Kitchen

Kitchen Countertops: Best Materials and Prices

Published on September 24, 2019
Revised on September 12, 2024
10 min read

Andrew Collins

360° Verification Coordinator | RenoAssistance

Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen but don’t know where to start? One of the most important decisions you’ll have to make is choosing the right material for your kitchen countertops. Not only do they need to look good, but they also need to hold up against heat, spills, and the wear and tear of everyday life. From natural stone to laminate, each material has its own benefits and drawbacks. So, let’s dive into the best materials for kitchen countertops and their associated prices. Whether you’re looking for luxury or affordability, we’ve got you covered.

Types of kitchen countertops materials

When giving our kitchen a makeover, the countertops are usually the first thing we think of as being the focal point of ‘beautifying’ the space, besides the cabinets. With so many colours, finishes and materials available, the possibilities are endless.

Laminate

Laminate is the most popular budget-friendly material. It’s a good option if you’re going for a simple and affordable material, with a somewhat similar look to stone.

Pros:

Practical and very good value. It’s a good option for someone looking to give the kitchen a facelift without breaking the bank. It’s good for those who would like to prioritize other features in the kitchen, such as new appliances. While not as heat resistant as natural stone, it tends to do the job for most practical purposes and is almost just as resistant to stains.

Cons:

With cheaper materials, there are always going to be drawbacks. Cutting directly on this surface is likely to cause scratches, and the general durability of leaves it subject to wear and tear much sooner than stone. Depending on the quality of the laminate, it can have a “cheap” appearance compared to polished stone. For the amateur chef, it’s not the ideal material.

Barbe Project – Kitchen

Kitchen Renovation Barbe Project Modern Contemporary Green accent Polyester cabinets Grey ceramic floors

Photo Source: Pinterest

Quartz

Quartz has become more popular in recent years due to its versatility. It’s an engineered stone which mimics the look and feel of natural stone such as granite but with increased durability and stain resistance.

Pros:

Being more durable and than granite, quartz is a more practical option, with less need to worry about chipping, scratching, or staining. It doesn’t require sealing, so maintenance becomes a lot cheaper and less time consuming, as stains are very unlikely to penetrate the surface. When it comes to the best value of practicality and style, quartz tends to be the most recommended.

Cons:

As it is an imitation stone, it does not have the prestige of natural stone, with its unique and naturally occurring veining. It is also not as heat resistant as natural stone like granite, so dishes straight from the oven can discolour quartz if put directly on the countertop.

Rioux Project – Kitchen

Photo Source: Pinterest

Butcher Block

A wooden countertop is often installed as part of the total countertop area, in combination with another material. It is the ideal material for chopping and slicing as it replicates the attributes of a cutting board. It is made by bonding together strips of wood for use as a work surface. Butcher blocks are usually made from maple due to its density and strength, however, oak, walnut, teak and cherry wood are sometimes used.

Pros:

It does provide extra functionality to your kitchen workspace to have a permanent area dedicated to chopping and slicing. It also provides a more genuine look to the kitchen, as a space where cooking is done, rather than just a space ‘for show’.

Cons:

As you can expect with using sharp instruments on wood, butcher blocks are susceptible to scratches. They will therefore require period maintenance to keep a polished look.

Wood Counters

white kitchen with royal blue cabinets and wood countertops

white kitchen with navy blue island and butcher block countertops

moveable kitchen island with wood countertop

white kitchen with butcher block countertops

Photo Source: Pinterest

Concrete

While concrete countertops aren’t well known, their beauty is undeniable. They offer a fresh, timeless, and raw look that remains unmatched! They’re also great for everyone, from the microwave cook to the chef extraordinaire, and come in a variety of styles. Just change the concrete’s composition (i.e., aggregate) to create a look that suits your taste!

Pros:

Concrete countertops are extremely heat resistant and easy to maintain. Since they don’t come in one slab like natural stone countertops, they can be cast and custom made for your kitchen.

