to install
- Customizable
- Simple maintenance
Cons:
- Easily scratched or torn
- Cheap looking
- Replacement is necessary for wear and tear
8. Marble Countertops
Marble is a classic beauty, ideal for adding decorative value to a property. Marble slabs have unique natural patterns, and the surface is heat resistant. While the surface is porous, you can reduce the deep staining possibility by sealing it regularly.
Pros:
- Elegant and unique
- Increasing the property’s value
- Resistant to heat and water
Cons:
- Porous surface, easy to get stained
- Expensive
- Difficult to install
9. Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is one of the best countertop materials that enjoy a resurgence. Once identical with antique houses, soapstone is now preferred in modern kitchens. The material has a deep color that adds the elegant look. It can get scratched, but the result adds to the antiquated feel.
Pros:
- Elegant and classic
- Stain and heat resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Heavy and difficult to install
- Requiring regular maintenance with mineral oil
10. Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless countertop adds a modern look to your kitchen. The design is seamless, and the surface is heat resistant. The sleek surface makes stainless easy to clean. It also offers industrial vibe, perfect for a modern kitchen.
Pros:
- Heat resistant
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Noisy
- Not ideal for cutting
- Expensive
11. Glass Countertops
Glass countertop offers a beautiful and modern look. Since glass does not age, it is immune to discoloration. The sleek surface is smooth, nonporous, and easy to clean. However, glass can get chipped or cracked easily.
Pros:
- Unique and stylish
- Not get stained easily
- Nonporous, low risk of trapping bacteria
Cons:
- Easy to crack
- Installation is expensive and difficult
- Damages require replacement instead or repairment
12. Recycled Glass Countertops
Recycled glass countertop has a more unique appearance than regular glass. It is environmentally friendly and easy to clean. Like regular glass, it is nonporous and perfect for a hygienic kitchen.
Pros:
- Ideal for a green lifestyle
- Easy to clean
- Unique appearance
Cons:
- Easy to get cracked or damaged
- Difficult and expensive to install
13. Travertine Countertops
Travertine countertop is perfect for antiquated look, the one you will see in Ancient Rome buildings. Travertine is available as tiles and slabs, with various patterns and colors. The subtle hues are perfect for any kitchen designs.
Pros:
- Subtle and elegant
- Solid and durable
- Not easily cracked or scratched
Cons:
- Reactive to acidic ingredients, like vinegar and juices of citrus
- Porous, easy to get stained
14. Tile Countertops
Ceramic tile is one of the best kitchen countertops for low-budget households. It is available in various colors and sizes. You can install it yourself with some DIY skills, and cleaning is super easy.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Available in various colors
- Easy to clean
- Heat resistant
Cons:
- May look cheap for prospective buyers
- Can get chipped or cracked easily
- Grout lines are ideal breeding grounds for mold and stains
15. Solid Surface Countertops
“Solid surface” is a combination of resin and acrylic. It is easy to clean and available in various colors. The solid surface looks seamless after installation, and you can just sand over any damages.
Pros:
- Easy to clean
- Stain resistant
- Available in diverse models and colors
Cons:
- Not heat resistant
- Expensive installation
These types of kitchen countertops are ideal for many modern kitchens. Consider the pros and cons before you pick one from this list.
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