The Pros And Cons Of Common Kitchen Countertop Materials

Average Price of Real Stone Countertops: $50-$150 per square foot

Durable and long-lastingClassic material that does not go out of styleHeat-resistant

Cons of Natural Stone:

Naturally porous and therefore needs to be sealed when installedRequires regular maintenance and resealing for food safety and aesthetic upkeepSofter stones, such as marble or limestone, might be chipped or cracked (but can be buffed)Susceptible to stainsMost expensive countertop material

Average Price of Quartz Countertops: $50-$100 per square foot

Heat-, stain-, and scratch-resistantEasy to cleanDoes not require sealing or special care

Cons of Quartz:

Not as natural-looking as solid stone countertopsHeat exposure over time can cause damageCosts almost as much as real stone

Average Price of Solid-Surfacing Countertops: $40-$150 per square foot

Heat-, stain-, and moisture-resistantDoesn’t fade or age with timeEasy to cleanCan be repaired

Cons of Solid Surfacing:

Can be scorchedNot scratchproof; deep cuts or scratches might require special careNot as natural-looking as stone and engineered stone

Average Price of Laminate Countertops: $15-$65 per square foot

Heat-, stain-, and scratch-resistantEasy to cleanLower costs than all other countertop materials

Cons of Laminate:

Sharp knives and hot pans can damage laminateScorching, deep scratches, and cracks cannot be repairedOnly allows for drop-in sinks due to its construction

Average Price of Wood Countertops: $20 to $70 per square foot

Withstands cutting and chopping without dulling knives Long-lasting, timeless material that wears with use for a charming patina

Cons of Wood:

Vulnerable to moisture, heat, acid, corrosive chemicals, and stainsShrinks or expands with extreme dryness or moistureRequires food-friendly sealing and routine maintenance

Average Price of Concrete Countertops: $65 to $135 per square foot

Heat- and stain-resistantDurableCracks can be repaired

Cons of Concrete:

Must be sealed and regularly maintained to resist stains and waterSusceptible to damage from highly acidic liquidsCan be extremely heavy and require extra care

Average Price of Stainless-Steel Countertops: $80-$150 per square foot

AntibacterialStain- and heat-resistantHighly durable, making it ideal for food prep

Cons of Metal Counters:

Copper, pewter, and zinc are susceptible to scratches and dentsIf stainless steel is scratched or dented, it’s possible it cannot be repairedCan be expensive

Average Price of Eco-Friendly Countertop Materials: $25 to $100 per square foot; dependent on material

Bamboo is easy to clean and less expensive than other eco-friendly countertop materials. It also has antibacterial properties.Recycled glass countertops are durable, heat- and stain-resistant, and easy to clean.Paper composite counters are durable and easy to clean.

Cons of Eco-Friendly Counter Materials:

Bamboo countertops need to be sealed and routinely treated. They’re susceptible to scratches and burning.Recycled glass can chip, scratch, or break with heavy impacts.Paper composite is also susceptible to scratches and stains. It is not heat-resistant and has limited color choices.

Average Price of Tile Countertops: $15 to $20 per square foot

Budget-friendlyCan be a do-it-yourself projectGlazed ceramic tile is heat-, scratch-, stain-, and moisture-resistant

Cons of Tile:

Tiles can chip or crackAlthough tiles might be resistant, grout is susceptible to stains and mildew, so it requires routine cleaning