20 Best Kitchen Countertops: the Ultimate Guide

• Available in various styles and designs that resemble the look of costlier surfaces such as marble and granite.
• Laminate kitchen countertops are budget-friendly.
• Laminate kitchen countertops can be installed as a DIY project.
• Cleaning a laminate countertop only requires water and non-abrasive household cleaner.
• Laminates are low in maintenance.

• Laminates are not heat resistant so never place anything hot on it.
• Never use your laminate countertop as a chopping board because they easily scratch and chip off.
• Laminate kitchen countertops may deform due to water damage and can be difficult to repair. You will often end up having to replace your entire countertop.

• Ceramic tiles are highly customizable. They are available in various patterns and textures to suit various design options.
• Ceramic tiles are resistant to heat, thus hot pots and pans will not damage the surface.
• Cleaning tiles is hassle-free with the use of household cleaning agents.
• When properly sealed, grout will not stain or discolor.
• It is easy to replace broken tiles.
• It is budget-friendly and an easy to install DIY project.

• Ceramic tiles are prone to cracking and chipping when heavy objects are dropped on the surface.
• Ceramic tiles do not have an even surface, thus, a lot of grouting needs to be done.
• Food particles that stick to the grout joints is difficult to clean.
• Grout joints need to be sealed every year.

• Every granite slab comes with its own colors, lines, and patterns making it a unique and one-of-a-kind countertop.
• Granite kitchen countertops come with impressive strength that can last for decades.
• Granite is heat resistant thus, it will not crack or chip due to hot pots and pans.
• Granite slab for kitchen countertops are resistant to staining and scratching.
• Granite is non-absorbent making it sanitary because it prevents bacterial contamination.

• Heavy objects dropping may damage or crack the granite slab.
• A poorly-sealed granite slab may absorb liquids causing its pores to house bacteria.
• Granite slabs tend to be cold to the touch.
• The cost of granite slabs and its installation can be expensive.

• Granite tiles create a durable and attractive kitchen countertop.
• Granite tiles offer a natural-stone slab appearance at almost half of the cost.
• Solid granite tiles are available in a wide variety of colors and textures.
• When properly sealed, granite tiles are resistant to heat, liquid spills, and scratches.
• They are easy to install and makes a great DIY project.

• The presence of grout lines makes granite tiles susceptible to accumulate dirt making it less hygienic.

• Marble is shiny, elegant, and comes with timeless beauty.
• Marble is easily available. Almost all stone fabricators carry marble in their line allowing it to be available at affordable prices.
• Marble is heat-resistant making it a good material for kitchen surfaces.

• Marble is a soft and porous material making it prone to scratching, chipping, and staining.
• Marble surfaces are high in maintenance because they need to be sealed every six months.

• Each natural slab of soapstone has a unique look.
• Soapstone is easy to clean and will not accumulate bacteria.
• Soapstone is heat-resistant so hot pots and pans will not cause burn marks.
• Vinegar, tomatoes, wine, and citrus will not stain soapstone because it is resistant to acid.
• Soapstone is easy to install because it does not need any special tools.

• This material has limited color options. It is available mostly only in gray and hues that look greener.
• Soapstone darkens over time. It should be regularly lined with mineral oil to ensure even darkening.
• It can chip due to the dropping of heavy objects and scratch due to knife marks when used as a chopping board.

• The veiny texture and dark color of slate gives it a unique and stylish look.
• Slate is extremely durable. It is hard enough to withstand heavy falls. It will also not scratch or chip.
• Slate can withstand heat so hot pots and pans will not burn the surface.
• Cleaning is easy with a slate kitchen countertop because it is non-porous so it will not get stained by liquid and acidic food items. It will not also harbor mold or mildew.

• Slate is available in limited colors as compared to most countertop materials.
• Slate tends to have edges and brittle corners that may crack and chip.
• Slate cannot be polished to achieve a glossy shin.
• Slate slabs are rather small so there will be more seams.

• Natural stone has the beauty only produced by nature.
• Natural stone is long-lasting. It does not need periodic replacements.
• Maintenance of natural stone kitchen countertops is easy because of its durability they maintain their shine over time. They are stain-resistant, too.
• Natural stone can withstand hard blows and liquid spills.
• Natural stone is more resistant to heat and will not burn when in contact with hot pots and pans.

• Natural stone needs to be regularly treated with protective compound over time.
• It is more difficult to repair natural stone kitchen countertops.

• Limestone is an elegant and luxurious material that comes in light hues and neutral tones.
• Limestone kitchen countertops are less pricey than most natural stone countertops.
• Limestone adds warmth to kitchens because of they are available in various sizes, textures, and soft colors.

• Limestone is porous and chemically sensitive, so abrasive materials and hot pans can scratch its surface.
• Acidic food items can permanently stain the surface of limestone because of its calcium carbonate content.

