Selecting the best countertop for your kitchen can get overwhelming. There are many materials to choose from, and they all have varying degrees of durability, maintenance, colors, and cost. Each material also has a different look and feel. Stainless steel can make your kitchen more commercial, while recycled glass can make an eco-friendly statement.

Also, your new countertops must fit in with the rest of your modern kitchen’s aesthetic. You must consider the color and materials of your kitchen cabinets, backsplash, appliances, kitchen wall paint, etc. While you may be open to altering some of those items to get the countertop of your dreams, the willingness to put in that extra effort is something else to think about.

To help get you started, here are the most popular countertop materials out there, and what makes them great…

Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the best countertop materials because of its versatility. It’s available in multiple grades, colors, textures, patterns, and thicknesses.

These options also impact that cost. Basic slabs can cost as little as $40 per square foot, while more exclusive pieces are in the $75-$100 range (these prices don’t include labor and installation).

Granite is porous, so you may have to seal it occasionally to maintain its surface. Otherwise, it’s a heat- and scratch-resistant, low-maintenance material that usually adds to your home's beauty and resale value.

Marble Countertops

If you’re a baker, marble is the best countertop for you. Its cold surface is perfect for rolling out dough and making fresh pasta. Like granite, marble comes in various textures and colors—usually along the black, white, and gray spectrum. Given its luxurious appeal, marble tends to be more expensive, so keep that in mind.

Marble is also porous, so we recommend sealing it annually. It should be cleaned regularly because it stains easier than other countertop materials (e.g., granite). Be careful when handling knives and other sharp objects around the marble. They may leave indentations.

Slate Countertops

Slate is extremely dense, nonporous, and pretty much maintenance-free. While softer than materials like granite, marble, and concrete, you can buff scratches out with steel wool, making them look new again. It’s also less expensive than most countertop materials.

Slate comes in five colors: black, gray, green, red, and purple (though sometimes red and purple are harder to find). If slate’s matte appearance isn’t your thing, you can rub the surface with lemon oil to make it appear wet or glossy.

A key downside of going with slate is its sharp edges. If you have kids or are accident prone, you may want to buy clear edge bumpers to avoid injury.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are engineered stone countertops usually made up of 90% quartz and around 10% pigments, polymers, and resins. They have the surface and versatility of granite and the durability of slate. Its heat, scratch, and stain-resistant. It’s also nonporous, so you clean it with soap and water and call it a day.

Quartz countertops vary based on quality. Low-end quartz ranges from $50-$65 per square foot, while luxury, quality can go as high as $150 per square foot. Though pricey, quartz countertops are worth it.

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Butcher Block

If you want a more natural feel, then butcher block is for you. These countertops are often only used in small areas, like on an island or near your sink. They’re also thicker than other materials (hence the whole “block” thing).

Butcher block colors range from hickory to maple to walnut, and they’re really easy to clean. Just be mindful of doing food prep on them. They’re made of wood, which can scratch easily.

Concrete

Concrete countertops have come a long way since the 1980s. The concrete countertops of today can be mistaken for natural stone, and they’re great for customization. They come in multiple colors and are usually strengthened with fiberglass, wire mesh, or stainless steel fibers so they don’t easily crack.

Concrete countertops are usually on the pricier end, with simple options starting at around $65 per square foot.

Finding the Best Countertop for You

The easiest way to discover the best countertop for your kitchen is to see them in person. Contact us to discuss your project in detail, or come visit our showroom sometime!