The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Best Kitchen Countertop Material

Gone are the days when there were just a few kitchen countertop options to choose from. When it’s time to build or remodel your kitchen, you will notice that there are an increasing number of kitchen countertop materials to choose from. 

This Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Best Kitchen Countertop Materials will break down a variety of countertop materials helping you choose the best fit for your life and design style.

Recycled Glass

Material: 

This countertop material is made with crushed glass that’s either embedded in concrete and sealed or combined with a clear acrylic. Because it is up to 80% recycled glass, it is very eco-friendly.

Maintenance: 

Recycled glass countertops require a simple wipe down with a mild cleaner or soap and water. It may need to be resealed periodically if the glass is embedded in concrete since the concrete could show stains if left unsealed.

Pros: 

Unique, no matter how hard you try, you won’t get two recycled glass countertops that are the same. It is further customizable depending on how finely the glass is ground.

Cons: 

The exposed concrete can be prone to stains, especially from very acidic foods. Abrasive or harsh cleaners can also damage the acrylic surface.

Design style: 

Recycled glass countertop material has a mosaic look when embedded in concrete and when encased in acrylic, the pieces look like they’re floating. These best fit with a quirky, playful design style Depending on the colors selected, it can fit with a more traditional or contemporary style. The glass can be chosen so it’s all one color, a monochromatic palette, or a mix of colors, making it a true reflection of your personality, and you’ll notice something new every time you’re in your kitchen. 

Price/Sq. Ft.: 

$50-$100

Perfect for: 

The eco-friendly home with a little bit of quirk.

Butcher Block

Material: 

Butcher block countertop material is created by laminating (gluing) strips of hardwood together and then sanding to a smooth finish and sealed with mineral oil.

Maintenance: 

Sand and seal with mineral oil a couple times a year or as needed to remove stains, scratches, gouges, etc. Stain as needed or desired.

Pros: 

This is literally a cutting board, making food prep more convenient anywhere in the kitchen. The wood can be stained any color, and if you want to change the color, you can sand and re-stain at will.

Cons: 

This countertop material requires maintenance (sanding and sealing, possibly staining). Wood is naturally porous, so spills need to be wiped up quickly, so they don’t penetrate and warp the wood. Wood also expands and contracts depending on environmental conditions, so there may be some movement in the countertops, though you’re unlikely to notice.

Design style: 

Butcher block is very versatile and can be rustic in a country cottage style, edgy when paired with modern design elements, and contemporary in a modern farmhouse. 

Price/Sq. Ft.: 

$30-$75

Perfect for: 

Creating an inviting atmosphere where you can test recipes to your heart’s content. 

Granite

Material: 

Granite is natural stone quarried from a variety of locations around the world, frequently from India and Brazil, in large blocks that are then sliced into slabs. These slabs are then cut to fit the countertop’s design.

Maintenance: 

Granite is fairly easy to take care of and generally requires a wipe down. Care is very similar to quartz, but because it’s porous, it is more prone to stains and must be sealed on installation and resealed throughout its life.

Pros: 

Each piece is unique as no two slabs are alike. Because of its status and versatility, it can increase the resale value of your home.

Cons: 

Mining for granite is costly for both the environment and the laborers that work in the quarries. While not as expensive as marble, it’s at the top end of the kitchen countertop price scale. It does require some maintenance.

Design style: 

Granite is a timeless staple in kitchens. The natural stone appearance compliments a variety of design styles from traditional to contemporary. .

Price/Sq. Ft.: 

$90-$230

Perfect for: 

Raising home resale value.

Marble

Material: 

Marble countertops are created in much the same way as granite, with large blocks being quarried out of extraction sites. The blocks are sliced into slabs which are precision cut to fit the countertop dimensions. 

Maintenance: 

Wipe down with mild soap and water using a soft cloth. Don’t use vinegar or other acid based cleaners. Reseal at least twice a year.

Pros: 

This countertop material is incredibly heat-resistant.

Cons: 

Marble is expensive and can be difficult to maintain depending on your lifestyle. It is highly porous which means that messes on the countertop can seep in and create permanent stains. It’s also easily chipped or scratched.

