The Top 10 Types of Countertop Materials for Your Home

When you first start countertop shopping, it’s easy to get caught up in pretty colors and designs. Aesthetics are important, but practicality should also drive the search. You’ll need to consider your dream design, budget, and time spent using counters to pick the best countertop materials for your home. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for matching types of countertops to your kitchen and bathroom, but let’s break down some choices that meet most buyers’ standards.

1. Granite

A go-to for decades, granite adorns millions of countertops because of its durability and style. Granite is a heat resistant natural stone that you can clean with soap and water. You’ll need to apply a protective sealant every so often because of its porosity. The average cost of granite countertops is $3,250.

Granite slabs come in various colors, often with flecks of complementary colors inside. If you hire a professional countertop installer near you, they can cut the granite’s edges (square, beveled, ogee, or half and full bullnose) for a custom look. 

Pros

• Heat-resistance—no need for a trivet

• Each slab has a unique pattern and look

• More desirable, so it can attract buyers and add resale value

• This material has a long life span, and resurfacing can lengthen it

Cons

• Requires regular sealing due to porosity

• Less durable than engineered stones

• Repairs are difficult, particularly if you need to match the finish

• Difficult installation—not an easy DIY

2. Quartz

Quartz countertop prices range from $3,000 to $7,500. Quartz attracts a wide variety of fans, especially home cooks. When comparing quartz to granite, quartz is actually more durable while still providing the sought-after look of natural stone. They’re extremely hard, so watch your knife blades.

Quartz countertops consist of composite stone derived from quartz and added to a resin binder. It’s nonporous, so there’s no need for a sealant. Another quartz countertop bonus: Before installation, you can add colorants and change the shine finish from matte to highly polished. You can even choose from a variety of countertop edges, just like you would for a natural stone slab. 

Pros

• Highly durable (even more than natural stone)

• Nonporous, so it’s easy to clean and maintain

• Many manufacturers offer extended warranties

• Enough options to suit any home design 

Cons

• High cost, even compared to some natural stones 

• Installation is difficult because it’s so heavy

• Vulnerable to heat damage

• Vulnerable to UV damage, so it’s not suitable for outdoor use

3. Marble

Everyone loves marble countertops for their pretty, clean, white color with veins of blues, grays, and greens. But it also comes in other primary colors, such as gray and taupe.

Hobbyist bakers and professionals prefer marble countertops because they keep a low temperature perfect for pastry dough. However, everyday homeowners might have trouble with marble’s tendency to absorb liquids that quickly stain—so you might want to pour your red wine over the sink. Also, invest in a collection of cutting boards because marble scratches unless you purchase a slab with technologically-advanced sealants. The average cost of a marble countertop is $3,000 for 50 square feet. 

Pros

• Attractive and unique veining

• Lots of design options

• Maintains value more than other natural stones like granite

• Long life span—can last up to 100 years

Cons

• High cost, especially with rarer stones

• Requires regular sealing due to porosity

• Not totally heat resistant

• Can etch and scratch despite relatively high durability

4. Stainless Steel

You’ve probably seen stainless steel countertops on cooking shows. They’re traditionally one of the best countertop materials for commercial kitchens, but as of late, stainless steel has found its way into homes because it instantly invokes the industrial aesthetic that’s oh-so-popular.

Stainless steel counters are also nonporous, long-lasting, and need only soap and water for cleanup (unless you’d prefer a solution specialized for stainless steel). But take note: you will notice everyday fingerprints, dents, and scratches. Stainless countertops cost $4,500 for 30 square feet.

Pros

• Relatively easy to install

• Easy to clean (though you should use gentle cleaners)

• Impervious to stains, since it’s nonporous

• You can recycle your countertop at the end of its life span

Cons

• High upfront costs

• Susceptible to dents and scratches 

• Lack of color and design options

• Shows fingerprints and can streak 

5. Laminate

If talking about laminate countertops makes you think of your grandma’s kitchen, you're not alone. Laminate countertops were exceptionally popular about 30 to 40 years ago because they were stain resistant, inexpensive, and didn’t require maintenance. But they weren’t the most attractive choice (think harvest gold and avocado green countertops). 

While countertop shopping, don’t discount today's laminate options; they’ve vastly improved and are wallet-friendly. The average laminate countertop installation costs between $850 and $1,750.

Now, laminate countertops mimic high-end choices like natural stone or even wood. Laminate could be the perfect choice for a budget-friendly countertop in kitchens and bathrooms or high-occupancy rentals. But, like everything, there are pros and cons to laminate countertops. For instance, heat is laminate’s kryptonite. Always use a trivet or pot holder to prevent burning the surface. 

Pros

• One of the most wallet-friendly countertop materials

• Stain-resistant and low-maintenance

• Nearly unlimited color and design options

• DIY-friendly

Cons

• Vulnerable to water and heat damage

• Difficult (if not impossible) to repair

• Shorter life span than other materials

• Low durability compared to other materials

6. Soapstone

Soapstone gets its name from its feel—it’s soft like a bar of soap because of the talc in its composition. Soapstone scratches more easily than granite or quartz, but it’s less likely to crack or have serious damage. It also needs monthly maintenance during its first year to achieve the unique patina homeowners covet.