• Solid surface kitchen countertops are non-porous making them scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, easy to clean, and hygienic.
• Solid surfaces are hard-working and tough surfaces.
• Solid surfaces are available in a wide range of sizes, patterns, and colors.
• The most likable quality of this countertop material is that it can be cut to size without having visible seams.

• Solid surfaces are sensitive to heat, scorching, and discoloration.
• Cutting and chopping on the surface can cause scratches.
• Solid surfaces are sensitive to strong chemicals that could corrode the surface and cause damage.

• Granite is durable and tough because they contain minerals with durable properties.
• Granite is available in a variety of unique colors and with timeless beauty, appeal, and aura.
• Granite naturally has antibacterial properties making it sanitary material.
• Countertops made of granite have smooth surfaces that are resistant to stains and scratches from hot pans and kitchen tools.

• Granite is a porous material so acidic food items can cause har-to-remove stains.
• Granite countertops come with a hefty price.
• Granite can be difficult to install.

• Quartz is a durable and flexible material that is less likely to crack or chip.
• Quartz countertops are resistant to staining.
• Quartzite kitchen countertops are maintenance-free because they are made from a non-porous material that does not need to be sealed.
• Being a manufactured material, quartz is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and designs.

• Seams are visible in light-colored quartz countertops.
• When exposed to direct sunlight, quartz is susceptible to discoloring over time.

• Concrete kitchen countertops are durable. The concrete material is often reinforced with glass fibers to make the countertop strong yet lightweight.
• Customization is one of the major advantages of concrete countertops. You can pick the exact color, sheen, edges, decorative add-ins, and finishes

• While concrete countertops are made to last for many years, they are susceptible to staining caused by spills that are not immediately cleaned.
• Concrete countertops are high in maintenance because they require regular waxing and resealing to protect the surface.
• If you are in a hurry, a concrete countertop may not be the right choice because it needs to be designed, casted, and cured. Curing time depends on the climate in your area.
• Labor cost for a concrete countertop tend to be high because they are handcrafted.

• A cement kitchen countertop is available in a variety of colors, texture, designs, and effects allowing you to express your taste and style.
• When treated properly, cement kitchen countertops are durable as well resistant to stains, heat, oil and water penetration, and impacts.
• Finish a cement countertop into a smooth or rough surface and dye it. It may then mimic the look of expensive natural stones.

• When properly sealed, cement countertops are stain, peel, fade, and heat-resistant and also so they become safe for food.
• Regular waxing will become a regular task when you have a cement countertop.
• Expect cement countertops to crack although they can be filled with an injection compound or caulking compound.
• Cement countertops require special maintenance techniques because they get into contact with food and hot items.

• Wood is strong and soft. It does not make any noise when you set down pot, pans, plates, and glasses.
• Dishes are not likely to break when dropped on a wooden countertop.
• Burn marks and knife scratches can be repaired by sanding the surface.
• Wood kitchen countertops can be installed as a DIY project.
• They are budget-friendly countertops because they cost less than half the price of natural stone and other materials.

• Wood countertops will warp, cup, and gap because of it expands and contracts due to changes in moisture it is exposed to.
• Wood is not a fireproof material so it hot pans and pots placed directly on the countertop will cause burn marks.
• Wood absorbs water, so the countertop will be prone to cracks, stains, and joints will tend to separate.
• Wood is prone to being scratches, broken, dented, and chipped.

• The modern and stylish look of stainless-steel countertops are perfect for modern and traditional kitchens.
• Stainless steel is durable and resistant to heat, water, stains, molds, bacteria, and to almost anything because it is a non-porous material.
• Stainless steel will not rust or burn because of its nickel and chromium content thus, it is not prone to scorches.
• It is easy to install because all that needs to be done is to cut a sheet to size. It does not need to be sealed, too.

• Stainless steel is not scratch-resistant. Fingerprints will show smudge marks, too.
• Clanging and clashing is common to stainless steel surfaces so you will have to live with the noise.
• Stainless steel will dent over time due to wear and tear.

• Copper is an eye-catching material that is available in rich, bright tones that can provide warmth and an inviting atmosphere to your kitchen.
• The antimicrobial copper alloys keep viruses, bacteria, and all microbes off the surface making it a sanitary countertop.
• A copper countertop is easy to clean just with soap, water, and a soft cloth. Patina in the countertop can be remedied with a mixture of table salt, lemon juice rinsed with water.

• Being a soft material, copper is prone to scratches and dents.
• Copper is a “living surface” that is not resistant to acidic food items and will eventually tarnish and oxidize changing its appearance.
• Copper is an expensive material for countertops.

• Butcher block is a soft material that will not latter dishes and glassware.
• The natural coloring of a butcher block can add warmth to your kitchen.
• Butcher block is a durable and long-lasting countertop material.
• As butcher block is also wood, it comes with antimicrobial and antibacterial properties making it a sanitary material.
• Damage due to burns can be easily repaired through simple sanding.

