Different Types Of Countertops (From Most Popular to Least)

Your kitchen countertops are not just a design element, they are the most hardworking and prominent part of your kitchen. They must be strong enough to withstand daily wear and tear while complementing your kitchen's overall style. With our comprehensive guide to different countertops, choosing a suitable material for your needs and preferences becomes more manageable.

In this blog post, we will explore the different types of countertops for kitchens, from the most popular to the least popular. 

What are the Different Types of Countertop Materials?

Kitchen countertops are available in various materials. Here are some different types of kitchen countertops listed from the most popular to the least popular!

#1 Quartz Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $65 - $80 per square foot

Quartz is one of the most popular kitchen counter materials. Quartz countertops are made with quartz stone, pigments, and resins. One of their great advantages is their toughness and low maintenance requirements. Quartz is a non-porous stone and highly resistant to stains, scratches, and bacteria growth.

In addition to their practical benefits, these countertops also boast a wide range of design options. 

#2 Granite Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $40 - $100 per square foot

Granite kitchen countertops are another popular choice among homeowners. They add a sense of luxury and a durable kitchen surface. This natural stone is famous for its unique beauty, with each slab featuring its distinctive pattern of veins, swirls, and specks. Granite countertops offer exceptional durability, they are resistant to scratches and heat, making them best for busy kitchens. 

Although costly, granite countertops will be a wise investment in your home. These countertops are also low-maintenance and require only occasional sealing for protection against stains. 

#3 Laminate Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $10 - $50 per square foot

Laminate countertops are a classic and affordable choice for many kitchens. They are made by bonding plastic laminate to particleboard or plywood. Laminate countertops come in multiple shades and patterns, from solid hues to realistic stone or wood looks. However, they are not as durable as stone or solid-surface countertops and are susceptible to burns, scratches, and edge damage.

#4 Solid Surface Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $35 - $95 per square foot

Solid surface countertops, made from acrylic or polyester resins, offer your kitchen a seamless and customizable look. These engineered surfaces can be molded into virtually any shape, making them ideal for integrated sinks and backsplashes.

These countertops offer a flawless appearance without any visible joints. Also, if damaged, they can be refinished and repaired. However, solid surface counters can be harmed by sharp objects and excessive heat. 

#5 Stainless Steel Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $70 - $160 per square foot

Stainless steel countertops are a coveted choice for modern and industrial-style kitchens. Crafted from sleek, lustrous metal, they exude a contemporary and refined aesthetic. Stainless steel's smooth, unblemished surface lends a clean, streamlined look that complements minimalist design sensibilities. Beyond their visual appeal, these countertops boast exceptional durability and functionality. 

Resistant to heat, stains, and scratches, they withstand the severity of a busy kitchen with ease. Their non-porous nature also ensures superior hygiene, making them a practical choice for culinary spaces. While requiring some upkeep to maintain their trademark sheen, stainless steel countertops offer a perfect combination of style and practicality for those seeking a sophisticated, modern kitchen environment.

#6 Butcher Block Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $30 - $100 per square foot

These are generally made from wood, such as maple, oak, cherry, or walnut wood. Created with strips of hardwood glued together, these countertops offer a natural and inviting aesthetic. They are extremely durable and resistant to knife cuts and scratches when properly maintained. 

Plus, if the wood becomes excessively scratched or worn, it can be sanded and refinished. Butcher blocks require regular oiling to protect the wood from cracking and drying out.

#7 Concrete Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $50 - $150 per square foot

Concrete countertops are a unique choice that can give your kitchen a modern, industrial look. The concrete is poured and molded into slabs right in your home. This allows you to customize the shape and color, and even add decorative elements like shells or glass pieces. Concrete counters are extremely durable and heat-resistant.

However, they require routine sealing to prevent staining from liquids and foods. The surface can also crack if not properly installed and supported underneath. While more expensive than laminate, concrete offers a one-of-a-kind appearance for homeowners wanting a truly custom countertop.

#8 Marble Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $40 - $100 per square foot

Marble has been used in kitchens for centuries. These countertops offer a beautiful appearance, which is why many homeowners still choose them. With their distinctive veining and elegant patterns, marble countertops can add a touch of grace to any kitchen.

These are easy to clean, however, white marble countertops may develop from stains of colored spices like turmeric if not cleaned and maintained properly. Many homeowners have shifted to other materials that can be cleaned more easily, but this doesn’t make marble the least popular. Marble is ideal as a surface for baking due to its heat-resistant properties. 

#9 Soapstones Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $55 - $120 per square foot

Soapstone countertops add natural aesthetics to any kitchen and provide a graceful, timeless appearance. Soapstone is a dense, non-porous natural stone that has gained popularity for its distinct look and functional benefits in the kitchen. Periodic treatment with mineral oil helps maintain the stone's distinctive look and protects it from scratches. 

#10 Ceramic Tile Countertops  

Average Cost Estimation: $15 - $35 per square foot

Ceramic tiles make great countertops. They're made from natural clay and other materials that are heated at very high temperatures. This makes the tiles super hard and water-resistant. You can find ceramic tiles in lots of different colors, textures, and patterns. Some even look just like granite or other natural stones, but they cost less.

One good thing about ceramic tile countertops is that they're eco-friendly. The materials used to make them are natural and plentiful, so they're sustainable. Installing ceramic tiles is pretty easy, and you don't need to use grout, which makes cleaning up simpler. Ceramic tiles also are antibacterial, so they're a clean option for kitchen counters.

