When embarking on a kitchen remodel project, kitchen countertops are often one of the first elements homeowners consider updating. New countertops can bring life to any kitchen and add value to your home along the way.
Homeowners have an array of options when selecting the new countertops — including a variety of materials, colors, and patterns. Each type of kitchen countertop has its benefits and drawbacks, from durability to appearance to cost. The right kitchen countertop for you will depend on your priorities for your kitchen remodel. The experts at Modernize researched the best kitchen countertops and their strengths and weaknesses, maintenance requirements, and prices. This guide will help you make a confident decision on the best kitchen countertop for your remodeling project.
Best Materials at a Glance
10 Best Kitchen Countertops
- Average Cost per Square Foot: $40–$60
Granite
What We Love
Granite countertops, renowned for their luxurious aesthetic and durability, offer a wide spectrum of colors and unique mineral details, ensuring a match for various kitchen styles. While it stands as one of the costlier countertop options, its potential to last 100 years or more when well-maintained underscores its popularity and enduring appeal.
Cost Information
Granite countertops, renowned for their durability and elegance, typically range from $40 to $60 per square foot. While this investment is substantial, factors like color, origin, and installation complexity can influence the cost. Despite the expense, many homeowners find the timeless appeal and longevity of granite to be a worthwhile investment in their kitchens.
Best Cleaning Practices
Maintain your granite countertops easily by daily wiping with a microfiber cloth and water and using pH-neutral soap weekly. Avoid vinegar and blot stains immediately to prevent spreading. Regular sealing is needed; if water splashed on the surface doesn’t bead, it’s time to re-seal.
- Average Cost per Square Foot : $50–$150
Quartz
What We Love
Quartz countertops, celebrated for their durability and aesthetic versatility, offer a rich array of colors and textures, providing kitchens with a timeless and resilient surface. While they can be pricier than alternatives like granite, their stain resistance and longevity — 100 years or more — justify the investment.
Cost Information
Quartz countertops typically range from $50 to $150 per square foot, with costs influenced by factors like color, brand, and installation. Valued for their durability and design versatility, they represent a notable, yet popular, investment for homeowners seeking both practicality and style in their kitchens.
Best Cleaning Practices
Maintain your quartz countertops by regularly wiping them with a damp cloth and mild dish soap and using quartz-specific degreasers as needed. Avoid direct contact with very hot pans to prevent damage and use a cutting board to avoid scratches.
- Average Cost per Square Foot : $20–$30
Laminate
What We Love
Laminate kitchen countertops stand out as a budget-friendly option, offering the aesthetic appeal of natural materials like granite and quartz at a fraction of the cost. While it boasts heat and stain resistance without impacting home resale value, its lifespan, typically 10 to 20 years with proper care, is shorter due to its non-stone composition.
Cost Information
Laminate countertops, offering a cost-effective and visually appealing option, typically range between $20 and $30 per square foot. This affordability, paired with a variety of design options, makes laminate a popular choice for homeowners seeking a budget-friendly yet stylish countertop solution for their kitchens.
Best Cleaning Practices
Laminate countertops require minimal care, maintaining their quality with regular cleaning using mild dish soap and water, followed by thorough drying to avoid water pooling. Ensure to use a cutting board to prevent scratches and avoid placing hot pans directly on the surface.
- Average Cost per Square Foot : $40–$150
Wood and Butcher Block
What We Love
Wood and butcher block countertops, with a lifespan of 20–80 years, have gained popularity for their warm, earthy aesthetics and practical functionality in kitchens. While they offer a variety of grains and textures and serve as natural cutting boards, their susceptibility to scratches and stains, along with a need for regular resealing or oiling, are noteworthy.
Cost Information
Wood and butcher block countertops, celebrated for their warm aesthetic and functionality, typically cost between $40 and $150 per square foot. The price can vary based on the type of wood, finish, and installation complexity, making them a versatile option that caters to a range of budget and style preferences in kitchen designs.
Best Cleaning Practices
Address spills on wood countertops promptly with mild soap and occasionally vinegar, wiping it quickly. Essential maintenance includes monthly application of mineral oil, letting it sit for 30 minutes, then wiping excess, to enhance the countertop’s lifespan.
- Average Cost per Square Foot : $75–$250
Marble
What We Love
Marble countertops, with their unmatched elegance and a lifespan exceeding 100 years, offer notable resistance to heat, scratches, and stains, albeit at a premium price. While the diverse color and detail options provide various aesthetic choices, the substantial cost may encourage selective use, such as featuring it on a kitchen island.
