From granite to quartz, various kinds of kitchen counter tops can ship on each seems and efficiency, serving as each a sensible workspace and a key design component.
After kitchen cupboards, kitchen counter tops undoubtedly have probably the most important fashion impression within the kitchen. With a various array of supplies to select from—together with pure stone, superior engineered quartz, heat stable surfacing, and welcoming wooden—deciding on the suitable one includes contemplating a number of essential components earlier than making your funding.
- The place will it go? Contemplate its visibility from adjoining residing areas. A countertop isn’t only for cooking; it’s typically a distinguished characteristic in open-concept properties.
- How will you utilize it and the way typically? Assess its resilience. Can it stand up to frequent spills, scorching pans, and the day by day impression of cooking instruments and busy household life?
- What different options will it hook up with? Guarantee aesthetic and useful concord with adjoining components like built-in sinks, stovetops, and even breakfast bar areas.
- How typically do you clear? Past the routine after-meal wipe with a sponge, are you ready for any particular common upkeep necessities, similar to sealing or oiling?
Fortunately, no matter your solutions are to the questions above, there’s a good countertop resolution for you. At present’s eclectic kitchen types additionally enthusiastically welcome a mixture of supplies, so don’t really feel constrained by the necessity for every thing to match completely.
You may select one materials for a central island and one other for perimeter counter tops, or maybe take pleasure in a small, luxurious slab of marble for a devoted baking or bar house. For one of the best and most lasting outcomes, all the time rent an expert licensed to expertly fabricate and set up the precise materials you select.
Beneath are well-liked kitchen counter tops that Sweeten owners have put in, together with the detailed execs and cons of every materials, that can assist you make an knowledgeable choice.
Publish your mission on Sweeten at no cost and make your dream renovation a actuality. Sweeten simplifies house renovation by connecting owners with top-rated normal contractors, dealing with the vetting course of and mission administration. To study extra about how we might help, take a look at our house renovation providers.
Marble Kitchen Counter tops
(Above) Carrara marble kitchen counter tops in Lia and Chris’ kitchen transform
Searched for its
Price of Marble Kitchen Counter tops Begins at greater than $120 per sq. foot (which doesn’t embody fabrication or set up)
Professionals of marble kitchen counter tops
- Naturally cool floor, very best for pastry preparation and rolling out dough
- Distinctive aesthetic attraction; provides a complicated, luxurious look appropriate for each conventional and up to date designs
- Withstands excessive warmth with out scorching
- Pairs superbly and harmoniously with a variety of different surfaces, particularly pure wooden and varied metals
Cons of marble kitchen counter tops
- Usually among the many most costly pure stones out there
- Shade decisions are comparatively restricted, usually starting from whites, grays, to blacks, with various vein patterns
- Extra vulnerable to staining, scratching, etching (from acids), cracking, and chipping in comparison with denser stones
- Requires frequent sealing (typically month-to-month) and might nonetheless discolor or etch if spills are usually not promptly wiped
Soapstone Counter tops
(Above) Soapstone counter tops in Janet and Jerry’s kitchen transform
Soapstone’s exceptional resistance to warmth and water, coupled with its distinctive muted shade palette and delicate, evolving veining, makes it a uniquely interesting various to the extra frequent granite and marble. It additionally typically comes with a barely lower cost tag than some premium marble varieties, making it engaging to budget-conscious owners in search of pure stone. Nonetheless, like all pure stones, soapstone counter tops do require particular care and upkeep to keep up their magnificence.
Price of Soapstone Counter tops Begins at round $85-$120 per sq. foot
Professionals of soapstone counter tops
- Extremely proof against each warmth and water, making it very sturdy for kitchen duties
- Shade tends to be constant all through the slab, providing a uniform look
- Its non-porous nature makes it proof against stains and micro organism
- Appropriate for built-in sinks, providing a seamless, blended look
- Usually extra reasonably priced than many marble choices and a few granite varieties
Cons of soapstone counter tops
- Softer than granite or quartz, making it extra vulnerable to scratches, although these can typically be sanded out or blended with mineral oil
- Could crack or chip if subjected to sharp impacts or heavy objects
- Requires common oiling (usually mineral oil, not sealing) to reinforce its pure darkening and develop an excellent patina; with out it, it may well seem lighter and should present fingerprints or water spots
- Develops a particular, darker patina over time, which you’ll or might not recognize as a part of its character
Engineered Stone Counter tops
(Above) Engineered quartz counter tops by Caesarstone in Bellamy and Zak’s kitchen transform
Renovate to reside, Sweeten to thrive! Sweeten brings owners an distinctive renovation expertise by personally matching trusted normal contractors
Amongst all forms of kitchen counter tops, engineered stone, primarily quartz, stands out as arguably the hardest and most persistently performing floor available on the market right now. This progressive materials is often composed of roughly 90 p.c floor quartz—one among nature’s hardest minerals—combined with sturdy pigments and polyester resin. This combination is then manufactured beneath immense strain into extremely dense, non-porous slabs.