Cons:

Much like natural stone countertops, concrete is porous, so it needs a sealer to protect it. Its price point is similar to quartz, but its finish isn’t as luxurious.

Concrete countertops

concrete countertop with a minimalistic kitchen

Dark kitchen with dark concrete countertop

Modern minimalistic kitchen interior with concrete terrazzo countertop

Photo Source: Pinterest

Granite

Easily one of the most popular choices for both kitchen and bathroom countertops. A natural stone that is incredibly durable. It is normally sealed with a glossy, polished finish but can also come in a matte appearance.

Pros:

Granite immediately provides a more modern look for the kitchen with its sleek appearance. It also comes in an endless variety of colours and grains, so no two countertops will look the same. It’s also very resistant to heat and stains. It is also considered a premium material, which is essential if you’re going for a more high-end kitchen project.

Cons:

While durable and strong, the corners and edges can chip with enough force.

Granite Countertops

kitchen with wood cabinets and grey granite countertops

kitchen with contrasting cabinets and light granite countertops

Photo Source: Pinterest

Marble

Marble stands apart as a natural stone with a timeless, elegant appearance. For a classic and luxurious look, it’s a natural choice.

Pros:

Widely available and comes in a variety of colours and styles. Marble is heat resistant and tends to be cool, making it perfect for working with pastry. When properly sealed, it is resistant to stains.

Cons:

Marble requires periodic sealing to prevent stains, making it a high-maintenance choice.

Marble Countertops

kitchen with navy blue cabinets and grey marble countertops

white kitchen with white marble countertops

Photo Source: Pinterest

Stainless Steel

While not very common in residential kitchens, stainless steel is usually the preferred choice for commercial kitchens i.e. restaurants, bars, etc. It is associated with a professional kitchen as it is designed for functionality and practicality to withstand heavy use.

Pros:

The surface is very durable and incredibly resistant to heat as well as stains. It is generally easy to keep clean which is a major benefit for heavily used kitchens. You can also find countertops made from recycled steel if you are looking for a ‘green’ option.

Cons:

Though it takes a great deal of force to dent them, damage done to stainless steal countertops is practically impossible to repair. While it is easy to maintain and keep clean, it will likely gather light scratches and scuffs over time, reducing its polished look and shine.

Stainless Steel Countertops

kitchen with dark cabinets and stainless steel cabinets

Photo Source: Pinterest

4 innovative kitchen countertop materials to discover

Sintered stone is an innovative manufacturing process with the goal of combining all the positive traits of various natural stones and elements to produce the most resistance, durable surfaces with a wide range of aesthetic possibilities in grain, shade and colour. They have gained in popularity in the last few years, as they offer a variety of advantages over traditional materials.

Dekton

The manufacturing of Dekton’s sintered stone involves a sophisticated blend of raw materials used to produce the latest in glass and porcelain as well as the highest quality work surfaces.
“We are in a period when there are a lot of new products,” says Jean-François Aubry, CEO of Groupe 3R, which designs and manufactures kitchens and bathrooms. “Since we do not know how some will age, we are very cautious. We did some projects with the Dekton, seduced by the fact that nothing can spoil it and reassured by the guarantee offered by the Spanish manufacturer. The material takes centre stage in the kitchen of designer Manon Leblanc in the company’s showroom. Its price is high, however: around 20% more than the most expensive quartz.”

Dekton Countertops

midcentury kitchen with wood cabinets and white dekton countertops

kitchen with fluted glass cabinets and dekton countertops

Photo Source: Pinterest

Lapitec

Lapitec uses their Bio-Care technology to manufacture a sintered stone designed and developed to be resistant to staining, mould and bacteria. To achieve this result, this line is produced by incorporating a form of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) during the production process. Titanium dioxide is a catalyst which degrades organic matter through oxidation, thanks to the reaction to natural sunlight or artificial lighting (photocatalysis).

Titanium dioxide also promotes a washing effect to remove the polluting particles from the surface. This important feature allows Lapitec to describe their Bio-Care line as “self-cleaning”. Scientific research has also demonstrated how powerful oxidation properties of Titanium dioxide actually are. It destroys bacteria (as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus) and mould, fungus and microorganisms, reducing the unpleasant odours produced.

