7 Countertop Types (Pros and Cons)

What’s the best type of countertop? To homeowners looking to update their kitchen or bathroom, this is a mountain of a question. There are many different materials you can choose from, each with their own upsides, downsides, and costs. To figure out which one makes the most sense for your home, you need to take a look at each option. In this post, we’ll break down 7 countertop types, list their pros and cons, and share just how much you can expect to spend on each one.

7 Countertop Types, Pros and Cons, and Prices

1. Concrete

Some people are surprised to learn about concrete countertops. They’re used to concrete in their foundation or sidewalk, but in their kitchen or bathroom? While it may sound strange at first, concrete countertops are becoming increasingly popular. These surfaces are eye-catching and incredibly customizable, but are very difficult to install properly.

Pros

Low maintenance
Eco-friendly; renewable resource
Highly versatile
Durable
Design options — various thicknesses, colors, textures, and finishes are possible

Cons

Can’t cut on it directly.
Heavy! If you have old built-ins, your house or cabinets may not support it.
Difficult to move
Very few qualified fabricators
Costly!

Cost range: $110 – $140+/sf

2. Granite

Granite is a natural stone made from interlocking minerals like quartz and feldspar. It is taken from a quarry, cut into thin slabs, polished, and fabricated into a countertop. Granite aficionados love its natural and unique look, but others fear it isn’t practical or durable.

Pros

Don’t depreciate
Unique look – one of a kind!
Sanitary – bacterial contamination is not a problem
Soap and water cleanup
Can take the heat of a hot pan

Cons

Non-uniform look
Costly and labor-intensive install
Can crack or chip with sharp impact
Heavy tops may require additional structural support
Not easily removed once installed

Cost range: $50-$110+/sf

3. Quartz

Unlike granite, quartz countertops are engineered in a factory. They are created from ground quartz and combined with resins and pigments into a material that mimics natural stone. Quartz countertops are designed to be durable, yet more flexible than granite.

Pros

Wide range of colors
Consistent color and patterning (what you see is what you get)
Durable like concrete and granite but won’t chip as easily
Resists staining
Non-porous (Won’t harbor bacteria)

Cons

Quartz countertops are a manufactured product so they are not unique to your home
Thinner profile than most countertops
Not as natural looking as real stone
Heat sensitive (No hot pans or curling irons!)

Cost range: $85 – $120+/sf

4. Marble

Marble countertops add a bit of luxury to your kitchen or bathroom. They are made from a glimmering natural stone (the name “marble” means “shining stone”) that varies widely in color and veining.

Pros

Absolutely beautiful coloring
Cost-effective with the range of choices
Heat resistant – but still must use caution
Unique – your counters are like no other!

Cons

Porous (Will harbor bacteria if not cleaned and sanitized properly)
High maintenance and needs to be sealed professionally
Can stain and discolor with foods and chemicals
Soft (Scratchable)

Cost range: $60-$120+/sf

5. Solid Surface (Like Corian)

Solid surface countertops were first introduced in the 60’s with the creation of Corian, a surface designed to be non-porous and homogenous. That first brand was so popular, it’s often used to refer to all solid surface products (like Kleenex can be shorthand for all tissues). That’s not to say they’re perfect. This fully synthetic countertop type has its own list of pros and cons.

Pros

Midrange pricing
Huge selection
Can imitate natural stone and other materials
Can be resurfaced and patched/repaired at home
Low porosity (Easy to sanitize and chemical resistant)
Can be bent, molded, and curved

Cons

Can be scratched, cracked, and chipped
Heat sensitive (Heat can deform the surface)
Patterning is usually limited to particulate or solid colors and may require a lot of working to get more extreme designs

Cost range: $50-$110+/sf

6. Laminate

Laminate is the most budget friendly countertop type. These countertops are made from layers of plastic and are therefore lightweight. No one would suggest they can replace natural stone or even quartz, but laminate countertops have improved over the years and are available in a wide variety of designs.

Pros

Inexpensive
Millions of choices
Textures available
Custom thickness
Can be installed in place and even over existing tops
Low maintenance
Can be installed without professional help

Cons

Less durable than other tops (Can chip and crack)
Seams are difficult to hide completely
Shorter lifespan
Water intrusion can ruin the entire counter

Cost range: $8-$50+/sf

7. Butcher Block

Unlike the other countertop types we’ve listed so far, butcher block countertops are made of wood. Homeowners have their pick of wood and wood grain, each with their own color and pattern. Generally they give a kitchen a warm, country tone. This option is cost-efficient but higher maintenance and less durable than other types.

Pros

Very customizable
Can be resurfaced in place by the homeowner
Cost-effective with the right selection and care
Can be installed without professional help

Cons

Easy to scratch
Very sensitive to chemicals and water
High maintenance
Can harbor bacteria

Cost range: $35-$250+/sf

Make Your Countertops Part of a Remodel

So far we’ve listed 7 countertop types and their pros and cons. But before you place any orders, consider making your countertops part of a larger remodel. This ensures that your kitchen or bathroom has a consistent flow and style. You’ll have more options when considering layout and can enjoy a completely new room. Otherwise one new feature can make others look even more outdated.

If you want help figuring out what countertop type is right for you, or want to see how a larger remodel can make the most of your new countertops, give us a call at VADA Contracting. We’ll help you love your space again.