Design style: 

Nothing says luxury quite like marble. If your design aesthetic is high-end luxury, then marble will reveal it, capturing the essence of elegance.

Price/Sq. Ft.: 

$130-$250

Perfect for: 

A luxurious feel in an upscale home.

Concrete

Material: 

Concrete countertops are just that: concrete. They are poured, allowed to set, sanded to a smooth finish, and then sealed. Concrete can be rough, so the sanding and sealing steps are very important to ensure that food doesn’t get imbedded in the countertop.

Maintenance: 

Wipe with a mild soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners as they can penetrate the seal. Reseal periodically.

Pros: 

Concrete countertops can be DIY’d, but the process can be a bit messy. Concrete can be cast into any shape, so if you have a custom design or tricky cuts, this could be a good option. It can also be textured or stained to fit your style. Tiles, stones, etc, can be embedded to further customize the look and feel.

Cons: 

It takes around 28 days for concrete countertops to be fully cured and ready for use, so if you’re in a hurry or running on a tight schedule, this is not the best option. It can crack, and even when sealed it can absorb liquids, so spills can quickly create stains.

Design style: 

These have gained popularity recently in the modern farmhouse style, thanks in part to Joanna Gaines, a popular designer from Texas. They are also a great kitchen countertop option for an industrial look paired with other industrial design elements. It also creates a nice contrast when blended with other styles.

Price/Sq. Ft.: 

$70-$150

Perfect for: 

A unique and nontraditional look.

Laminate

Material: 

Laminate countertops are manufactured by layering decorative paper on top of kraft paper. These layers are then heated and compressed with resin, chemically bonding them.

Maintenance: 

Wipe down countertops using a gentle cleaner or mild soap and water.

Pros: 

Very budget friendly. Spills are easily wiped up.

Cons: 

This countertop material is easily scratched with knives or scissors, and there is no way to repair or refinish. Also, seams from connecting multiple pieces will appear more prominently in laminate than in other materials.

Design style: 

Because of their versatility, laminate countertops can fit into most design styles. 

Price/Sq. Ft.: 

$30-$65

Perfect for:

A home on a budget.

Stainless Steel

Material: 

Stainless steel.

Maintenance: 

Wipe with a mild cleaner or soap and water, bleach if necessary.

Pros: 

Stainless steel is easy to disinfect because it is the only countertop material that can be bleached. It creates an industrial feel. 

Cons: 

It will scratch, and even though it’s easy to wipe down, fingerprints are left behind after nearly every touch. This countertop material can also be dented.

Design style: 

Very modern and industrial. Mimics the look of a commercial kitchen. Edgy and unique.

Price/Sq. Ft.: 

$70-$150

Perfect for: 

The chef looking for quick clean up.

Quartz

Material: 

Quartz countertops are created by finely grinding quartz and mixing 90% quartz with 10% resin and polymers.

Maintenance: Quartz countertop material requires virtually no maintenance beyond a quick wipe down with water or an all-purpose spray. It is naturally stain resistant, so sealing is unnecessary. 

Pros: 

This kitchen countertop option is antibacterial, so cleaning is very easy. It’s also heat, stain, and scratch-resistant, making it incredibly durable.

Cons: 

Upfront cost can be higher than the low budget laminate, but makes up for it with long lasting durability.

Design style: 

Because quartz is an engineered product, it’s look can resemble other countertop materials from granite to concrete. This feature means that it will merge seamlessly with any style.

Price/Sq. Ft.: 

$50-$100

Perfect for: 

The hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

Select the Best Kitchen Countertop Material

With so many design capabilities available, these eight contemporary design choices offer just the right look that you want for your home design, lifestyle and budget. 

After reviewing many of the best kitchen countertop materials, it’s clear that the one that stands out the most is Quartz. Quartz checks all the boxes. From low maintenance, to endless design options, quartz is available in styles to fit any kitchen.

For more information on how to incorporate Quartz in your kitchen, contact the experts at HanStone Quartz.