Cost Information
Marble countertops, synonymous with luxury, typically come at a price of $75 to $250 per square foot. The cost, influenced by factors like type, thickness, and finish of the marble, reflects its opulent appeal and durability. Despite the substantial investment, marble continues to be a sought-after countertop material for its timeless elegance and unique veining.
Best Cleaning Practices
Address spills on marble countertops immediately and use a cutting board for acidic foods. Dust weekly with a dry microfiber cloth and adhere to a regular re-sealing schedule, which can be tested by water’s ability to bead on the surface; if it doesn’t, re-seal.
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- Average Cost per Square Foot: $100–$300
Stainless Steel
What We Love
Stainless steel countertops, offering a 20–25-year lifespan, infuse kitchens with a sleek, modern aesthetic while providing heat and bacteria resistance, and avoiding staining or rusting. Available in finishes like satin, brushed metal, and matte, they align with the rising trend of industrial looks in homes, though they come at a higher cost and may showcase fingerprints without regular cleaning.
Cost Information
Stainless steel countertops typically cost between $100 and $300 per square foot, with prices varying due to thickness, finish, and installation specifics. Valued for their durability and sleek appearance, they are a notable investment for modern and professional kitchen aesthetics.
Best Cleaning Practices
Clean steel countertops daily using either a mild dish soap or a specialized cleaner to maintain their luster. Additionally, cutting boards are crucial not only to safeguard against potential scratches but also to prevent burn marks, preserving the aesthetic and functionality of the surface.
- Average Cost per Square Foot : $80–$150
Concrete
What We Love
Concrete kitchen countertops, enduring up to 100 years or more, provide a durable, customizable, and economically savvy alternative to pricier materials like marble, enhancing both the aesthetic and value of modern and industrial-style homes.
Cost Information
Concrete countertops, blending versatility and industrial style, typically range from $80 to $150 per square foot. The cost, influenced by factors like finish and installation complexity, reflects its durable and customizable nature, making it a favored choice for various kitchen design approaches.
Best Cleaning Practices
Regular cleaning with pH-neutral soap is typically all properly sealed concrete countertops need to stay clean. Sealers should be applied as needed, and homeowners should keep in mind that high heat can damage these sealants. Trivets are recommended for long-term care.
- Average Cost per Square Foot : $50–$100
Soapstone
What We Love
With a lifespan of 20–80 years, soapstone countertops offer a smooth, dark, and naturally elegant alternative at a more affordable price point than other natural stones like granite or marble. While it excels in resisting moisture, heat, stains, and bacteria, its softer nature makes it more prone to scratches and chips compared to its harder counterparts.
Cost Information
Soapstone countertops generally cost between $50 and $100 per square foot, with variations in price due to factors like quality and installation complexity. Known for their smooth texture and durability, soapstone countertops offer a unique, subtle aesthetic and reliable functionality in kitchen spaces.
Best Cleaning Practices
Soapstone countertops require simple daily cleaning with a soapy sponge and initial frequent applications of mineral oil — weekly for the first few months, then monthly or bi-monthly thereafter. Simply spread the oil evenly and wipe with a dry cloth, leveraging its non-porous nature for easy maintenance.
- Average Cost per Square Foot : $2–$150
Ceramic Tile
What We Love
Tile kitchen countertops, experiencing a resurgence from their peak popularity in the ‘70s and ‘80s, offer a durable option with a lifespan up to 100 years and a nod to DIY enthusiasts. With a myriad of tile types available, they provide ample design flexibility. However, it’s vital to note that tiles can stain and chip, and grout may harbor bacteria without regular cleaning.
Cost Information
Ceramic tile countertops vary significantly in price, from $2 to $150 per square foot, depending on tile quality and installation complexity. Their durability and extensive design options make them a flexible choice for diverse kitchen styles and budgets.
Best Cleaning Practices
Tile countertops should be cleaned immediately after use or after a spill to prevent staining. Homeowners should take special care to regularly clean grout lines with soapy water and thoroughly dry using a clean rag.
- Average Cost per Square Foot : $75–$100
Solid Surface
What We Love
Solid surface kitchen countertops, with a lifespan of 10–30 years, meld acrylics and resins to create a mid-tier, non-porous option that resists stains and bacteria. While they boast low maintenance and easy restorability, allowing for sanding down scratches as needed, it’s crucial to note their susceptibility to heat damage.
Cost Information
Solid surface countertops typically cost between $75 and $100 per square foot, influenced by factors like color, pattern, and installation. Appreciated for their seamless appearance and easy maintenance, they provide a uniformly stylish and practical countertop option for kitchens.
Best Cleaning Practices
A damp microfiber cloth and occasional mild dish soap should be enough to keep your solid surface countertops clean. Homeowners will also want to use cutting boards and trivets to protect the countertops from scratches and burn marks.