One benefit of soapstone countertops is that they’re nonporous, meaning they’re resistant to stains, bacteria, and heat. But many homeowners choose soapstone because of its one-of-a-kind look. Soapstone has veins like marble; its main colors are blue, gray, and green. Soapstone also looks more lovely as it ages, thanks to the refined patina. Expect to pay between $2,700 to $4,200 for the price of a soapstone countertop.

Pros

• Less likely to crack than other natural stones

• Nonporous with antibacterial properties

• Heat resistant

• Relatively simple to install

Cons

• Scratches more easily than other stones

• High upfront costs

• Limited colors and options

• Requires regular oiling

7. Butcher Block or Wood

You’ve probably seen butcher block countertops all over Pinterest, Instagram, and kitchen design blogs. Butcher block's charm and warmth are perfect for the heart of the home. Homeowners also love it because it's cost-effective and highly customizable; you can choose from many wood sources like oak, walnut, cherry, and maple, in addition to an assortment of stain colors to match your kitchen.

Butcher block is porous, so you’ll need to seal it to prevent water damage, stains, and bacteria. The average cost of butcher block counters is $3,750.

Pros

• Cost-effective compared to other types of countertop materials

• Simple to repair or resurface

• Long life span with proper maintenance

• Versatility, with tons of different wood options

Cons

• Prone to scratches (especially if used as cutting board)

• Not heat resistant—hot pots can leave scorch marks

• Requires monthly sealing

• Susceptible to stains since it’s porous

8. Concrete

If you’re always keeping up with the latest trends, consider a concrete countertop idea for your kitchen or bathrooms. Concrete countertops are more popular than ever and offer benefits that other materials don’t. If you’re into DIY projects, you can purchase a kit and install it by the weekend. Or, hire a professional and pay the average concrete countertop installation cost—between $5,000 and $10,000.

As you can guess, concrete countertops have pros and cons, too. They’re exceptionally durable, resist chipping, and you can even color the concrete to ensure you have a unique feature in your home. But concrete can crack if the corners bear too much weight or the house shifts or settles, though the repairs are relatively easy. You will also have to seal the concrete regularly to make it easy to clean and resistant to stains.  

Pros

• Can last decades with proper maintenance 

• Highly customizable 

• Highly heat resistant

• Minor damage is easy for a pro to repair

Cons

• Highly susceptible to staining

• Prone to cracking and chipping

• High installation costs

• Heavy and may require cabinet reinforcement

9. Solid Surface

You might know solid surface countertops as manufactured stone. People also commonly refer to them as Corian® countertops, even though that’s a brand name (call it the Xerox or Kleenex effect). This type of countertop consists of a mix of acrylic-based or polyester resin, mineral dust, and pigment. DuPoint originally introduced solid surface in 1967 as an alternative to stone; today, it’s a modern staple available from numerous brand names.

The big draw to solid surface countertops is that they’re usually more budget-friendly than natural stone. Most solid surface countertops cost between $1,500 and $9,000. The average Corian® countertop costs around $4,000.

Thanks to being a manufactured material, these countertops have a virtually seamless look. You can even choose waterfall edge. It’s also got a huge range of options, but fair warning, solid state countertops are not heat resistant.

Pros

• Less likely to crack and chip than natural stone

• Nonporous, so it’s water- and stain-resistant

• Very low maintenance

• More affordable than other countertop types

Cons

• Vulnerable to heat and UV damage

• Difficult to DIY

• Has less resale value than higher-end types of counters

• Vulnerable to scratches and etching

10. Tile

Tile countertops may seem like a relic from the 1970s, ‘80s, and ‘90s, but this vintage look is making a true comeback. It’s particularly popular in bathrooms, but it’s also one of the best countertops for kitchens if you want a Mediterranean or rustic look. Trendy homeowners have even gravitated towards hexagonal tiles that feel both fresh and exciting.

Though most tile countertops are either porcelain or ceramic, you can also find natural stone tiles made from granite, quartz, or marble. These are significantly less expensive than a natural stone slab. For example, granite tile for countertops costs $20 to $25 less per square foot than modular pieces of the same material. A typical porcelain tile installation costs $1,930, which is much more cost-effective than other countertop options.

Pros

• Budget-friendly, especially compared to natural stone slabs

• Heat resistant (though you should still use a trivet)

• Tons of different tile options, designs, mosaics, finishes, and textures

• Easy to fix—just swap the damaged tile

Cons

• Difficult to clean

• Grout can stain and foster bacteria growth

• Tile can chip or crack

• Textured finish—it’s not smooth like a slab

Which Countertop Material Is Best for You?

The best countertop for your kitchen or bathroom really depends on your overall goals. For example, laminate may be budget-friendly, but some homeowners prefer a higher-end look. Similarly, depending on your cooking habits, you may need something more scratch or heat resistant. This chart helps break down your options.

Cost to Install a Countertop

Installing a countertop usually costs between $1,840 and $4,385, but it can range from $400 to $10,675, depending on the size of the job and the material you choose. On the low end, ceramic countertops can cost between $1 and $15 per square foot, while natural stone can cost upwards of $70 per square foot. Measure the area you’re working with to more accurately estimate the cost of installing your countertops.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Since installing countertops requires experience and several specialized tools, this isn’t a DIY project for most homeowners. However, if you have plenty of experience with similar projects and a few friends to help—countertops can weigh over 200 pounds!—you can save between $10 and $30 per square foot by doing it yourself. For most people, it’s worth the labor cost to hire a local countertop installer and save yourself the trouble (and the backache).

Becca Lewis contributed to this article.