Granite, Marble, Quartz, and 4 Additional Kitchen Countertop Materials

The decision to remodel your kitchen isn’t one that comes easy to most homeowners. No one really likes the idea of having their home turned into a construction project. But the kitchen does need remodeling roughly every 7 to 10 years. You’ll need to consider moving things around to make it more efficient, and upgrading the appliances. 

The countertops are also something that needs a lot of attention because they’re so visible in the room. They can make or break kitchen design, and leave you wishing you’d made different decisions. That’s why today’s blog post is dedicated specifically to kitchen countertop material choices.

We’re going to look at 7 different types of countertops and give a few pros and cons for each.

Granite

Granite starts at roughly $40 per square foot, which automatically raises eyebrows. It’s heat resistant and nonporous, making it an excellent material for countertops. Granite is a natural material, so no two pieces are going to be identical. 

Marble

Marble is also a natural material, which means each marble countertop will be unique. The price tag is often the reason homeowners choose granite or quartz over marble. But if you’re in the market to spend $120 or more per square foot, marble is a wonderful consideration. 

Quartz

Quartz often falls right in the middle of the price range of granite and marble at about $70 per square foot. Although a natural material itself, quartz countertops are a combination of 93% crushed natural quartz, color pigments, and plastic resin instead of solid slabs of stone like granite and marble.

Solid Surface

Solid surface countertops are exactly what the name implies; a solid surface. They are not porous, and they don’t have grains or even seams to worry about. They’re made of durable acrylic and available in a wide variety of colors and designs. They’re roughly mid-range in terms of price, coming in at $50 to $75 per square foot.

Wood

Wood gives every kitchen a homey feel. Many homeowners think of butcherblock countertops as soon as we mention wood, but you can also use cherry, maple, mahogany, or other types of wood. Wood countertops generally range from $30 to $100 per square foot depending on the type of wood, the shape, and the finish.

Soapstone

Soapstone is an extremely durable material for kitchen countertops because it is basically impervious to chemicals. It offers a unique appearance and it is resistant to temperatures, staining, and scorching. You can expect to pay about $50 a square foot for soapstone.

Ceramic Tile

Tile is very affordable and available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and options. This is the least expensive of the options listed here at only about $2 per square foot. Tile is a great DIY project if you’re into home improvement. The grout between the tiles must be sealed to help protect the countertop and ward off the buildup of bacteria.

Need Help Choosing a Kitchen Countertop Material?

If you’re in Cape Cod or the surrounding areas, call us and we’ll help you plan your kitchen remodeling project. Our designers will work with you to design the kitchen you’ll love before we even begin the demolition process on your existing kitchen.