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:
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.
When choosing a countertop, it’s important to consider:
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Marble fits well with luxury styles and high-end homes. However, it's demanding maintenance doesn't make it a good fit for busy families.
Onyx is the epitome of luxury kitchen countertops. You will only find it is contemporary, modern homes, often with a light underneath it to highlight it's 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.
|
Cost per Sq. Foot |
Compatible Kitchen Styles |
Color Options |
Durability |
Longevity (years) |
Cleaning & Maintenance |
Heat, Scratch, & Stain Resistance |
|
| Laminate | $20 - $60 | Modern, Retro | Wide Variety | Low | 10 - 15 | Use mild soap; no maintenance | None |
| Tile | $25 - $75 | Rustic, Mediterranean, Artistic | Unlimited | Tiles are durable; grout can stain and crack | 10 - 20 | Grout cleaning and sealing every 6 months | Tiles are heat and scratch resistant; grout can stain |
| Butcher Block | $30 - $100 | Farmhouse, Traditional, Rustic | Natural wood tones | Prone to dents and scratches | 10 - 20 |
Oiling every 1 - 2 months |
Sensitive to heat and water; easily scratched but repairable |
| Solid Surface | $50 - $150 | Contemporary, Seamless, Minimalist | Wide variety | Resistant to most household damage | 15 - 25 | Clean with mild soap; no harsh chemicals | Susceptible to heat and scratches but repairable |
| Concrete | $65 - $135 | Industrial, Modern | Typically gray; can be stained or tinted | Extremely durable but can crack | 20 + | Sealing every 1 - 3 years | Heat-resistant but can scratch and stain |
| Granite | $70 - $175 | Traditional, Modern, Luxury | Natural tones such as tans, browns, creams | Very durable | 25 + | Sealing every 12 - 18 months | Heat and scratch-resistant; will stain |
| Soapstone | $70 - $120 | Cottage, Farmhouse, Rustic | Darker shades (gray, green, black) | Softer than granite; prone to scratches | 20 + | Oiling on average once a month | Heat and stain-resistant but scratches easy |
| Quartz | $75 - $200 | Modern, Traditional, Transitional | Unlimited | Extremely durable | 25 + | No regular maintenance | Only damaged by extreme heat |
| Stainless Steel | $80 - $225 | Industrial, Modern, Minimalist | Limited to metallic finishes | Extremely durable; Antibacterial | 20 + | Frequent cleaning to remove smudges | Heat-resistant; prone to scratches and dents |
| Dolomite | $90 - $175 | Luxury, Classic, Transitional | White and gray tones with dramatic veining | More durable than Marble but less so than granite | 20 - 25 | Sealing every 1 - 2 years | Heat and scratch-resistant |
| Quartzite | $90 - $250 | Contemporary, Rustic, Traditional | Limited to natural tones like white, grey, beige | Extremely durable | 30 + | Sealing every year | Highly resistant to heat and scratches; can stain |
| Marble | $100 - $250 | Elegant, Classic, Luxury | Limited to natural tones (white, gray, green, pink) | Prone to scratches and etching | 20 + | Sealing every 2 - 6 months | Heat-resistant but easily scratched and stained |
| Onyx | $100 - $300 | Statement pieces, Luxury, Bold Design | Varies widely in bold, dramatic colors | Fragile and can crack easily | 15 - 20 | Daily cleaning and professional sealing every 1 - 3 years | Not resistant |
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!