Choosing the right kitchen countertop can be a daunting task. There are so many things to consider, including the type of look you want for your space and the type of material that will work best for your home, family, or cooking style. 

The selection of countertops is also a unique process—while there are trends that come and go, ultimately, the choice of countertops should be tailored to the designer, client, or homeowner choosing it.

We all have our own ideas regarding what we’re willing to sacrifice or compromise when it comes to pulling together those oh-so-important details. I wanted a countertop material that felt genuine to the provenance of our 1820s colonial kitchen when redesigning it.

 It would patina beautifully and was a true reflection of the home’s history. After many considerations, we decided to go with marble countertops and a soapstone island—and we haven’t heard anything else about it since then. 

Although everyone says they’re beautiful, many think that tender stones and high-maintenance marble are not suitable for homes with young families. I disagree: their imperfections are precisely what makes them so unique and beautiful.

We asked some top industry pros to share their countertop favorites and some of our favorites to help you make sense of the many options available. Warning: Lots of beautiful inspiration is below.

Marble

Many designers feel that there is nothing that can replicate the effect that natural marble has in space, and they are right – after all, there is a reason that this natural stone has been used in kitchens, restaurants, and workplaces for centuries. 

It is common for modern homeowners to be concerned about the telltale signs of aging on their marble countertops, such as stains, etches, and chips. Still, with adequate care (as stated in this helpful Remodelista cheatsheet), marble countertops can last for decades, provided they are sealed regularly, cleaned daily, and free of stains and etching.

Granite

Granite countertops are the ones that are most familiar to most homeowners and have been a popular choice for a few decades. However, despite their versatility, granite countertops have gotten a bad rap, probably due to their telltale “speckle” and the popularity of the fast-flip industry. 

The fact remains that there are many advantages to choosing a natural stone, such as granite for your kitchen countertops (it is affordable, heat and stain-resistant, and highly durable). Additionally, granite is a perfectly stylish choice if you err on simplicity.

Quartzite

Described by Remodelista as “a countertop stone that looks like marble but wears more like granite,” quartzite is a family-friendly alternative for homeowners who want a natural stone but are concerned about the wear and tear of daily living.

There are a number of different shades of quartzite, but most of them look like greys, tans, and whites. However, they can also be seen in colors such as pinks, reds, and blues which are more unique.

Butcher Block

If you are looking for a way to add some natural warmth to a kitchen’s design that can sometimes feel too utilitarian, butcher block countertops are a great way to do so. This article explains that butcher block is made from straight wood cuts glued together into thick slabs that are incredibly sturdy and stable, making them perfect for cutting boards, tabletops, or counters in a kitchen.

Soapstone

In many ways, soapstone is the hardest-working countertop of the bunch. It is dense and nonporous and resistant to liquids, stains, and acidic materials. Additionally, it is heat resistant so you can cook with a searing hot pan right out of the oven. 

Because it is typically mined in smaller pieces, it is trendy for islands. Any large expanses of countertop require a material with visible seams. While soapstone is soft and therefore susceptible to scratching (say it with me now: character! ), scratches can easily be buffed out with sandpaper.

Terrazzo

Terrazzo went through rough growing pains in the ‘80s and ‘90s, but it’s back and better than ever. Terrazzo is a composite countertop material that is known for its high heat resistance and durability. Terrazzo is made of cement bases with marble, glass, granite, and other shards incorporated into the cement base. This creates a unique and often colorful, one-of-a-kind countertop.

While we tried to cover the most popular options, plenty of less common and up-and-coming countertop materials could be the perfect fit for your kitchen. Whether you are considering copper, stainless steel, tile, or any other type of material, you should consult a contractor, designer, or another professional to ensure you are clear on the care requirements before making a decision.

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