Pros and Cons of 9 Kitchen Countertop Types

No doubt, renovating your kitchen can be one of the most exciting, complicated, and rewarding home projects you can undertake. After all, don’t they say that the kitchen is the heart of the home?

There are so many things to consider – floors, cabinets, backsplashes, colors…But what of the kitchen countertop?

There are so many options available these days – what’s the right choice for your household size, your activities, and your lifestyle? Here are the top kitchen countertop types and their pros and cons.

We’re going to give the cons first, the pros next.

Granite Kitchen Countertops

Granite kitchen countertops might not be the be all and end all in counter options these days, but they are still very popular. They are durable and beautiful.

Here are the pros and cons of granite kitchen countertops:

Granite Counter Cons

They are difficult to remove, so they should be a long-term commitment.
Granite is heavy, which makes it labor-intensive – it might require more support than your cabinets offer right now
They aren’t cheap
Granite is porous, so it can stain, despite the hype

Granite Counter Pros

People still really like granite countertops, so it adds value to any home where it’s installed
It’s heat resistant, so you can take dishes right out of the oven or off the stove and forego a trivet
Granite is easy to maintain
It comes in a myriad of colors and designs
Granite contains no dangerous chemicals
Granite is beautiful!

Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops

A classic kitchen countertop option, butcher block counters are making a comeback. They’re available in lots of materials and finishes, and they make a kitchen look cozy and comfortable.

Here’s the skinny on the pros and cons of these types of kitchen countertops:

Butcher Block Counter Cons

It can get stained easily
It’s porous, so you must keep it clean to avoid bacteria
It can crack and chip if you don’t condition it with the proper solutions
Butcher block countertops can look dated in certain kitchens
They aren’t heat resistant

Butcher Block Counter Pros

In the right kitchen, they look warm and cozy
Butcher blocks can be environmentally friendly, if you use salvaged or reclaimed wood
You can sand off and reseal to get rid of marks
They’re a built-in cutting board!

Bamboo Kitchen Countertops

Bamboo countertops have been popular in recent years. Bamboo counters are very pretty and very affordable.

Here are some of the pros and cons of bamboo kitchen countertops. You CAN make butcher block out of bamboo, but it’s a little more delicate.

Bamboo Counter Cons

They stain easily
Bamboo kitchen countertops require regular maintenance
They create a certain feel, but most people want butcher block out of sturdier wood
Bamboo counters are surprisingly expensive – there are different levels of quality

Bamboo Counter Pros

Bamboo doesn’t dull knives
These types of kitchen countertops are affordable
They’re “green” if they’re reclaimed bamboo

Concrete Kitchen Countertops

For an edgy, modern look, many homeowners are turning to poured concrete countertops. Most concrete kitchen countertops have pigment added to them to make them look a little less like a parking garage.

Then, they’re sealed to make them heat and stain resistant, and nonporous. Here are your concrete countertops pros and cons…

Concrete Counter Cons

Since concrete is naturally porous, countertops need regular sealing and maintenance
Concrete counters are expensive
They’re not for everyone
The concrete may chip or crack
Counter counters take a long time to dry

Concrete Counter Pros

When sealed properly, they are stain and heat resistant
They’ve got character
Highly customizable

Marble Kitchen Countertops

A classic kitchen countertop option, marble is still considered a luxurious material, and can be difficult to maintain.

Many people opt for marble countertops to give a high-end feel to their kitchens. Here are your marble counter pros and cons…

Marble Counter Cons

Scratches and stains easily, even with regular sealing
Expensive
Heavy

Marble Counter Pros

Marble comes in a variety of colors, giving a custom feel to the kitchen
Heat-resistant
Beautiful
Adds value to a home
Provides a great surface for certain types of cooking – namely baking and candy making

Quartz Kitchen Countertops

Quartz kitchen countertops are also called engineered stone countertops because quartz isn’t actually a natural stone countertop type.

These countertops are a composite, made of quartz crystals held together by a binder, usually resin. They look just like stone countertops, but they are very durable and popular.

Quartz counters also have their share of pros and cons…

Quartz Counter Cons

Pretty expensive
Long-term sun exposure can degrade the appearance
Too much heat can damage quartz countertops

Quartz Counter Pros

Highly customizable
Easy to clean
Acid-resistant and mostly heat resistant
Nonporous
Sturdy – doesn’t chip or crack easily

Laminate Kitchen Countertops

Laminate kitchen countertops are at the lower end of the spectrum, but they are affordable and a great option if you want to do the work yourself.

Formica is a form of laminate countertop. And, you guessed, there are pros and cons to a laminate kitchen countertop…

Laminate Counter Cons

Doesn’t elevate the value of a home
Not heat resistant
You can see the seams
It isn’t possible to repair damage
They scratch easily

Laminate Counter Pros

Very affordable
No need to seal laminate countertops
They’re light and easy to maneuver
They come in a variety of colors

Corian® Kitchen Countertops

Corian®, or solid surface countertops were invented by DuPont in the 60’s. These types of countertops are made from a blend of acrylic and polyester.

These types of kitchen countertops were all the rage several years ago, and plenty of people still like them. Corian® has its fair share of pros and cons…

Corian® Counter Cons

Not heat resistant
Can scratch and dent
Must go through a licensed dealer
Light colors can stain

Corian® Counter Pros

Very nice looking
Easy to clean
Able to be repaired
Come in a wide range of colors and patterns than any other kitchen cabinet material
Not very expensive
No sealing required

As you see, you have all sorts of options for your kitchen countertops. There are other materials, which we will cover in another post.

If you want to talk to us about custom kitchen countertops, contact us today!