There are tons of options when it comes to choosing countertops for your kitchen renovation, but how do you know which one will work best for your home? We’ve dug around and narrowed the list to eight of the best materials that can not only give your kitchen that wow factor, but will also stand the test of time in terms of durability.

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Pictured: Granite countertop by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

NATURAL STONES

(DURABLE, UNIQUE SLABS, REQUIRE SEALING)

GRANITE.

As one of the most installed countertop materials in the country, granite offers an endless amount of colors and pattern choices and can give your kitchen high-end appeal. Granite is also quite durable as it is impervious to heat.

MARBLE.

Marble countertops add class and timeless beauty to kitchens, with slabs that have unique veining. Though it is waterproof and heatproof, it is quite susceptible to staining and scratches. If your kitchen will be getting tons of use, marble may not be the greatest option.

QUARTZITE.

Resembling marble, quartzite is a porous, natural stone that is available in many beautiful colors and patterns, making it very popular. Because it’s easier to care for as compared to marble, it does well in high-traffic areas.

SOAPSTONE.

Now, if you really want to get trendy or add a rustic tone to your home, go soapstone. Typically available in darker shades such as gray and black with subtle veining, soapstone is highly stain and bacteria resistant. Because soapstone is a non-porous natural stone, it doesn't require yearly sealing and it hides stains and scratches fairly well. The best part, some damage to soapstone can be sanded out. What?!

Pictured: Quartz countertop by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

ENGINEERED STONE

(LOWER MAINTENANCE, STAIN, ACID, SCRATCH, & HEAT RESISTANT)

QUARTZ.

A modern homeowner’s fave, quartz is an engineered stone that was created as a more adaptable and better-performing alternative to granite and marble. Since quartz is non-porous, it does not require sealing; however, wiping up coffee, wine, and tomato sauce spills will prevent unwanted staining. Some of the most well-made and luxurious engineered stone are manufactured in the U.S. by Ice Stone and Caesar Stone.

NON-TRADITIONAL COUNTERTOPS

CHARISMATIC, ECO-FRIENDLY, HYPOALLERGENIC

Pictured: Cala Blue Silestone countertop, courtesy of Sunlit Days

RECYCLED COUNTERTOPS.

Created by cutting edge technology, recycled countertops come in a variety of sustainable and non-toxic materials including glass, concrete, paper, composite and plastic. They typically require less maintenance as compared to natural stone countertops, and are available in a wide range of colors and textures. If sustainability is one of your priorities, check out Sunlit Days’s Silestone collection made using 99% reused water, 100% renewable electric energy, and a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition.

WOOD OR BUTCHER BLOCK.

Showing up in many homes these days thanks to the modern farmhouse decor era, are wood or butcher block countertops. Choosing wood countertops has plenty of benefits — they are relatively easy to clean, can be sanded and re-stained in the future and can last for a long time if properly cared for. The best types of wood to use as countertops are maple or oak, but head over to your local Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Lumber Liquidators for selections that will add the charm you’re looking for.

Pictured: Butcher block countertop. Photo by Becca Tapert on Unsplash

STAINLESS STEEL.

One of the most hygienic countertops on the market, stainless steel, will definitely modernize your home, especially if you’re going for a contemporary, industrial look. It’s very easy to clean and is impervious to heat damage. Keep in mind, however, that stainless steel can be noisy, and easy to scratch.

Thinking about buying a fixer upper or doing renovations before you sell your home? Contact our award-winning team for a list of local contractors and service providers: 916-801-1105.