Types of Countertops

The best countertop to put in your home all boils down to style, durability, and your personal needs. Some countertops require more maintenance while others really have no maintenance needs.

The goal of this page is to educate you on the various types of countertops available for your home, office, or even commercial projects.

It is wise to educate yourself on the various countertops you can use for your project.

Types Of Countertops – Every Option Available

There are so many types of countertops to choose from. It may be hard to make a decision at first but continue reading about each option to narrow down the choices and you will thank yourself later. Click on the type of countertop you have an interest in and read even more about the different types of countertops.

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Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are found in kitchens and bathrooms around the world. This natural stone is available in a variety of colors. The different minerals found in granite give granite a unique color. In fact, no two slabs of granite are the same. Granite is resilient to stains, scratches, and heat when sealed. If an item is accidentally dropped on the granite countertop, it can chip or crack. The average cost, including installation, is between $30 and $100 depending on the rarity of the granite, the intricacy of your kitchen design, and the width and thickness of the granite.

Types of Countertops - Mont Blanc Marble Countertop

Marble Countertops

Marble countertops can increase the elegance of any space. The characteristic veining found in marble works perfectly in both traditional and contemporary kitchens. Many homeowners are afraid to install marble countertops due to the porosity and softness of this stone; however, when marble is sealed, stains and etching can be minimized. Marble is naturally cool, which means it is an excellent surface in the kitchen for those who enjoy working with pastry. The cost of marble countertops can vary greatly, depending on the type of marble chosen. The average price of marble countertops, including installation, is $60 per square foot.

Types of Countertops - Soapstone Countertop Gray

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone countertops are beautiful and this natural stone great in the kitchen and bathroom. Soapstone is a soft material; however, due to its density, it can withstand the demands of an active kitchen. Soapstone is available in gray, blue-gray, and green-gray colors. Soapstone countertops are durable and nonporous once they are properly sealed. You must seal your soapstone counters with mineral oil or wax to develop the patina that deepens the color of the soapstone. The price of soapstone counters ranges from $70 per square foot to $120 per square foot, not including installation costs.

Wood Countertops

Wood Countertops offer extremely unique veining and several options on how the wood is joined together to form your countertop. These options include end grain, face grain, and edge grain. Wood countertops can be made of any type of wood and the more exotic the wood you use the better your countertop will look. Wood countertops are easy to maintain but do require more maintenance than most other countertops require.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are made by crushing quartz and other natural stone materials and combining it with polymers for an extremely durable and nonporous countertop. Quartz countertops are not heatproof; therefore, they must be protected from excess heat from pots and pans and electrical appliances. Because this countertop is engineered, there is an almost limitless number of colors, textures, and patterns available. Quartz countertops are quite affordable and allow you to improve the aesthetics of a home without spending a fortune. Quartz is stain proof and requires minimal maintenance. To keep your countertops clean, wipe them down using a quartz cleaner or wipe them down using a mild detergent and water.

Quartzite Countertops

Quartzite countertops are great for kitchens and bathrooms. This is one of the hardest and most durable natural stones available. Quartzite is often confused with quartz but quartzite is actually more durable and harder than quartz. Quartz is man-made and quartzite is a natural stone.

Reclaimed Wood Countertops

Reclaimed wood countertops in the kitchen and bath add warmth to rooms that can often feel cold and sterile. Reclaimed wood countertops will provide you with years of use. Reclaimed wood gives your home character thanks to the imperfections and patina that develops as wood ages. There is a limited supply of reclaimed wood, and the labor involved in turning wood into countertops makes reclaimed wood countertops expensive. The wood must be sealed every three to five years to prevent stains and bacteria from entering the wood. Hot pots and pans should not be placed directly on the wood countertops; therefore, trivets should always be used.

Laminate Countertops

Are you looking for an affordable countertop option? Look no further than laminate countertops with prices ranging as low as $25 per square foot. Laminate counters come in a wide range of colors to fit any home décor. Laminate countertops can mimic stone countertops; however, they are not as durable. Laminate countertops are coated with a permanent sealant, making the countertops stain resistant. Unfortunately, heat or sharp knives can damage the sealant. When a laminate countertop becomes damaged, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced. Fortunately, with the low price point and ease of installation, homeowners can replace their laminate countertops as needed.

Epoxy Countertops

Epoxy can be used to restore beauty to older countertops. Epoxy countertops are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and heat resistant. Epoxy can be installed over MDF, wood, laminate, tile, marble, granite, or concrete countertops to create beautiful new countertops. You can add pigments and colored dyes to create a fully customized countertop. Epoxy countertops do it yourself products and can be used to create faux finishes that mimic natural stone countertops. Epoxy is one of the least expensive countertop products on the market. Once cured, epoxy countertops are brilliant and reflect light as well as high-end natural stone and man-made countertops.

Stainless Steel Countertops

Professional kitchens around the world choose stainless steel for their countertops. Stainless steel countertops are nonporous, making them both stain-resistant and resistant to bacteria. The stainless steel can hold up to the demands of a kitchen. You can set hot pots and pans directly on the stainless steel countertop. Unfortunately, stainless steel can get dented or scratched up. They also show fingerprints, so you will need to wipe them down often. Stainless steel countertops provide an industrial feel and will last a lifetime. The average cost of a stainless steel countertop is $100 per square foot.

Travertine Countertops

Travertine countertops are long-lasting and very durable. Travertine countertops are elegant thanks to the unique veining and ability to reflect light. Travertine is easy to install and can be cut to any shape needed. The price of travertine costs less than other countertop options ranging from $5 to $30 per square foot. This eco-friendly countertop must be sealed every two or three years to minimize the risk of staining. Travertine is not heat resistant, so trivets or cooking racks must be used. Once the travertine countertops have been sealed, they can be cleaned using a mild detergent and water.