Lapitec Countertops

modern grey kitchen with white lapitec countertop

modern white kitchen with black lapitec countertops

modern kitchen with black cabinets and white lapitec countertops

Photo Source: Pinterest

Geoluxe

Like Dekton and Lapitec, Geoluxe strives to be distinguished by its durability and resistance to chemicals, scratches, heat, and frost. It can be installed indoors or outdoors. Inspired by marble, the flooring made of the same material attracted attention in January when it was launched in North America at the 2017 Kitchen & Bath Industry Show in Orlando. It has won two of the top five honours (Best in Show Award and Best of Kitchen, Gold).

Geoluxe Countertops

white kitchen cabinets with black geoluxe countertops

midcentury kitchen with wood cabinets and white geoluxe countertops

Photo Source: Pinterest

Neolith

Neolith manufactures massive, sintered stone by fusing raw clay, feldspar and silica together at exceptionally high temperatures. The stone provides an innovative surface material solution for kitchens, bathrooms, commercial interiors and shop fitting, as well as exterior cladding and flooring.

This material is resistant to scratches and abrasion, is 100% recyclable, since the slabs are composed of 52% recycled raw materials, does not release harmful substances, which is perfect for contact with food and more. He has also won many design awards, including the 2019 Red Dot Award.

Neolith Countertops

bright white kitchen with white neolith countertops

kitchen with black cabinets and white neolith countertops

Photo Source: Pinterest

Price of kitchen countertops

Now that you’ve learned about the pros and cons of various countertop materials, take a look at how their prices compare!

Type of Countertop	Average Price (including labour and materials)
Laminate	$20 to $40 per ft²
Quartz	$60 to $80 per ft²
Butcher Block	$60 to $100 per ft²
Concrete	$70 to $200 per ft²
Granite	$80 to $100 per ft²
Marble	$80 to $120 per ft²
Stainless Steel	$120 to $140 per ft²

Looking for inspiration for your kitchen renovation? Fill up on ideas over at Reno-Inspiration or by getting up to speed on the latest kitchen trends.

Frequently asked questions

Do stone countertops stain easily?

Unfortunately, all stone surfaces are susceptible to stains because they’re porous. That’s why it’s important to follow the supplier’s instructions to properly seal the surface of the countertop and avoid damaging it.

What are the best materials for kitchen countertops?

It depends on your taste, ability to do regular maintenance, and budget. From natural materials, such as marble, granite, and wood, to engineered materials, such as quartz, laminate, and stainless steel, there are lots of options to choose from! We suggest you pick a material that will last a long time and that doesn’t require much maintenance. The important thing is that you really like the look of your kitchen countertops for many years to come.

Is granite better than quartz?

Not necessarily. Quartz is easier to maintain and has greater stain resistance. There are as many types of quartz as there are types of granite, so it’s possible that some granite is more resistant than some low-end quartz.

Will the light affect the appearance of my countertop?

Somewhat. If you choose a synthetic material or high gloss stone for your countertop, the light will reflect much more. Complementary colours tend to affect visual appearance the most, so if you have kitchen countertops in cool tones like green, blue, or violet, put down the incandescent lights. This doesn’t really apply to dark concrete or granite countertops, as they just absorb the light.

Can I choose my kitchen countertop material online?

You can shop online for your kitchen countertop if you prefer. That said, remember that photos don’t always represent what a product looks like in person, so be sure to have samples brought in. Without touching and seeing the material directly in your kitchen, you won’t really know if it’s right for you. The best way is to go directly to the store!

Consult one of our Advisors to determine what type of countertop is best for you

Still uncertain what countertop type fits your needs? Call us at 1-888-670-9742 and speak to one of our Renovation Advisors about your kitchen renovation – at no cost or obligation to you! They will be able to share their expertise with you and get your renovation project started, by getting up to 3 quotes from 53-point Verified Contractors.