13 Best Kitchen Countertop Materials: Ranked by Cost and Characteristics

Choosing the right kitchen countertop can feel overwhelming with all the options out there. Regardless of your reason for replacing your kitchen countertop, picking a countertop material that suits your style, budget, and practical needs is no small feat.

At JSB Home Solutions, we've guided countless homeowners through kitchen remodeling decisions since 1978, including countertop selections. While we don’t install countertops ourselves, we coordinate countertop installation as part of a kitchen remodel with some of the best countertop suppliers and manufacturers in central Ohio. And we are homeowners too. We understand that countertops aren't just for looks—they need to stand up to daily wear and tear, while also fitting within your budget.

In this article, you’ll find the best kitchen countertop materials ranked from least to most expensive. You'll understand how each one compares in cost, design options, and durability. By the end, you'll know exactly which material will be the best fit for your kitchen.

Table of Contents:

• What Are the Top Kitchen Countertop Materials?
• What Kitchen Countertop Materials are Best in Columbus, Ohio?
• What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Countertop Material?
• The List of the Top 12 Kitchen Countertop Materials
• Summary of the 13 Best Kitchen Countertop Materials

What Are The Top Kitchen Countertop Materials?

• Laminate
• Tile
• Butcher Block (Wood)
• Solid Surface (i.e. Corian)
• Concrete
• Granite
• Soapstone
• Quartz (Engineered Stone)
• Stainless Steel
• Dolomite
• Quartzite (Natural Stone)
• Marble
• Onyx

What Kitchen Countertop Materials are Best in Columbus, Ohio?

Here at JSB, we recommend Quartz as the best all-around kitchen countertop material. Quartz is resistant to scratches, dents, chips, and stains and you never have to reseal it. The only downside is it is a little more expensive than other options.

Granite is the best natural stone kitchen countertop. It is less expensive than quartz and brings a more natural warmth into your kitchen. The only reason we don’t recommend it over quartz is that it can stain relatively easily by oils and red liquids and needs to be resealed every 3-5 years.

If you are working with a tight budget, laminate kitchen countertops are the way to go. It’s easy to cut and install, easily wipes down, and comes in many colors and designs. It is significantly less durable than stone countertops but if you are diligent to always use hot pads and cutting boards, laminate can be a great kitchen countertop on a budget.

The other kitchen countertop materials on this list only offer an advantage over quartz, granite, and laminate if you want to create a very specific aesthetic in your kitchen. For example, concrete and stainless steel are only beneficial if you want a true industrial-themed kitchen. Quite frankly, the vast majority of homes in the greater Columbus area are traditional, farmhouse, and transitional-type styles that fit very well with quartz, granite, and laminate.  Even marble is only worth the cost and maintenance if you want to list “marble countertops” as a feature of your home. You can create very similar vibes with many quartz styles to get the look you want while still appealing to the popular design choices in central Ohio.

What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Kitchen Countertop Material?

When choosing a countertop, it’s important to consider:

• Cost: Material cost (not including installation). You want to balance your dream look with your budget. Countertop installation costs can vary drastically by location and the specifics of your kitchen layout.
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: The countertop needs to complement your overall aesthetic, whether you’re going for modern, farmhouse, or something in between.
• Color Options: Some materials offer more variety, which can be crucial for matching your kitchen’s color palette and style.
• Resistance to Wear & Tear: How well will the material hold up over time against scratches, stains, and wear?
• Longevity: Are you looking for a short-term solution or a surface that will last decades?
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Some countertops require more upkeep than others, which can influence your decision. The maintenance requirements here are recommendations for ideal countertop conditions.
• Heat, Scratch, & Stain Resistance: Your countertop will be a workhorse, and you want it to withstand daily cooking activities without damage.
• Popularity: Indicates current trends, offers more design options, and ensures your kitchen feels modern.
• Resale Value: Affects home value; high-end materials can attract buyers and boost your home's market price.

We want you to be informed as you decide what countertop material will best suit your needs, even if you don’t work with JSB for your kitchen project. We have spent hours researching and compiling the pieces of information that are important when choosing a countertop.

This list of countertop materials is ranked by their cost (not including installation).

1. Laminate

• 

  Cost: $20 - $60 per square foot (least expensive)
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Modern, budget-friendly, retro
• Color Options: Wide variety, mimics stone, wood, or solid colors
• Durability: Not very durable; can chip or peel over time
• Longevity: 10-15 years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Easy to clean with mild soap; avoid harsh chemicals
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Susceptible to heat, scratches, and stains
• Popularity: Moderate in budget-conscious remodels; popular in rental properties
• Resale Value: Low to moderate; not a major selling point

Laminate is the perfect countertop for someone who is flipping a rental property or is working within a tight budget. If you have an active family and love to bake and cook, laminate may not hold up well to the demands of your lifestyle.

