What’s the Best Kitchen Countertop Material?

Your kitchen countertops play a starring role in one of the most important spaces in your home. 

The material you choose sets the tone for the style and function of your kitchen. Do you prefer a flawless finish, or do you find so-called “imperfections” appealing? What about your cooking habits? You’ll need something that can take the heat, spills and scratches of day-to-day food prepping. Other factors to consider include your budget and the resale value of your home. 

Whether you’re planning a new build or remodel, you have lots of options to choose from when planning your kitchen countertops. To help you narrow things down, let’s take a closer look at some of our favorites.

Marble

Marble is a popular natural stone that looks fabulous in upscale kitchens. It features sophisticated veining patterns, making each individual slab completely unique. It also develops a patina over time. Marble is a softer stone, making it easy to cut and shape. It’s waterproof, heatproof and can boost your home value. 

On the flip side, marble is susceptible to scratches and staining. Aim to have it sealed 1 to 2 times per year and be sure to clean spills promptly. Acidic ingredients like citrus juices may erode the sealant. 

Marble countertops require professional installation. It’s also among the more expensive countertop materials, so you’ll want to shop around to find the best option for your budget.

Granite

Another natural stone, granite offers an affordable alternative to marble that lends an upscale flair to any kitchen. It comes in a variety of colors and veining patterns and may also boost home value. 

Sealed granite gives you a nonporous food prepping surface that’s easy to clean and disinfect. One of the most durable countertop materials available, it’s also heat-resistant, scratch-resistant and stain-resistant when sealed. 

Similar to marble, granite should be re-sealed annually to avoid staining. It requires professional installation and is vulnerable to cracking if improperly handled or installed. Be sure to choose cleaning that are formulated for granite. 

Quartzite

Quartzite is a natural stone that comes in a variety of colors. It stands up to everyday wear and tear, making it an excellent choice for homes with young children. It is also heat-resistant and scratch-resistant.

As with marble and granite, quartzite requires yearly sealing to keep it in good condition. It is also not the same thing as quartz, which is an engineered surface described below.

Quartz

Engineered quartz countertops are fabricated by combining ground quartz with a resin. It’s a beautiful, durable and affordable option for your kitchen. Quartz countertops can be customized in a wide array of colors and patterns, and they are an excellent choice for those wanting a sleek, uniform finish.

Quartz is nonporous, so it doesn’t require sealing. It’s stain-resistant, heat-resistant and acid-resistant, and it can be installed on a DIY basis. However, quartz may be susceptible to discoloration when exposed to UV light. You’ll also want to choose the right cleaning and avoid harsh chemicals for best results. 

Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural material that usually comes in a smooth, dark gray tone. It acquires a patina over time and is a good option if you want your kitchen to have an antique, historic feel. 

Soapstone countertops are hard, dense and nonporous. They stand up well to liquids and acidic ingredients such as citrus juices. They are also heat- and stain-resistant. 

Although soapstone is susceptible to scratching, the damage can sometimes be corrected with sandpaper. It can also be treated with mineral oil to keep the stone in good condition. Professional installation is required. 

Butcher Block

For those desiring the warm, cozy feel of wood, butcher block countertops are a wonderful option. Maple and oak are among the most popular varieties, and a range of colors and finishes are available. 

Butcher block looks great in a farmhouse kitchen and pairs well with stone as an accent material near the sink or on an island. It provides a sturdy work surface that’s easy to clean, and it can be sanded and refinished for a fresh look.

Keep in mind that wood countertops can harbor bacteria, so you’ll want to disinfect frequently using a sponge and appropriate cleaning . Butcher block countertops may also be susceptible to cracking. 

Concrete

Concrete countertops are highly customizable with a range of colors and textures available. They are a perfect choice for industrial-style kitchens and give your space a creative, sophisticated vibe. 

Concrete is also durable, heat-resistant and scratch-resistant. Regular sealing helps to ward off staining. However, concrete may be vulnerable to cracking, and professional installation is required. 

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel gives your kitchen a professional feel and looks great with contemporary and industrial designs. 

It’s durable, seamless, heat-resistant and super-easy to clean. However, steel countertops are somewhat noisy when setting things down on them, and they are easily scratched. 

Laminate

Laminate countertops feature a wood core bonded to a plastic coating. They can be custom-fabricated in a variety of styles, colors and patterns. Laminate is an excellent choice for retro kitchen designs.

Laminate is also an affordable, DIY-friendly option that’s durable and easy to clean with regular soap and water. It is vulnerable to scratches and heat damage, so you’ll want to invest in a set of stylish trivets to avoid direct contact with coffee pots, saucepans and baking sheets.

At Mid-City Lumber, our knowledgeable team understands the importance of choosing the right materials to make your project a success. We take the time to listen to your goals, answer your questions and help you select the best options for your kitchen countertops.

If you’re ready to get started, come by one of our locations or contact us online today!