Main producers similar to Caesarstone and Silestone supply an extremely huge array of seems, together with convincing fake granites, the purest whites, deepest blacks, and even vibrant {custom} colours like good reds and blues. Its exceptional claims of superior resistance to staining, fading, and excessive warmth make engineered quartz exceptionally well-liked, typically edging out pure granite because the best choice, despite the fact that its value is mostly corresponding to and even greater than many pure stone choices.
Price of Engineered Stone Counter tops Begins at round $95-$150 per sq. foot
Professionals of engineered stone counter tops
- Among the many most impervious of all surfaces; boasts distinctive resistance to warmth, stains, scratches, micro organism, and fading
- Provides an immense number of patterns and colours, together with extremely reasonable fake stones, distinctive trendy designs, and {custom} shade potentialities
- May be exactly manufactured into almost any desired form, permitting for seamless integration and complicated designs
- Requires no sealing or particular upkeep, making it very low-hassle
Cons of engineered stone counter tops
- Whereas extremely reasonable, some fake stone patterns might not completely replicate the natural depth and distinctive variations of actual pure stone
- Can doubtlessly crack on sudden, extreme impression with a heavy object, although it’s fairly sturdy
- Prices may be as a lot as, or often greater than, high-end pure stone choices
- Stable-colored slabs, particularly darker ones, might present seams extra noticeably than patterned choices
Granite Counter tops
(Above) Granite counter tops in Ann’s kitchen transform
Renovate to reside, Sweeten to thrive!
Sweeten brings owners an distinctive renovation expertise by personally matching trusted normal contractors to your mission, whereas providing skilled steerage and assist—for gratis to you.
Granite emerged onto the kitchen design scene simply over 20 years in the past and has steadfastly remained a extremely well-liked alternative. It holds a powerful place, typically a detailed second behind the market chief, engineered stone, in line with current surveys from distinguished business associations just like the Nationwide Kitchen and Bathtub Affiliation. Why do granite counter tops proceed to endure? Merely put, they masterfully mix distinctive pure magnificence with spectacular sturdiness and comparatively low upkeep.
The inherent pure grain signifies that no two slabs will ever be precisely an identical, providing a very distinctive floor. Whereas exceptionally laborious and largely impervious to excessive warmth, granite is a pure stone and thus porous, requiring sealing at the least yearly—a simple DIY activity simply achieved with a hand software utilizing a sponge.
Price of Granite Counter tops Begins round $70-$120 per sq. foot
Professionals of granite counter tops
- Naturally resists excessive warmth, making it appropriate for warm pans
- Out there in an infinite vary of pure colours, patterns, and mineral grains
- Every slab possesses a novel look, providing individuality to your kitchen
- Maintains wonderful resale worth if correctly cared for, together with diligent annual sealing
Cons of granite counter tops
- May be costly, though a variety of well-liked colours and fewer unique patterns can be found at extra accessible worth factors
- Exhibits put on from sharp knives (all the time use a chopping board!) and may be etched by acidic spills like vinegar, citrus juice, and oils if not wiped up promptly
- Requires common, although easy, upkeep: annual sealing is essential, which is usually a DIY mission with a sealant and a sponge
- Will crack if improperly put in or if subjected to excessive, concentrated impression from a really heavy object
Stable Floor Counter tops
(Above) Architects Can Vu Bui, Lane Rick, and Matthew Storrie’s kitchen transform
Twenty years in the past, stable surfacing
As a result of it possesses a slight ‘give’ or flexibility, owing to its composition of acrylic or polyester resins (or a mix of each), objects by accident dropped on stable floor counters are much less more likely to break. Moreover, its distinctive properties permit it to be seamlessly molded into just about any form, together with intricate inlays, {custom} edge profiles, built-in backsplashes, and even seamlessly integrated sinks or furnishings components.