Although ceramic tiles resist scratches and stains well, it's still important to seal them properly. This protects the surface even more. The smooth, seamless look of ceramic tile countertops gives them a sleek, modern style that many people like for their kitchens. With proper care and cleaning, these countertops can stay beautiful and work great for years.

#11 Recycled Countertops 

Average Cost Estimation: Get A Custom Cost Estimation

For the environmentally conscious homeowner, recycled countertops made from materials like glass, aluminum, paper, or plastic offer a sustainable option. The different recycled materials are bound together with concrete or resins to form durable slabs. Recycled paper counters have a unique speckled appearance, while those made from glass or aluminum can mimic the look of granite or quartz. 

These counters are heat and stain-resistant when properly sealed. One advantage is that no two recycled countertops look exactly alike due to the varied materials. Drawbacks include potential cracking or chipping over time if not installed correctly on a very sturdy base.

#12 Travertine Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $10 - $35 per square foot

Travertine is a form of limestone that has a unique pitted surface with a soft color ranging from beige to rust tones. As a natural stone, it provides an elegant, earthy look for kitchen countertops. Travertine is quite durable and heat-resistant, though it’s not as hard as granite. 

The stone is also relatively porous, so it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining. Honed or filled travertine has the holes filled in for a smoother surface. While beautiful, travertine may not be ideal for heavy-use kitchens as it can be susceptible to etching from acidic liquids like lemon juice or red wine.

#13 Silestone Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $60 - $150 per square foot

Silestone is a premium brand of quartz countertops made in Spain. Like other quartz surfaces, it is an engineered stone made of ground quartz bound with resins. Silestone counters are known for their rich, consistent colors and patterns that mimic the look of granite or other natural stones. 

A major advantage is that Silestone is non-porous and highly stain, heat, and scratch resistant without requiring sealants. The surface is also antibacterial, and like quartz Silestone has a high upfront cost. It requires very little maintenance and can last for decades. Silestone comes in a variety of modern hues and styles to suit any kitchen design.

#14 Onyx Countertops

Average Cost Estimation: $50 - $200 per square foot

Onyx is a unique semi-precious gemstone that can add a real wow factor to kitchen countertops. It is a form of quartz that features vivid colors and bold patterns of contrasting bands and swirling designs. Onyx is quite expensive and must be handled carefully, as it is softer than granite and can chip or crack if not properly supported. 

The stone is also porous, so onyx counters also require routine sealing for protection against stains and scratches. An onyx counter often works best on an island or small section rather than throughout an entire kitchen. With its striking beauty, an onyx countertop can serve as a dazzling focal point when used judiciously. However, it requires some maintenance to keep its vibrant appearance.

How to Choose the Right Countertop Material for Your Kitchen

Choosing the right countertop that is tough and fits with the overall look of your kitchen is really important. Here are some factors that you need to consider before choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen!

1. Budget: Different countertop materials vary significantly in cost. Laminate and solid surfaces are generally more affordable options, while natural stones like granite and quartz tend to be more expensive. Determine your budget before making a choice.
2. Durability: Consider how much wear and tear the countertop will endure. Granite, quartz, and solid surfaces are highly durable and resistant to scratches and heat. Delicate options like laminate and butcher block require more care.
3. Maintenance: Some materials, like granite and marble, need regular sealing to prevent staining. Others, like quartz and solid surfaces, are low-maintenance and don't require sealing. Consider how much upkeep you're willing to do.
4. Aesthetics: Countertops come in various colors, patterns, and textures. Choose a material that complements your kitchen's style and design, from modern quartz to rustic butcher block.
5. Functionality: If you bake frequently, you may want a cool surface like marble. For frequent chopping, a wood butcher block countertop could be ideal.

How to Make Your Kitchen Stand Out

You can make your kitchen look more contemporary and different from other kitchens just by choosing unique countertop edges and styles. The edge profile you select can completely transform the appearance of your counters, even if you're using a common material like granite or quartz.

For a clean, modern look, you could opt for a straight edge or a slightly rounded bullnose edge. But if you want something more decorative, there are plenty of eye-catching options. A chiseled or beveled edge creates a graceful, upscale vibe. A full bullnose gives a softer, curved appearance. Or you could go for a dramatic quarter-round edge for a distinctive profile.

When it comes to countertop edge styles, the possibilities don't stop there. You can get really creative with things like an undercut detail that casts attractive shadows or a raw, chiseled edge that looks rustic and textured. Ogee and cove edges offer traditional, ornate appeal.

So don't feel limited by the countertop material you choose - the edge shaping allows you to customize the whole look. Your kitchen designer can show you samples of different edges to consider. With so many unique countertop edge styles, you can craft an appearance that genuinely fits your personal taste and design vision.

Also Read: Kitchen Countertop Replacement Guide: All You Need To Know

Call McClellands Contracting and Roofing for Kitchen Remodeling in Pittsburgh, PA

If you’re looking for a reliable partner who can remodel your kitchen into a whole new space, we are here to assist you. We have a team of experienced designers and contractors who are dedicated to turning your vision into reality. Our expert designers will ensure that the results not only exceed your expectations but also withstand the test of time.

With years of experience and a commitment to industry best practices, our experts meticulously plan every step, from layout and design to material selection and execution. Whether you're seeking a modern, minimalist aesthetic or a warm, inviting ambiance, our designers will work closely with you to capture your unique preferences and create a space that seamlessly blends form and function.

At McClellands Contracting and Roofing, remodeling your space is an investment in your home's value and your family's comfort. Trust us to handle every aspect of the process with professionalism.