2. Tile

• Cost: $25 - $75 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Rustic, Mediterranean, artistic
• Color Options: Virtually unlimited in terms of patterns and colors
• Durability: Durable, but grout can stain and crack
• Longevity: 10-20 years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Requires grout cleaning and sealing every 6 months
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Tiles are heat and scratch-resistant, but grout is prone to staining
• Popularity: Less common in modern kitchens; popular in artistic or Mediterranean designs
• Resale Value: Moderate; can add value in unique or custom designs

Tile can be a good choice if you specifically want the rustic, Mediterranean, artistic kitchen vibe and don’t mind the tedious maintenance required to keep the grout in good condition. Otherwise, a countertop without grout will be a better option for you.

3. Butcher Block (Wood)

• Cost: $30 - $100 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Farmhouse, traditional, rustic
• Color Options: Natural wood tones (maple, oak, walnut)
• Durability: Prone to dents and scratches but can be sanded down
• Longevity: 10-20 years with proper maintenance
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Oiling every 1 - 2 months required; avoid water exposure
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Sensitive to heat and water, easily scratched but repairable
• Popularity: Growing in popularity for farmhouse and rustic kitchens
• Resale Value: Moderate; adds charm and warmth but requires maintenance

If you are okay with it looking “well-loved” in the future and keeping up with regular maintenance, butcher block countertops can be a beautiful choice for those wanting a true farmhouse, rustic aesthetic, especially if you pair it with dark or colored painted cabinets. If you want durability with low maintenance, a stone kitchen countertop would be a stronger choice.

4. Solid Surface (i.e. Corian)

• Cost: $50 - $150 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Contemporary, seamless, minimalist
• Color Options: Available in many colors and patterns
• Durability: Resistant to most household damage, but not heat-resistant
• Longevity: 15-25 years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Easy to clean with mild soap; avoid harsh chemicals
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Susceptible to heat and scratches, but repairable
• Popularity: Widely used in mid-range kitchens for its seamless look
• Resale Value: Moderate; considered an upgrade in many homes

Solid surface is a great countertop material if you want a contemporary, minimalist look on a budget. But if you need your countertop to hold up against a busy family life and constant cooking, it may not be able to take the heat.

5. Concrete

• Cost: $65 - $135 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Industrial, modern, customizable
• Color Options: Limited, typically gray, but can be stained or tinted
• Durability: Extremely durable but can crack
• Longevity: 20+ years with proper care
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Needs sealing every 1 - 3 years to prevent stains
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat-resistant but can scratch and stain without proper sealing
• Popularity: Popular in industrial and modern kitchens
• Resale Value: High in specific styles (modern, industrial); otherwise, moderate

Once again, concrete as a kitchen countertop is great if you just have to have an authentic industrial, modern look. Otherwise, there are better options that require less maintence and are desired by more homeowners.

6. Granite

• Cost: $70 - $175 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Traditional, modern, luxury
• Color Options: Wide range of natural colors and patterns
• Durability: Very durable, but needs sealed every 12 - 18 months
• Longevity: 25+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Requires periodic sealing to prevent staining
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat-resistant and scratch-resistant, but can stain if not sealed
• Popularity: Extremely popular in many home styles, especially in mid-range to high-end homes
• Resale Value: High; considered a premium material by most buyers

Granite is usually regarded as one of the top kitchen countertop materials as it balances a mid-range cost with amazing performance against heat, scratches, and wear & tear. The only downside to granite is that it can stain, which is often a concern among families with small kids or who regularly use red liquids (i.e. red dyes, wine, fruit punch). Unless granite doesn’t come in the color or pattern you are looking for, you can’t go wrong with a granite kitchen countertop.

7. Soapstone

• Cost: $70 - $120 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Cottage, farmhouse, rustic
• Color Options: Typically darker shades (gray, green, black)
• Durability: Softer than granite; prone to scratches but can be sanded down
• Longevity: 20+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Requires oiling  on average once a month to maintain luster
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat-resistant and stain-resistant, but scratches easily
• Popularity: Growing in farmhouse and rustic-style kitchens
• Resale Value: Moderate to high, depending on the style of the home

Soapstone can be a good fit for you if you want the cozy cottage, rustic charm of a dark countertop and will be diligent to oil the surface and always use a cutting board to avoid scratching it. But unless you are trying to achieve a specific look, other stone countertops will usually give you more advantages.

8. Quartz (Engineered Stone)

• Cost: $75 - $200 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Modern, traditional, transitional
• Color Options: Nearly unlimited due to engineered pigments
• Durability: Extremely durable; doesn’t need sealing
• Longevity: 25+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Easy to clean with soap and water; low maintenance
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat and stain-resistant, but can be damaged by extreme heat
• Popularity: One of the most popular choices in modern kitchens
• Resale Value: High; seen as a luxury material and a good investment

Quartz is the most popular choice for kitchen countertops for a reason. If you have a family with kids, quartz is the best choice for durability, resistance to all types of damage, and no maintenance. The only potential drawback to quartz is that it can get pricey. If you can’t get quartz to fit in your budget, granite is the next best choice.