Price of Stable Floor Counter tops $75 to $110 per sq. foot, relying on the complexity of the sample and shade
Professionals of stable floor counter tops
- Extremely proof against warmth, moisture, and fading, making certain long-lasting shade integrity
- Provides an infinite alternative of colours and patterns, together with spectacular {custom} design potentialities
- Seams are fused collectively, leading to just about invisible joints for a glossy, steady look
- May be exactly molded into virtually any form, together with built-in backsplashes or seamlessly put in sinks
- Doesn’t require sealing and is definitely cleaned with gentle detergent and water
Cons of stable floor counter tops
- Can’t stand up to extraordinarily excessive warmth instantly; scorching pans could cause scorching or everlasting form distortion
- Susceptible to scratches, cuts from sharp knives, and extended publicity to sturdy, concentrated stains like pink wine or catsup; all the time requires a chopping board
- Whereas designs have improved, some fake stone seems should not completely mimic the deep realism of pure stone
- Usually not simply recyclable in lots of commonplace municipal recycling applications
At Sweeten, we’re specialists in any respect issues normal contractors. Right here’s how Sweeten works: We pre-screen them for our community, fastidiously choose one of the best ones in your reworking mission, and work carefully with lots of of normal contractors daily.
Wooden Counter tops
(Above) Wooden counter tops in Lavanya and Regis’ kitchen transform
In all probability America’s earliest and most enduring kind of kitchen countertop, wooden is perennially desired for its innate pure magnificence, inviting heat, and distinctive character. Wooden counter tops can tolerate average warmth, however they may inevitably present burns, dings, and knife cuts. For a lot of fanatics, this creating patina just isn’t a flaw however a cherished a part of the fabric’s attraction, telling the story of meals shared and recollections made.
Most minor injury may be sanded out; nonetheless, it’s essential to reapply food-safe mineral oil after any restore to keep up its situation. Keep away from set up in areas with extended publicity to moisture, significantly round sinks, as it will trigger swelling, warping, or eventual injury. Each day cleansing is easy with a humid sponge and a gentle detergent. Hardwoods similar to maple and oak are mostly used as kitchen counter tops, typically crafted in a butcher-block sample, which considerably enhances their power and sturdiness. One other distinct benefit of wooden counter tops: they’re typically a extra budget-friendly alternative than lots of the stone or engineered surfaces described above.
Price of Wooden Counter tops Begins at round $40 per sq. foot; rarer wooden species or {custom} designs may be considerably costlier
Professionals of wooden counter tops
- Comparatively straightforward to wash and infrequently restore minor floor injury
- Wonderful for chopping and chopping surfaces (if correctly handled as a butcher block); knives are much less more likely to uninteresting on wooden
- Much less vulnerable to chipping, and objects dropped on it are much less more likely to break
- Supplies a wealthy, heat, and welcoming aesthetic for a worth that’s typically decrease than many different premium kitchen surfaces
Cons of wooden counter tops
- Extremely weak to moisture, harsh chemical compounds, and excessive excessive warmth, all of which may trigger everlasting injury
- Instantly reveals indicators of use, similar to knife marks, dings, and burns, which contributes to its “patina” however might not go well with all preferences
- Expands or contracts considerably with excessive swings in humidity or moisture, doubtlessly resulting in warping or cracking
- Requires ongoing upkeep, together with common software of food-safe sealant or mineral oil, to protect the floor and stop drying out or staining
Laminate Counter tops
(Above) Laminate counter tops in Dan and Mike’s kitchen transform
Whereas maybe not as rugged as probably the most sturdy forms of counter tops out there right now, laminate counter tops nonetheless boast a wealth of sensible upsides that make them a preferred alternative. To begin, laminate counter tops are produced in an extremely huge array of patterns, textures, and colours, and notably include a really interesting, thrifty price ticket. Made by bonding resin-covered ornamental paper to a core of plywood or particleboard, laminate does contain a share of artificial elements.
