10 Best Kitchen Countertops That Add Style And Value to Your Home!

Contrary to what you may think, kitchen countertops have many functions in the heart of your home. Besides serving as areas for food preparation, they also primarily contribute to the design of your kitchen. Therefore, selecting the best kitchen countertops is an easy way to enhance your kitchen’s style and value. 

Best Stylish Kitchen Countertops

The multitude of countertop options may be overwhelming for those renovating or installing a new kitchen. Today, there are a range of countertop materials that offer different looks, feels, and price points.

Let’s dive into each option discussing their defining characteristics along with maintenance tips to ensure long-term satisfaction with your chosen investment!

#1 Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are made from a combination of natural quartz and resin, resulting in a non-porous, durable, and low-maintenance surface. They are available in a wide range of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for a practical and stylish countertop option.

• Durable, resistant to scratches, stains, and heat

• Uniform and contemporary appearance

• Non-porous, easy to clean, and resistant to bacteria

• Made of 90-95% ground-up natural materials and 5-10% resins

• Wide range of colors, patterns, and textures available

#2 Granite

Natural stone countertops, such as granite, offer a timeless and elegant look. They are durable, heat-resistant, and easy to maintain, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want to add value and style to their kitchens.

• Durable and heat-resistant

• Unique and one-of-a-kind patterns

• High-end, luxurious appearance

• Requires regular sealing to maintain appearance and prevent staining

#3 Marble Countertops

Marble countertops are known for their timeless beauty that can increase the resale value of a home. They are heat-resistant, scratch-resistant, and easy to clean, making them a luxurious choice for homeowners who appreciate the natural beauty of marble.

• Timeless and elegant appearance

• Heat-resistant and tough

• Unique patterns due to the naturally mined stone

• Requires regular sealing to prevent stains

• Can chip and scratch more easily than other materials

#4 Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are a budget-friendly option that offers the appearance of real stone or other materials. They are durable, simple to maintain, and available in a variety of colors and patterns, making them a popular choice for homeowners looking for an affordable and stylish alternative to natural stone countertops.

• More affordable and easy to clean

• Durable and resistant to scratches and stains

• Variety of colors and patterns available

• Made of multiple layers of plastic, paper, and resin

#5 Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are made from a mixture of acrylic, resins, and fillers, resulting in a non-porous, tough, and stain-resistant surface. They are available in a range of colors and patterns, making them a versatile choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance and stylish countertop option.

• Simple look with a homogeneous appearance

• Non-porous, antimicrobial, and waterproof

• Stain-resistant and easy to repair scratches

• Mid-priced, budget-friendly alternative to quartz 

#6 Wood Countertops

Wood countertops, such as butcher block or reclaimed wood, offer a natural and warm look. They are long lasting and can be sanded and resealed as needed, making them a popular choice for homeowners who want to add a rustic touch to their kitchens.

• Provide a natural and warm look

• Durable and easy to maintain

• Can be sanded and resealed to remove stains and scratches

• May require special care to protect from water damage

#7 Terrazzo Countertops

Terrazzo countertops are made from a combination of marble, granite, quartz, or glass chips embedded in a cement or resin binder. They offer a unique and colorful look, with a durable and low-maintenance surface that is resistant to scratches and stains. Terrazzo countertops are available in a range of colors and patterns, perfect for homeowners who want a distinctive and practical countertop option.

• One-of-a-kind look due to their unique composition

• Long lasting and low-maintenance

• Non-porous for easy cleaning

• Made from a combination of materials, not 100% natural stone

#8 Stainless Steel Countertops 

Stainless steel countertops are a modern and sleek option that offers a hygienic and durable surface. They are heat-resistant, are effortless to clean, and can be customized to fit any kitchen design. Stainless steel countertops are a popular choice for homeowners who want a contemporary and functional countertop option.

• Perfect for a modern-style kitchen

• Tough and heat-resistant

• Easy to customize and fit any kitchen design

• Made of steel, not a natural material

#9 Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone countertops are a natural stone option that offers a warm and rustic look. They are heat-resistant and non-porous, making them a practical choice for homeowners who want a low-maintenance and stylish countertop option. Soapstone countertops are available in a range of colors and patterns, with a smooth and matte finish that adds a touch of elegance to any kitchen.

• Natural stone alternative to marble or granite countertops

• Very tough and effortless to clean

• Soft and smooth finish, adding a touch of elegance to any kitchen

• Not as hard as other materials, may be more susceptible to scratching or chipping

#10 Concrete: 

Concrete countertops are made from poured concrete, resulting in a unique and modern look. They can look like natural stone and can be painted to match any home aesthetic. As a long lasting option, you won’t need to worry about replacing your countertops for decades after installation. 

• Heat, scratch, and stain-resistant

• Porous material may require sealing to prevent stains

• Any cracks can easily be repaired

• Can be shaped and painted to mimic almost any other material

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

How to Choose a Material that Transforms Your Kitchen

Choosing the right countertop material for your kitchen can be a daunting task, but it is an important decision that can add value and style to your home. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right countertop material that can meet your needs and preferences. Here are some steps to help you choose the perfect countertop material for your kitchen:

1. Assess your needs and preferences: Consider the primary purpose of the countertop, the overall design of your kitchen, and any specific material preferences you may have. This will help you narrow down your options and focus on the materials that best suit your needs and preferences.

2. Evaluate durability: Different countertop materials have varying levels of durability. Natural stone countertops like granite and marble are heat-resistant and scratch-resistant, but they can be porous and may require sealing. Quartz countertops are non-porous, durable, and resistant to scratches, chips, and cracks. Laminate countertops are easy to clean but may not be as durable as other materials.

3. Consider appearance: The appearance of your countertop is an important factor in the overall design of your kitchen. Natural stone countertops offer unique, one-of-a-kind patterns and colors, while quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including options that mimic the look of natural stone.

4. Think about maintenance: Different countertop materials require different levels of maintenance. Natural stone countertops need to be cleaned and resealed periodically, while quartz countertops are non-porous and easy to clean. Laminate countertops are simple to install but may need to be replaced if they become damaged.

5. Budget: Countertop materials come in various price ranges. Natural stone countertops, such as granite and marble, can be expensive, while laminate and quartz countertops are generally more budget-friendly. Concrete countertops can also be a cost-effective option, as they can be installed DIY and are low-maintenance.

6. Consider the value: Some countertop materials, such as natural stone and quartz, can add value to your home and increase its resale value.

7. Ask for professional advice: If you’re unsure about which material is best for your kitchen, consult with a professional countertop installer or designer for guidance. They can help you weigh the pros and cons of each material and recommend the best option for your specific needs and preferences.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right countertop material for your kitchen that combines aesthetics, durability, and budget-friendliness, and adds value and style to your home.

Also Read: 7 Paints That Makes Painting Countertops A Seamless Experience

Conclusion

Are you ready to give your kitchen a makeover with a countertop that mirrors your style and enhances your property’s value? McClellands Contracting and Roofing is your go-to company in Pittsburgh for the best kitchen countertop installation service! Our team is skilled at installing any of the 10 beautiful countertop options we’ve explored, from the shimmering elegance of quartz to the timeless appeal of rustic soapstone. Settle for nothing less than excellent when it comes to your kitchen. Let us turn your dream space into a reality. Contact us today at (412) 353-5660.