Onyx Countertops

Are you looking for a unique countertop for your kitchen or bathroom? Look no further than onyx countertops. Onyx countertops are available in a variety of colors, including red, black, white, brown, and green. Onyx is a soft stone; therefore, it requires constant care to remain beautiful and free of damage. Onyx is susceptible to etching and must be sealed and cleaned often. Onyx countertops are one of the pricier countertops on the market, with prices ranging from $40 per square foot to $250 per square foot; however, they are some of the most beautiful countertops on the market…

Concrete Countertops

Concrete countertops can be stained or pigmented to match your home. These countertops are poured on sight, which means you can have almost any shape imaginable made. Concrete countertops can be created to mimic natural stone countertops, including granite, marble, and soapstone. This extremely durable countertop can handle everything you throw at it, including heat. Concrete will not scratch like other countertop materials. The average cost for concrete countertops is $100 per square foot; however, prices can be lower or higher based on your kitchen design. Concrete is porous; therefore, it must be sealed every two to three years to create a moisture-resistant barrier.

Recycled Glass Countertops

Recycled glass countertops are environmentally friendly. They are created using recycled glass for a unique, customizable look. Recycled glass countertops are created by combining glass chips with resin. The translucence glass captivates homeowners and their guests. Patterns can be created using different types of recycled glass. You can clean your recycled glass with a pH-neutral cleaner or mild soap and water. Recycled glass counters will last a lifetime; however, they are quite expensive, with prices ranges from $50 per square foot to $80 per square foot, plus the cost of installation. The countertop must be sealed to reduce the risk of staining.

Solid Surface kitchen island overlooking the living room

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are man-made and mimic the appearance of stone countertops. However, unlike natural stone countertops, solid surface counters can be almost any pattern or color imaginable. Solid surface countertops were made to resist etching, cracking, chipping, burning, or staining. Solid surface countertops do not need to be sealed. Furthermore, due to the chemical makeup of this countertop, scratches can easily be sanded out to keep your counters looking fantastic for years to come. Homeowners can expect to spend around $75 per square foot on installed solid surface countertops.

Tile Countertops

Tile countertops are the perfect choice for homeowners who want to update their kitchen on a budget. Tile is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, allowing you to create beautiful designs and mosaics in your kitchen or bath areas. Tile is heat resistant, which means you can place hot pots and pans on your counters without worrying about damage. The grout used between the tiles can stain if it is not sealed. Furthermore, tiles can chip if something is dropped on the countertop; however, the broken tile can be replaced without needing to replace the entire tile countertop.

Lava Countertops

Are you looking for a durable countertop that is unique? Look no further than lava countertops. Lava countertops are heat resistant and are easy to take care of. A glaze is applied to the lava for a nonporous finish that is impervious to liquids. These countertops resist cracking, staining, chipping, and etching. Lava countertops look amazing in any kitchen; however, it comes with a price. The cost of lava countertops ranges from $250 per square foot to $300 per square foot. Lava countertops will bring you and your family years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance.

Dekton Countertops

Dekton countertops are manufactured using a blend of quartz, glass, and porcelain that is placed under high temperatures and high pressure. The scratch-resistant properties of Dekton will keep your countertops looking great for years to come. Dekton is the only stain proof countertop on the market. The material contains no resins. Dekton is fire and heat resistant and cannot crack, burn or scorch even when it is exposed to extremely high temperatures. With numerous colors available, you can find a countertop to match your home’s unique color profile. Dekton is priced at $75 to $100 per square foot.

Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain countertops are designed to last. These beautiful porcelain slabs are engineered to provide you with a maintenance-free countertop. Unlike other countertops that can crack or stain, porcelain countertops are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and etch-resistant, making them a great choice in high use areas of the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms. No special cleaning formulas are needed, and the countertop never needs to be sealed. Porcelain slab countertops range in price from $60 per square foot to $100 per square foot.

Gemstone Countertops

Gemstone countertops are designed to last. These beautiful porcelain slabs are engineered to provide you with a maintenance-free countertop. Unlike other countertops that can crack or stain, porcelain countertops are scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and etch-resistant, making them a great choice in high use areas of the home, such as kitchens and bathrooms. No special cleaning formulas are needed, and the countertop never needs to be sealed. Porcelain slab countertops range in price from $60 per square foot to $100 per square foot.

Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher Block Countertops are found in kitchens around the world because of their affordability and strength. Butcher block is easy to clean. If scratches develop, the countertop can be sanded to remove imperfections. Cutting boards should be used to prevent scratches. Butcher block countertops can easily be installed by the average homeowner. If a stain occurs, it can be removed using bleach, lemon juice, or baking soda. You can clean and disinfect these countertops with white vinegar. Spray the countertop and allow the vinegar to sit for five minutes before wiping clean using a damp cloth. Finally, the butcher block must be stained regularly to reduce the porosity of the wood.

Resin Countertops

Resin countertops in the kitchen and bathroom offer both durability and beauty. These solid surface countertops are available in any length and multiple color combinations. Resin countertops are impact-resistant, stain-resistant, heat resistant, scratch-resistant, and UV resistant. They can withstand most types of acids and clean up quickly using any ordinary household cleaner. The cost of resin countertops ranges from $50 per square foot to $125 per square foot.

Slate Countertops

Are you looking for a countertop that is durable, easy to clean, and nonporous? Take a look at slate countertops. Slate countertops are available in a variety of colors, including black, gray, brown, charcoal, pewter, and more. Slate is stain resistant and can withstand hot pots and pans. The average cost of slate countertops is $50 per square foot, not including installation charges.