One of the most important factors in designing your new kitchen, whether it is new construction or during a remodel, is the countertops. There are dozens of materials to choose from in hundreds of colors and other design options. The right material for your kitchen will depend on your personal style, along with the material that will best suit your culinary needs and budget. Here are the top 11 countertop materials, with pros and cons for each.

Granite

One of the most desirable materials for kitchen countertops available is granite. For the last few decades, granite has been one of the most popular choices in countertops in both new and remodeled kitchens.

Pros: Naturally beautiful and very durable, granite adds a touch of class to any kitchen. Colors and patterns vary in each slab, making every countertop unique, adding value to your home.

Cons: Due to the porous nature of natural stone, granite must to sealed to resist staining. Also, due to the heavy weight, it requires sturdy cabinetry for support.

Solid Surfacing

Solid surfacing made from acrylic and polyester for countertops is often referred generically to as Corian, which is a popular brand name. This man-made product is made by many manufacturers, including Corian.

Pros: Solid surfacing or Corian is very popular for kitchen countertops due to its easy maintenance and stain resistance, plus it comes in a wide variety of design choices. The man-made material is non-porous, resisting stains without sealing. It is also easy to clean, without any seams or cracks that can trap debris.

Cons: Although man-made, solid surfacing is not necessarily less expensive, rivaling natural stone in price. It also is susceptible to burning, melting and scratches, all that are common issues in a kitchen environment.

Quartz Surfacing

Engineered stone or quartz offers the beauty natural stone with the easy maintenance of solid surfacing for countertops. Made with quartz and resin, quartz surfacing is an excellent choice for counters with a wide variety of color and patterns.

Pros: Like solid surfacing, quartz surfacing does not sealing and resists staining, making it easy to clean and maintain. It also rivals natural stones beauty, with a larger choice of colors.

Marble

There is nothing quite like marble when it comes to adding a touch of class to your home and kitchen. With beautifully occurring vein patterns and a polished shine, marble countertops are the epitome of luxury.

Pros: First and foremost, marble is elegant, adding value to any home.  It  also makes a wonderful counter surface for resisting heat, while providing a consistent cool surface that is excellent for preparing pastries and other bakery items.

Cons. Marble, like most natural stone, is porous; even with sealing, marble can still be easily stained by certain foods and substances.  It is best used as an accent countertop instead of throughout the entire kitchen. 

Tile

For variety and value, ceramic and porcelain tiles are an excellent choice for both modern and traditional kitchen designs, especially for homeowner's on a budget.

Pros: Tile comes in unlimited design options while offering resistance to both staining and scratching. Plus, if a tile does chip or break, it can easily be replaced at little cost.

Cons: Tile provides an uneven surface, not conducive to certain culinary tasks. In addition, the grout between the tiles can be an issue. It can become stained and promote bacteria growth when not properly sealed. 

Laminate

Laminate may not be elegant like natural stone, yet it still has merits as a countertop material. This combination of paper, resin and particle board is an affordable option, with hundreds of designs and colors to choose from.

Pros: For homeowners on a budget, laminate can create countertops that look like natural stone, wood or tile at a fraction of the cost. It is easy to clean, maintain and is lightweight, great for lightweight cabinet structures.

Soapstone

Although not as sought after as granite or marble, soapstone is becoming more popular for kitchen countertops. The soft, subtle color and simple patterns is perfect to offset elaborate cabinets and fixtures.

Pros: The soft, neutral coloring of soapstone is perfect for classic or traditional kitchens, or those who are aiming for a minimalistic style. The color is light gray, darkening over time as it ages.

Cons: Soapstone requires maintenance to protect the surface, usually needing polishing with oil to keep its natural beauty and to prevent cracking. Although it is stone, it is not as resistance to scratches and chips as other types of natural stones like granite or marble. 

Stainless Steel

For a fully functional, professional kitchen, stainless steel countertops offer durability, easy maintenance and a clean, custom style.

Pros: Stainless steel counters are used in restaurants and professional kitchens for good reason; they are sanitary, easy to clean and can withstand heavy use for many years. In a residential setting, they offer the same attributes and a modern, contemporary look.

Cons: Beyond the lack of elegance, stainless is difficult to keep free of smudges and fingerprints as a counter surface. It is susceptible to dents and is expensive to install and repair.

Concrete

For a modern, sleek style, concrete countertops are a unique and intriguing choice. With various options in colors and design, concrete can lend an artistic flare to a simple or odd shaped kitchen space.

Pros: The versatility of concrete is what has brought it from the floor to the countertops. It can be molded, colored, stamped or inlayed with materials, making it excellent for the imaginative kitchen designer.

Cons: Concrete does not handle heat as efficiently as some other counter materials; it is also very porous and will need to be sealed to resist staining. The weight and expense of custom design of concrete also can deter some people from using it in their kitchen.

Butcher Block

The classic look of butch block for kitchen counters is still very popular, especially in traditional or country-styled homes.

Pros: Butcher block made with warm, cozy wood is a natural fit in a kitchen. Although it will scratch from knives, this can add charm or the cuts can easily be sanded out.

Cons: The main issue with butcher block is the wood it is made from. Wood can swell with moisture, collect bacteria and be difficult to disinfect. The surface needs regular oiling for protection from the elements.

Paper Composite

Fused paper and resin create a green, durable material that is becoming a popular choice for kitchen countertops.

Pros: Similar to solid surfacing or laminate, paper composite counters are lightweight and easy to maintain. The surface is resistant to heat and staining, even withstanding moisture.

Cons: Some chemicals can damage the surface of paper composite, plus it does show scratches that may need to be sanded out periodically. In addition, it is more expensive than many other similar surfaces for counters.