Best Kitchen Countertops: Types & Styles To Consider

Key Takeaways

Popularity of Countertops: Countertops are a central focus during home renovations, featured in 89% of projects, but they also represent one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel.
Top Material Options: Homeowners can choose from a variety of styles, including Quartz, Granite, Stainless Steel, Marble, Butcher Block, Laminate, Soapstone, and Concrete.
Maintenance and Durability Trade-offs: Engineered materials like Quartz offer low maintenance without needing seals, while natural woods like Butcher Block require regular oiling every six months, and Concrete requires periodic sealing to avoid cracks.
Aesthetic Alignment: Selection depends heavily on your design theme—such as Stainless Steel for modern/industrial kitchens or Soapstone for rustic or country aesthetics.

Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting project but also comes with a lot of decisions on what parts of the kitchen to focus on. Countertops are a favorite during renovations because of how they define and set the tone for a kitchen design. In a recent kitchen renovation study, countertops were the number one renovations made, included in 89% of the projects.

Besides being one of the most standout features of the kitchen, countertops are also one of the most expensive parts of a kitchen remodel. This is why choosing the right kind of countertop can feel like such a big decision.

At Builder Boy, we are a licensed general contractor and full-service home remodeling company. We work with our residential customers to help them choose the perfect countertops that matches their aesthetic, budget, and lifestyle.

When deciding on a countertop style, we recommend starting by learning about all of the best options that are available. After, you can begin to narrow down the choices to the one that is best for your kitchen.

What Are The Best Kitchen Countertop Styles?

Here is a list of the most popular kitchen countertop styles (in no particular order):

Quartz
Granite
Stainless Steel
Marble
Butcher Block
Laminate
Soapstone
Concrete

Quartz

Quartz countertops, sometimes called quartzite or engineered stone, is one of the most popular countertop options and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles because it is not natural stone. This also makes it easy to maintain as it doesn’t need to be sealed. Quartz is a versatile, durable material that is very design friendly.

The drawback to using quartz is that it is one of the more expensive countertop options and is not suitable for every project budget.

Granite

Granite is another very popular countertop choice especially in higher end homes. It has an elegant visual appeal while it’s durability allows it to resist normal wear and tear. It is heat, scratch, and stain resistant.

While granite is still a relatively common countertop design, it is losing some popularity to Quartz. The look of granite can even seem dated, especially in darker colors, as it’s not as popular as it was a decade ago. When choosing to install granite, lean towards a lighter and brighter color.

Stainless Steel

If you’re designing a modern kitchen and looking for a sleek finish, consider using stainless steel countertops. This stain and heat resistant material is durable and easy to clean. However, stainless steel does not blend well in all types of kitchens. Consider the aesthetic you’re going for. A stainless steel counter is best for a modern and industrial vibe and will look out of place in a traditional style kitchen.

Marble

When creating an elegant, luxurious atmosphere for your kitchen, look no further than marble counters. Available in several different colors, this high-end look can increase property value when you go to sell your home. However, it’s also one of the more expensive countertop materials.

Butcher Block

Butcher block is a countertop made from pieces of wood glued together into thick slabs. It can be made from any type of wood, although Maple is a popular choice it’s hard and has a clear grain.

This counter material is an attractive counter solution that’s great for those who cook a lot and are looking for a sturdy and stable work surface. However, it does come with the maintenance that using wood brings. The wood needs to be oiled every 6 months for protection. Wood is susceptible to dry rot and discoloration if it gets excessively wet and is unprotected.

Laminate

This nonporous acrylic material is the most budget friendly countertop type in this list. It comes in seemingly endless colors and styles, making it adaptable to virtually any type of design.

While it’s not as expensive as others on this list, it’s also not as durable. Laminate can start to peel and chip overtime.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a stone material with durability that helps it avoid scratches and chipping while also being easy to clean. The stone has a natural charm. Unlike granite or marble that give off a more elegant look, soapstone has a rustic appearance that is perfect in a country or modern kitchen.

Concrete

Concrete countertops have a bold appearance that is perfect for industrial designs. It can be dyed any color or inlaid with other materials so create a unique pattern beneath its surface. It can even be shaped to make the kitchen more functional, such as including a slope to hold kitchen tools like a cutting board in place.

However, concrete is not for those who are looking for an easy to maintain counter. Concrete needs to be sealed, up to as often as every year depending on the type of sealant you choose. They are also not the most durable and can develop hairline cracks.

Choose The Right Kitchen Countertop When You Remodel

An attractive countertop can become the showpiece of your kitchen that enhances the overall aesthetic and pulls the look together. Consider the choices on this list when deciding which countertop is right for you.

When you decide on a countertop material, find a quality contractor like Builder Boy that will go above and beyond to make sure the outcome of your kitchen is everything you dreamed it would be. Take the first step to starting your project by requesting a free estimate today.

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At Builder Boy, we are committed to offering viable building and remodeling solutions to homeowners and business owners alike. We are bringing beauty, form, and function back into every home, office, and building we rebuild, retouch, and restore. Our team of experts are dedicated to their craft and will work relentlessly to turn your dream into a reality. Diligent planning, expert opinions, clear-cut organization, honest communication, quality materials and quality craftsmanship are keys to our business success. We assure the swift and solid construction of any project. With every improvement project we accept, we aim to work with our clients to build a better home or business that will not only add beauty to the community but will boost the value of the property and quality of life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Which kitchen countertop material is the most budget-friendly?

Laminate is a nonporous acrylic option that offers the lowest price point on the list and comes in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Do quartz countertops require sealing?

No, Quartz does not need to be sealed, making it easier to maintain compared to natural stones.

Is granite still considered a trendy choice?

While Granite remains a popular, durable choice for high-end homes, it is steadily losing ground to quartz, and darker colors can sometimes look dated compared to lighter, brighter alternatives.

How often does butcher block need to be maintained?

Butcher Block needs to be oiled every six months to protect the wood from dry rot and discoloration caused by excessive moisture.

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