Kitchen Countertop Options

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops, also known as engineered stone, are manufactured from quartz crystals that are bound with resin.

Pros:

Since they are manufactured, quartz countertops are available in a much wider array of colors and patterns than granite tops. Some designs even mimic the look of natural stone.
Quartz countertops provide a high-end look and are popular with home buyers.
Durable and heat resistant, quartz countertops work well in busy kitchens.
Non-porous, quartz countertops resist stains and require no sealing or maintenance.

Cons:

Edges and corners can chip and must be repaired by a professional.
Can be expensive depending on the type of quartz crystal used.

Price:
Quartz countertops are on the high side of the pricing spectrum and are similarly priced to granite countertops.

Granite Countertops

One of the most popular kitchen countertop options, granite countertops are made from a solid slab of natural stone.

Pros:

Granite countertops are heavy, durable and heat resistant.
You'll find a wide variety of color and pattern choices.
No two slabs are alike so each granite countertop is unique.
Considered high-end, granite countertops can elevate the value of your home.

Cons:

Natural stone is porous and can harbor bacteria in the pores or tiny fissures of the stone.
Granite countertops need to be sealed periodically to resist stains.
Edges and corners can chip and require repair by a professional.

Price:
Granite countertops are on the high side of the pricing spectrum. Pricing varies depending on the stone's origin, color, and finish.

Wood/Butcher Block Countertops

Made from a series of wooden boards, butcher block countertops bring the warmth and timeless style of wood to many kitchen styles.

Pros:

Eco-friendly, butcher block countertops come from nature and are biodegradable.
The neutral color of wood countertops makes them easy to pair with other design elements.
Available in a variety of wood species including cherry, walnut, oak, and maple.
Can be easily restored with sanding.

Cons:

Butcher block countertops tend to scratch and ding easily.
Butcher block countertops do not resist stains.

Price:
Butcher block countertops fall in the middle of the cost spectrum - more expensive than laminate countertops, but less than granite or quartz countertops.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are made from a durable core of particleboard or MDF (medium-density fiberboard) and covered by a thin layer of plastic laminate. Laminate countertops are still one of the most popular countertop styles.

Pros:

Laminate countertops remain one of the most affordable kitchen countertop options.
Laminate countertops are available in a vast variety of patterns and colors.
Non-porous, laminate countertops do not harbor bacteria and are easy to clean and maintain.

Cons:

Laminate countertops are not heat resistant and can peel, chip, or scorch easily.
Laminate countertops may be perceived as "cheap" by some home buyers, a drawback when it's time to sell your home.

Price:
On the low end of the spectrum, laminate countertops are vastly more affordable than natural stone or engineered stone countertops.

Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are made from slabs of natural marble and come in an array of white shades with decorative veining.

Pros:

Classic, timeless elegance with bright white shades not found in granite or soapstone.
Cool to the touch, making it the perfect surface for working with pastry dough.
Widely available from most stone yards and fabricators.
Some common marble types can be less expensive than granite.

Cons:

Limited color choices. Marble countertops are typically limited to varying shades of white.
Marble is porous and won't resist stains. Red wine and some fruits can leave stains that can't be removed.
Scratches easily, though less shiny matte finishes can be more forgiving.
Develops a dull patina over time.

Price:
Considered high-end, marble countertops are comparable in price to granite countertops, though more common varieties could cost less than granite.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone countertops are made from a combination of steatite, magnesite, a variety of other naturally-occurring minerals and talc.

Pros:

Made by Mother Nature, no two slabs of soapstone are alike, making each countertop unique.
Non-porous, soapstone countertops resist stains, don't harbor bacteria, and are easy to clean.
Soapstone is very heat resistant.
Soapstone is softer than granite, making it more resistant to cracking than other natural stone countertops.
Eco Friendly, soapstone is chemical free and 100% recyclable.

Cons:

Limited color choices. Soapstone comes in various shades of grey, most with a blue or green tint.
Soapstone naturally darkens with age and must be treated with mineral oil to even darkening across the surface.
Can be costly to install.

Price:
Soapstone countertops fall into the same price range as other natural stone countertops.

Ceramic Tile Countertops

Ceramic tile countertops are made with a combination of ceramic tiles, separated by grout.

Pros:

Virtually endless options. You can mix and match tile colors, use different textures, and design your tile pattern in endless ways to create the look you want.
Economically priced. Ceramic tile is much less expensive than natural stone slabs such as granite or marble.
Ceramic tile offers a high-end look that many homeowners appreciate.

Cons:

Ceramic tiles can crack if something heavy is dropped on them. While you can replace individual tiles, it's difficult to get an exact match.
Grout joints between tiles can stain if not properly sealed. They are also more difficult to clean.
Grout needs to be resealed every year.

Price:
Ceramic tile countertops fall in the mid-range between high-end granite, quartz, and marble, and lower end laminate countertops.

Quartz Countertops

Granite Countertops

Wood/Butcher Block Countertops

Laminate Countertops

Marble Countertops

Soapstone Countertops

Ceramic Tile Countertops

Which Countertop Style Will You Choose?

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