The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s also one room that can really affect the value of your home. Whether you’re buying a new house and have the option to choose modern kitchen countertops – or you’re renovating the kitchen – it’s important to choose the right materials.

5 Popular Materials for Modern Kitchen Countertops

There are plenty of options when it comes to kitchen countertops. You’ll need to consider your lifestyle, needs, and your personal style. Now, let’s look at five of the most popular countertop materials, along with the pros and cons of each.

1. Granite

Granite has come to define elegance and sophistication. These countertops are also durable, easy to maintain, and versatile in terms of varieties and colors. It is a pricier option, however.

Pros:

  • Impervious to heat
  • Strong & durable
  • Nearly 3,000 colors and types
  • Maintenance-free

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Professional installation required
  • Slabs can contain imperfections
  • Can crack if not installed properly

Note: Granite countertops ultimately add great value to your home if you plan to sell someday.

2. Quartz

Quartz countertops are an engineered stone product comprised of quartz (93%), along with other materials and minerals. It is a solid alternative to granite and comes in even more colors and types.

Pros:

  • DIY installation
  • Easy to maintain
  • Uniform slabs (no imperfections)
  • Custom-fabricated
  • Resists stains
  • Impervious to heat

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • Heavy

Learn more about quartz countertops.

3. Tile

If you want to get creative, choose ceramic tiles. This option is generally less expensive than granite or quartz and will last a long time. Plus, there are so many options.

Pros:

  • Easy to clean
  • Affordable (depending on the tile)
  • Immune to heat
  • Variety of colors, shapes & styles

Cons:

  • Tiles can crack under heavy impact
  • Grout can become stained and may be difficult to clean
  • May not look as sophisticated as granite or quartz

Note: You can even find tiles that look like wood or marble so you can create the same effect for less money.

4. Wood or Butcher Block

Wood is a perennial favorite for countertops. It adds a warm, rustic feel to a room and comes in a variety of colors and finishes.

Pros:

  • Easy to clean
  • Long-lasting
  • Can be sanded and resealed

Cons:

  • Can be expensive
  • Surfaces can get scratched by knives
  • Must be cleaned properly to avoid contamination from bacteria
  • Must be oiled and sealed to avoid cracking

Note: When looking at options, hardwood varieties such as maple and oak are best.

5. Laminate

You are probably familiar with laminate countertop names like Formica. Laminates are plastic-coated synthetics that can be custom designed or bought pre-formed.

While laminates have not always had the best reputation, their popularity is rising due to the increase in quality and the huge variety of styles, patterns, and colors that are available.

Pros:

  • Very affordable
  • Easy to maintain
  • Many options to choose
  • DIY installation

Cons:

  • Visible seams
  • May not be viewed favorably by home buyers
  • Surfaces can get scratched or damaged

Note: If your budget is tight, laminate countertops might be your best option.

Ready for Your Kitchen Renovation?

Renovating your kitchen is a great opportunity to design the space you want, including modern kitchen countertops. You want your countertops to look beautiful, of course, but they also need to match your style and needs.

If you want more home renovation or DIY tips, be sure to watch our videos. You can even stream full episodes of Today’s Homeowner.