9. Stainless Steel

• Cost: $80 - $225 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Industrial, modern, minimalist
• Color Options: Limited to metallic finishes
• Durability: Extremely durable and antibacterial
• Longevity: 20+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Requires frequent cleaning to remove smudges; easy to sanitize
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat-resistant, but prone to scratches and dents
• Popularity: Popular in professional-grade kitchens and minimalist designs
• Resale Value: High in modern or professional kitchens; moderate in traditional homes

If you are putting in an industrial kitchen, stainless steel can give you the vibe you are searching for. It could also be beneficial if you need your kitchen to be ultra-sanitary as it is antibacterial and easy to sanitize. Otherwise, it doesn’t have any advantages over quartz or granite.

10. Dolomite

• Cost: $90 - $175 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Luxury, classic, transitional
• Color Options: White and gray tones with veining
• Durability: More durable than marble but less so than granite
• Longevity: 20-25 years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Sealing every 1 - 2 years to avoid staining
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat-resistant and more scratch-resistant than marble
• Popularity: Less popular than marble but growing in high-end designs
• Resale Value: High in luxury homes

Dolomite is a great choice if you want the look of marble at a lower price and with added durability. It’s easy to fall in love with the unique colors that dolomite has to offer. If you want a bold, statement countertop without paying premium prices, dolomite is the kitchen countertop for you. 

11. Quartzite (Natural Stone)

• Cost: $90 - $250 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Contemporary, rustic, traditional
• Color Options: Limited to natural tones like white, gray, beige, and soft pastels
• Durability: Extremely durable; needs periodic sealing to maintain protection
• Longevity: 30+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Clean with mild soap and water; Sealing every year
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Highly resistant to heat and scratches, but can stain if not sealed properly
• Popularity: Increasing in popularity for high-end kitchens
• Resale Value: High; considered a premium material that adds significant value

Quartzite offers the beauty of marble with the durability of granite, making it an excellent choice for those who want a high-end, natural look. If you're seeking a countertop that can handle heat and everyday wear but still looks stunning, quartzite is ideal. Keep in mind, however, that it does require sealing to protect against stains. If low maintenance is your top priority, quartz may be a better fit, but quartzite delivers an unmatched natural aesthetic.

12. Marble

• Cost: $100 - $250 per square foot
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Elegant, classic, luxury
• Color Options: Limited to natural tones (white, gray, green, pink)
• Durability: Prone to scratches and etching
• Longevity: 20+ years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Sealing every 2 - 6 months and careful cleaning to avoid damage
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Heat-resistant, but easily scratched and stained if not sealed
• Popularity: Highly popular in luxury and high-end homes
• Resale Value: Very high; seen as a premium material by homebuyers

Marble fits well with luxury styles and high-end homes. However, it's demanding maintenance doesn't always make it a good fit for busy families.

13. Onyx

• Cost: $100 - $300 per square foot (most expensive)
• Compatible Kitchen Styles/Designs: Statement pieces, luxury, bold design
• Color Options: Varies widely in bold, dramatic colors
• Durability: Fragile and can crack easily
• Longevity: 15-20 years
• Cleaning & Maintenance: Daily cleaning and professional sealing every 1 - 3 years
• Heat, Scratch & Stain Resistance: Not heat, scratch, or stain-resistant
• Popularity: Less popular due to high maintenance but used for high-end statement pieces
• Resale Value: High in luxury homes but niche appeal

Onyx is the epitome of luxury kitchen countertops. You will only find it in contemporary, modern homes, often with a light underneath it to highlight its clear qualities. But if you have kids and want the most value for the price you pay, onyx is not the countertop material for you.

Summary of the 13 Best Kitchen Countertop Materials

How Do You Choose the Right Kitchen Countertop Material for You?

Now that you've got the details on each countertop material, you’re better equipped to make an informed decision. Whether your priority is budget, aesthetics, or long-lasting durability, there’s an option that fits your needs. Make a list of your top 2-3 priorities for your kitchen countertop and match that with your budget to determine which countertop material is ideal for your situation.

Usually, replacing countertops comes as a part of a larger kitchen remodel project. You should explore full kitchen remodel costs to help you decide how much of your budget can go towards countertops. You can also explore more details about the two most popular materials: quartz vs. granite kitchen countertops.

If you're feeling unsure about what would work best in your space, the next step is to consult with professionals who can guide you through samples and selections. Your dream kitchen is within reach—let’s make sure your countertops are a perfect match!