Countertops are essential in your kitchen and are often the space’s focal point. They need to be durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Many countertop choices exist, from granite slab to concrete to ceramic tile. This guide will help you choose the right one for your home.

Granite

Granite kitchen countertops are a high-end option that will increase the value of your home when it’s time to sell. This natural stone is highly durable and can withstand heat, scratches, and stains. Look for granite with various undertones, such as browns and tans, to complement your cabinetry.

When selecting a paint color, match it to the granite’s lightest hue to eliminate undesired undertones. If you have kids or pets, granite is an intelligent choice as it stands up to heat and scratching. It’s also a great surface to work on when cooking because it resists burns and smudges.

Marble

Marble countertops have always had severe cachet, but other materials are now stealing the spotlight in kitchens nationwide. But this natural material is still well-known for those who want to upgrade their homes to something more elegant and luxurious.

Marble is naturally resistant to bacteria and other pathogens, making it a hygienic and durable option for kitchen countertops. It also resists stains and scratches better than most other countertop surfaces, meaning you won’t have to worry about unsightly blemishes.

Marble is available in various colors and patterns, ensuring you can find the perfect countertop for your home. Choose a white marble-like Thassos Vein Cut to create a clean and sophisticated ambiance or a dark marble like Veria Green to create an elegant, rich aesthetic.

Laminate

The resilient synthetic material known as laminate is available in various colors and patterns to complement any style. Specialty retailers and home centers offer a vast selection, including designs that mimic the look of granite, quartz, and marble. Laminate countertops are easy to maintain and hygienic, and they can be used in almost any room of the house, including the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, wet bar, or craft area.

They’re also relatively affordable, making them a good choice for budget-conscious shoppers and renters. Decorative edge treatments hide the seams between laminate pieces to create a clean, modern look.

Soapstone

Unlike other natural materials, soapstone is nonporous and resists the growth of bacteria. It makes it ideal for kitchens that serve food. Because of this, you won’t need to sanitize your counters as often as you would with other types of stone.

However, the talc-based material is soft and can show knife marks or scratches, especially when it’s oily. It may be a turnoff for some homeowners. Lighten up dark countertops by incorporating stainless steel appliances and white cabinetry into your kitchen design. Alternatively, consider installing a waterfall edge on your soapstone to make it feel less stark. It creates a sleek look that will brighten your room.

Solid-Surface Material

Solid-surface products have a smooth, nonporous surface that prevents bacteria, mold, and mildew growth. That makes them ideal for locations like hospitals, doctors’ offices, and schools where cleanliness is essential to help avoid healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Solid surface countertops can be molded into shapes to create seamless counters without visible seams.

These products are manufactured with a blend of minerals and binding resins, including aluminum trihydrate (ATH). They can be mixed with pigments to offer limitless styles and colors. While durable, this countertop is not tolerant to heat and can discolor or scorch when exposed to hot pans or chemicals such as nail polish remover or paint thinner. It also scratches more easily than natural stone and can be marred by deep nicks that may not sand out.

Corian

Corian offers a broad range of options that can fit most kitchen styles. This durable, synthetic material can be thermoformed to take on almost any shape and has inconspicuous seams, resulting in a sleek appearance. It can even be shaped to include integrated sinks and backsplashes. Warm, soapy water or store-bought cleaners can clean nonporous, hygienic Corian countertops.

The surface resists stains, scratches, mildew, and bacteria. The counters are constructed of sheets joined together with a two-part adhesive. After the glue dries, the sheets are sanded using different grits to smooth the surface. It is a very time-consuming and labor-intensive process.