To make sure optimum indoor air high quality in your house, it’s advisable to search for laminate counter tops licensed by respected organizations like Greenguard, a certification that signifies they’re manufactured from low-emitting supplies utilizing formaldehyde-free paper and low- or non-toxic glues. This extremely fashion-friendly floor can convincingly mimic the looks of pure stone, heat wooden, intricate cloth, or just about any graphic the producer can conceive. With correct care, which particularly consists of avoiding direct chopping on the floor and publicity to sturdy acids or harsh chemical compounds, a top quality laminate countertop can final for a number of many years.
Price of Laminate Counter tops Begins at $15 to $35 per sq. foot
Professionals of laminate counter tops
- Requires minimal day by day care and completely no sealing, making it extremely low upkeep
- Out there in a very huge number of patterns, textures, and colours, together with many reasonable fake finishes
- Straightforward to chop and set up, making it appropriate for tight areas and DIY-friendly initiatives
- Exceptionally well-priced, significantly contemplating the intensive vary of fashion choices it provides
Cons of laminate counter tops
-
- Susceptible to scratching and burning simply; important injury is commonly unimaginable to restore seamlessly
- Seams are usually seen, significantly on stable colours or very lengthy countertop runs, which may detract from a high-end look
- Attributable to their development, they typically solely permit for drop-in sinks, limiting under-mount sink choices
- Any edge therapy extra complicated than the only choices will notably enhance the general worth
Stainless Metal Counter tops
(Above) Chrome steel counter tops in Beth and Bob’s kitchen transform
Of all of the forms of kitchen counter tops, stainless-steel
Whilst you should keep away from caustic chemical compounds that may pit the floor, its inherent water- and stain-proof properties imply that is hardly ever a difficulty in typical meals preparation. It is available in a lot of finishes, together with polished and brushed, with the latter being significantly efficient at serving to to cover minor scratches and fingerprints. Dings and dents will present up over time and are usually unimaginable to take away with out specialised restore and even alternative of the part. Nonetheless, for these in search of a very professional-style kitchen countertop, these “battle scars” can typically be seen as badges of delight, signifying a well-used and useful house.
Price of Stainless Metal Counter tops Begins at round $80-$150 per sq. foot
Professionals of stainless-steel counter tops
- Tremendous-resilient materials; inherently water-, stain-, and fade-proof, and naturally resists bacterial progress
- Requires no sealing in any respect; cleans effortlessly with easy detergent and water
- May be seamlessly built-in with options like drainboards, sinks, and backsplashes for a very steady and hygienic floor
- May be manufactured to actual specs, permitting for doubtlessly seamless, custom-fit installations
Cons of stainless-steel counter tops
- Not appropriate for direct chopping; a chopping board should all the time be used to guard the floor from knives
- Exhibits the smallest scratches, smudges, and dents fairly readily, that are very laborious to take away as soon as they happen
- May be noisy when kitchen instruments, pots, and pans come into direct contact with the floor
- Customized fabrication and set up for distinctive shapes or built-in options will considerably drive up the value, except you go for a ready-made sink and drainboard unit
Transforming Kitchen Counter tops with Sweeten
In 2025, owners are really spoiled for alternative with the various unimaginable forms of counter tops out there, every providing a novel mix of aesthetics and efficiency. Want an ultra-durable, low-maintenance kitchen floor that stands as much as something? Discover the huge choices in engineered quartz or traditional granite counter tops.
In case your coronary heart wishes to attain an expensive, timeless look with pure character, stunning marble is probably going your finest wager. Or, for those who recognize a traditional, heat, and even glossy up to date vibe, positively take a look at the inviting qualities of wooden or the skilled attraction of stainless-steel counter tops. Enthusiastic about lastly reworking your kitchen and upgrading your counter tops? Sweeten works completely with skilled normal contractors who possess intensive expertise in fabricating and putting in all forms of kitchen counter tops, making certain a flawless end.
A well-designed kitchen pantry is essential in retaining your kitchen organized and neat. Kitchen counter tops make up the majority of your prep house—nevertheless it’s not simply what’s on high that issues. Discover a spread
Planning to renovate? Get value estimates from our GCs at no cost!
Get matched with our vetted normal contractors and obtain at the least 3 quotations at no cost! You can even discover limitless house renovation inspiration, detailed guides, and sensible value breakdowns from our blogs.