• Being wood, butcher block swells and shrinks due to extreme humidity and dryness causing the material to crack.
• Butcher block is not resistant to heat so hot pots and pans can burn the surface.
• Excessive water can cause butcher block to discolor and rot.
• Scratches and stains are a common occurrence in butcher wood countertops.

• Recycled glass offers a unique and classic look that can provide your kitchen with a modern look.
• Glass is a non-porous material that will not get stain and discolor.

• Glass countertops are most likely to chip and crack.
• Pots pans and kitchen tools can easily damage the surface resulting in expensive repairs.
• While recycling glass is good for the environment, the process of producing recycled glass countertops is not too environment-friendly.
• Glass is not a versatile material, thus there are limitations in look, styles, and design.

• Some varieties of bamboo are sturdier than maple or oak.
• Bamboo is a highly appealing material that provides a beautiful look for your kitchen.
• Bamboo is an eco-friendly material that is relatively cheap to grow and can be harvested quickly making bamboo countertops low in cost.

• Bamboo countertops are not really water-resistant and heat-resistant thus, stains and water damage are a common occurrence.
• While bamboo is a hard material, it is still prone to chipping and denting
• Bamboo countertops are available in a limited variety of colors finding it difficult to find the right match to your kitchen’s interiors.

A sustainable kitchen top material can mean different things to different people. However, if you are planning to replace or build a new kitchen countertop, you may want to choose a sustainable material.

Of course, it goes without saying that the sustainable material you choose does not compromise your style and function of the countertop. Natural stones, granite, marble, wooden, bamboo, recycled glass, ad similar materials are countertop materials that have less or no impact to the environment.

A sustainable material is one that uses natural and recycled materials that do not use to much artificial substances for the countertop.

Quartz is a popular countertop material. It is 100% natural and comes with many advantages. Quartz is available in an endless array of patterns and colors providing you with so much versatility in terms of design and style.

Quartz will not easily crack or chip. It is durable and stain-resistant. Quartz countertops are also easy to maintain. They can easily be customized to suit your style and personality. More importantly, quartz is an environment friendly material.

Quartz may be a pricey material but if your needs and your budget can accommodate this material, you will never go wrong with a quartz kitchen countertop.

Honing a surface is when you grind a stone slab to produce a consistent and flat surface creating a matte finish that is not shiny and having a velvet-like feel. A honed stone is the last stage prior to polishing. Polishing is when you create a glossy shine using the natural reflection on the stone.

A honed stone is more natural and has a softer touch than polished stone. Honed and polished stone surfaces are becoming popular to give homeowners a more choices on the finish of their kitchen countertops.

While many prefer a shiny and glossy finish, some prefer to have a flat and matte finish for their kitchen countertop as a matter of style and preference. Honed stone, by the way, can be more expensive than a polished stone material.

While colorful hues are still referred by some, most however today refer neutral colors for their kitchen countertops. Neutral tones are soft and more homey than bright and bold colors.

Neutral colors are fast replacing bold and bright colors because they appear more laid and conform to the minimalist trend prevalent today.

Neutral tones lean towards the browns, almost gray looking blues, and earth colors. Neutral tones for kitchen countertops complement the trend of allowing more natural light to enter kitchens through glass doors, large windows, and similar systems.

Source from Instagram

Homeowners are lending more their character and personality in choosing the material, color, texture, and design of their kitchen countertop. Kitchen countertop materials are now available in more variety giving homeowners more flexibility.

Manufactured or engineered stone materials are now created with designs than can mimic natural stones. This is done through veining unique and amazing designs into the slab material. These slabs can be honed or polished to create the desired finish.

Veining along with the finishes available create countertop materials that can complement the look of your kitchen to suit your style.

A backsplash is a material is the portion of the kitchen wall between upper cabinets and the kitchen countertop. This part of the kitchen also gives the homeowner an opportunity to showcase her style in choosing the material, color, and texture of the backsplash.

The backlash should complement your kitchen countertop in terms of aesthetics and functionality.

In choosing the backsplash for your kitchen, choose a material and design that will not easily get outdated, is easy to maintain, and more importantly, highly functional.

Source from Instagram

Concrete is a versatile material offering a wide range of design options. Concrete can be used to achieve any design you have in mind from glossy polished surfaces to detailed edges. Concrete is likewise highly customizable to suit your style and reference.

Concrete countertop slabs are meticulously crafted and may integrate angles and curves, as well as colors to compliment your kitchen design. Concrete countertops may also include built-in sinks, trivets, and drain boards that are, in most cases, also made from concrete slabs.

Source from Instagram

Kitchen countertops are keeping at par with the latest trends of a modern home. Kitchen sinks, likewise are available in modern and functional designs to complement the style and function of any kitchen countertop.

Kitchen sinks are available in different materials such as stainless steel, granite composite, cast iron, and many more. They also are available in many styles such as a corner sink, bar sink, top mount sink, kitchen island sink, and many other styles.

Source from Instagram