The Architects’ Guide to Countertop Materials
Our Austin Architects Share How to Choose the Best Countertop Materials for Your Home
Countertop materials make up some of our most important work surfaces in the home, from bathrooms to kitchens. So, it’s important to choose countertop materials that look beautiful and function for the tasks at hand. To help you choose the best countertops for your home, our Austin architects share our guide to countertop materials. We review the pros and cons of engineered, natural stone, and alternative countertops so you can make the most informed choice for your surfaces.
How to Choose the Best Countertops for Your Home
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to countertops. Choices will vary depending on your home’s style and even the room. Here are the top five factors to consider when choosing countertop materials.
Maintenance
Different materials have different maintenance needs. For example, engineered quartz requires little to no maintenance while most natural stones require yearly resealing.
Durability
While most countertop materials are durable, some wear and patina differently than others. For example, quartzite is a hard, natural stone that can withstand hot pans and spills. In contrast, marble is more porous and tends to scratch.
Style
Countertop material selections should coordinate with the architectural style of your home. For example, stainless steel counters would look great in a sleek, contemporary home, whereas marble counters would feel more at home in a traditional space.
Budget
Balancing the amount you want to spend may mean using certain materials as an accent. For example, it may be more cost-effective to use a more expensive natural stone on the kitchen island and a less expensive material on other surfaces. Price out your options early on so you can properly allocate your budget.
Function
Certain materials work better in certain spaces. For example, a functional kitchen needs a solid surface counter that’s easy to clean. Slabs are a great option for kitchens, whereas tiles may not be the most practical because of the hard-to-clean grout lines.
Types of Countertop Materials to Consider
One of the biggest design elements to consider in your kitchen or bathroom is your countertop material. Here are the pros and cons of some of the most popular countertop options.
Engineered Countertop Materials
Quartz
Quartz is an engineered product made by pressing quartz aggregates into a nonporous slab. This countertop material is easy to clean, durable, and low maintenance. However, it is susceptible to etching, so cutting boards and trivets should be used.
Pros:
Less expensive
Many color options
Easy to maintain
“Natural stone” look
Cons:
Limited size and can have seams
Repetitive pattern
Concrete
Concrete countertops are ultramodern and completely customizable. Unlike traditional slab counters that are cut to meet the size of your workspace, concrete counters are poured into place. They can be customized with a range of stains and added aggregates.
Pros:
Customizable
Scratch and heat resistant
Unique
Cons:
Requires regular sealing
May not work in traditional homes
Natural Stone Countertop Materials
Marble
Marble is one of the most popular natural stone options for countertops. Marble comes in various colors and vein patterns with a classic and luxurious feel. While marble is durable, this porous stone is susceptible to staining and wear. However, many homeowners love the look of the natural patina.
Pros:
Beautiful
Many color options
Durable
Classic
Cons:
Patinas over time
Requires regular sealing
Expensive
Scratches and etches very easily
Soapstone
Usually available in darker colors, soapstone is a nonporous natural stone that is highly durable and resistant to heat and stains. Additionally, soapstone feels soft to the touch and doesn’t require sealing. As a result, this material is quickly picking up popularity.
Pros:
Nonporous
Heat and stain resistant
Doesn’t require sealing
Comes in various finishes and colors with unique veining
Cons:
Can scratch
Expensive
If you want to keep it perfect you have to oil it weekly
Quartzite
Not to be confused with engineered quartz, naturally occurring quartzite is one of the hardest natural stone surfaces available. With a similar look to marble, quartzite offers beauty and durability.
Pros:
Beautiful, marble-like veining
A very large variety of colors
Large sizes
Durable
Cons:
Requires sealing
Porous
Can crack or break at the veins — so pay attention to sink cutouts in relation to the veins
Granite
Once one of the most popular countertop materials, granite is used less frequently but is still a solid choice for natural stone surfaces. Granite comes in various colors and is known for its durability.
Pros:
Resistant to heat and scratches
Wide color variety
Less expensive
Cons:
Some colors feel dated
Requires regular sealing
Some varieties can show water spots
Alternative Countertop Materials
Butcher Block
Wood butcher block counters are made from various kinds of wood, but the most common option is hard maple. While butcher block is durable and allows you to chop directly on the surface, homeowners need to embrace the inevitable patina.
Pros:
Unique
Durable
Natural
Can be cut on
Very helpful for big bakers as you can have an endless surface to roll out dough
Cons:
Requires regular oiling in the first few years
Susceptible to stains and cuts, but it can be sanded down
Stainless Steel
Commonly seen in commercial kitchens, stainless steel is an excellent option for contemporary or industrial-style spaces. Additionally, it's a great option for any avid chef! Stainless steel is highly durable and easy to clean, giving your kitchen that professional edge.
Pros:
Professional grade
Easy to clean
Resistant to heat and stains
Cons:
Shows fingerprints
Style limitations
Tile
Tile has almost unlimited options of materials, sizes, shapes, colors, and patterns. While tile is seen in some older kitchens, it’s not the best countertop material for workspaces because the grout lines can harbor dirt and bacteria. However, tile counters work well in other spaces, like bathrooms.
Pros:
Affordable
Many style options
Cons:
Hard to clean
Grout can stain
What’s the Right Countertop Material for Your Home?
You will probably select multiple countertop materials for your home. You may even combine two or more materials in the same room to add visual interest and contrast. Remember to budget early, consider your functional requirements, and coordinate your materials with your architectural style. If you need help, lean on the expertise of your residential design team.