There are many different materials you can use for your kitchen countertops. However, below we have listed the most common types. Generally speaking, you should be able to find the perfect fit with one of these types.  After all, there is a reason that they are the most common materials used. They are, quite simply, the best kitchen countertops material available.

Marble

Pros: Marble is considered one of the most beautiful kitchen countertop materials and can up your home’s resale value. It is also durable, as it is heat-resistant and rarely cracks. As such, bakers love marble countertops.

Cons: Because it is considered luxurious, marble is usually very expensive. It also can scratch and stain pretty easily. To avoid the scratches or stains, you need consistent sealing, which adds to the cost. Similarly, the material is so heavy that you will need a professional installation, adding more to the cost.

Granite

Pros: Granite is very similar to marble in many ways, so much of what was said above can be restated here. One added benefit is that it does not scratch as easily as marble.

Cons: Again, the downside to granite is very similar to marble, just amplified. (Granite usually costs even more and is even heavier.)  One more drawback is that granite chips fairly easily. Corners and edges are particularly prone to chipping, so granite is not the best countertop material for all kitchen layouts.

Quartz

Pros: Quartz offers many of the same advantages as marble and granite while being more cost-effective and lower-maintenance. It is beautiful and durable. It resists mold and mildew as well as scratches and stains.

Cons: Quartz is not very heat-resistant, so it’s not the right fit for some families. Also, direct sunlight can cause the colors to fade, so depending on your layout, quartz may not be the best kitchen countertop material for you. Like granite, quartz is known to chip, especially on corners and edges.

Soapstone or Limestone

Pros: Soapstone and limestone are two more beautiful-looking natural surfaces. They have a versatile look which fits most kitchens. Similar to most other stones, they are heat-resistant.

Cons: Both soapstone and limestone are relatively soft surfaces. This can lead to some disadvantages over other stones. For example, they scratch more easily and need to be treated with sanding and mineral oil (or with sealing). Heavy objects can also damage soapstone or limestone countertops more than other materials. This Consumer Reports review gives a great overview of the concerns.

Laminate

Pros: The main draw for laminate countertops is that they are more affordable than other types. The material itself is cheaper, and so is the installation. Also, laminate is pretty low-maintenance. It cleans easily and doesn’t require sealant to resist stains, mold, and mildew.

Cons: Laminate is not nearly as durable as the other types on our list. Laminate countertops will get damaged pretty easily by heat or by sharp knives, and they also will start to peel after a few years, especially if there is any water damage.. Plus, because they are cheaper, you won’t up your resale value much with new laminate countertops.

Butcher Block/Wood

Pros: Wood countertops add a ton of natural warmth to any kitchen’s look. Plus, they are the most environmentally friendly option, as they can be recycled and can be made from recycled material.

Cons: Like a few others on this list, the biggest drawback for wood is that it isn’t as naturally durable. To protect your wood countertop, you will need to do some oiling (to help lessen stains and water damage.) You also will need to do some sanding on occasion to repair scratches or nicks. Wood countertops are also not heat resistant at all.

Of course, almost all of these kitchen countertop materials come in a variety of colors and styles. This page has a great look at some of the various selections available within each type.