What Is the Best Countertop Material for Your Kitchen?

Installing new counters improves the look and feel of your kitchen. Their waterproof properties and scratch resistance make food preparation and cleanup less of a hassle. But what is the best countertop material?

Master Remodelers has over 20 years of experience providing superior kitchen remodeling services in Knoxville, TN. Here, we suggest popular kitchen surface options to help you find the best countertop replacement.

5 Best Materials for Kitchen Counters

When upgrading kitchen counters, it’s not always best to pick one of the top-rated countertop surfaces only based on beauty or trendiness. Instead, consider how the material works for your household and lifestyle in addition to its visual appeal.

Does your family include young children? Are you a skilled home cook who likes experimenting in the kitchen or a novice who prefers to cook simple foods occasionally? How much time do you want to spend caring for your kitchen countertops?

Those are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself when exploring new countertop materials. You must also consider the material’s durability and attractiveness, along with your kitchen’s overall design.

If you’re still wondering, “What is the best countertop material for your kitchen?” find inspiration for your kitchen upgrade project by browsing our suggestions for a new countertop material below. 

#1 Natural Stone

Natural stone is a great option for a kitchen design embodying style and luxury. Materials like marble and sandstone have unique features that are difficult to recreate. Natural stone has a classic, elegant appeal with many colors and patterns to choose from. 

Marble is one of the most luxurious-looking natural stone choices for kitchen countertops. Because the stone forms over time, each slab has a distinct veining pattern that many find attractive.

These countertops are also incredibly durable, with great heat resistance. Still, porous natural stone countertops can stain, so wiping up spills quickly is best to preserve their appearance. 

#2 Granite

Granite is among the ultimate countertop choices for durability and style. It remains a favorite option among homeowners asking, “What is the best countertop material for my kitchen?” This natural stone gives kitchens a high-end appeal that can increase their value.

Since granite forms naturally, like marble, each slab has a distinct pattern. While that can be attractive if you want something completely original for your kitchen, it can make it harder to match slabs.

Granite countertops have excellent durability. They’re also scratch and heat resistant, so the surface will handle daily food preparation. However, the material is porous and not resistant to stains, which means you must apply a sealant annually.

#3 Quartz

Quartz kitchen countertops offer style and durability. Quartz is a man-made material using natural stone, pigments, and resin, making it highly customizable.

You can pick from countless colors and patterns, ensuring the perfect countertop design to complement your kitchen. You can also select slabs that mimic the look of other, more expensive materials.

Though quartz isn’t indestructible to damage, it’s a non-porous material with excellent resistance to stains, bacteria, mold, and mildew. Its stain resistance makes cleanup a breeze. Still, you shouldn’t put hot pans directly on quartz countertops since they’re susceptible to damage under high temperatures. 

#4 Soapstone

If you want a kitchen to have a homey, lived-in look with lots of character and warmth, consider sandstone. These countertops are beautiful with rich earth, mauve, and rose tones.

Sandstone is a natural material that’s softer than other natural stones and not scratch-resistant. Like granite, sandstone needs yearly sealing. Rubbing mineral oil into these counters also enhances their look and charm.

#5 Laminate

For kitchen renovation on a budget, replacing your current counters with laminate is a great way to have gorgeous surfaces without hurting your wallet. Laminate is a lightweight synthetic material consisting of particle boards covered with laminate sheets. It also has great versatility since you can print any pattern onto its surface.

Modern laminate is waterproof and reasonably durable. Still, you should use a cutting board to protect the surface during meal prep.

Need Help Choosing the Right Countertop? Turn to Master Remodelers

What is the best countertop material for kitchens? When you’re ready to replace your countertops, you can count on Master Remodelers to manage the entire process, from comparing countertop materials within your budget and aesthetic to expertly installing your selected countertops.

Our skilled kitchen remodeling experts in Knoxville, Tennessee, have years of experience delivering expert workmanship, style, and function to kitchen renovations and upgrades — call (865) 458-0416 today for a consultation with one of our Master Remodelers designers.