What Is the Best Countertop Material

One of the first things you’ll notice when replacing your countertop in the 21st century is the wide variety of stones you can now source. From granite to marble, onyx to quartz, there’s never been a bigger selection of countertop materials to choose from. The question is… what’s the best countertop material for your preference or lifestyle? 

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Here, we’ll make answering that question simple with our complete guide to the best countertop materials. So, let’s not waste any time and get right into the good stuff. Keep reading for our selections of the 6 best countertop materials to use in your home or business, and all the pros and cons you need to know to make your decision. 

The 6 Best Countertop Materials

A countertop isn’t just the main focal point for kitchens and most rooms—it’s also a main functioning point too. From prepping dinners to doing homework, entertaining guests, or displaying decor, it helps to select the right countertop material for the space you’re renovating. 

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Here, we’ll help you understand the 6 best countertop materials to choose from, why they’re the best, and the pros and cons of each. 

Granite 

It should come as no surprise that granite is at the top of our list of the best countertop materials. Granite is widely revered as one of the best due to its exceptional durability, timeless beauty, and versatility. Formed from natural stone, granite is incredibly hard and resistant to scratches, making it an ideal surface for kitchens and bathrooms. 

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For design purposes, its unique patterns and rich colors add a luxurious and elegant aesthetic to any space. Additionally, granite countertops can withstand heat, are resistant to stains when properly sealed, and can last a lifetime with proper care.

Pros:

• Extremely durable and scratch-resistant
• Heat-resistant
• Unique, natural patterns and colors
• Increases home value
• Long-lasting with proper maintenance

Cons:

• Requires regular sealing to prevent stains
• Can be expensive
• Heavy, requiring professional installation
• May chip or crack if subjected to severe impact

Marble

Again, no surprise here; marble is also highly considered one of the best countertop materials due to its classic elegance, natural beauty, and luxurious feel. As a metamorphic rock, marble is known for its smooth, cool surface and distinctive veining. This not only adds a level of sophistication but also provides a timeless aesthetic to kitchens and bathrooms. 

In fact, marble is often chosen for its unique patterns and the way it can enhance the overall design of a space. 

For functional purposes, marble is also prized by bakers for its naturally cool temperature, which is ideal for rolling dough. However, while marble offers a stunning appearance, it requires more maintenance compared to other countertop materials.

Pros:

• Timeless, elegant appearance 
• Naturally cool surface, ideal for baking
• Adds luxury and value to a home
• Available in a variety of colors and patterns

Cons:

• Prone to scratching and staining
• Requires regular sealing and maintenance
• More susceptible to chips and cracks compared to granite
• Can be expensive - in material cost and installation

Onyx

Onyx is another material that’s widely considered one of the best countertop materials for those seeking a unique and luxurious statement piece in their homes. The striking, and dramatic natural stone is known for its translucent properties, allowing it to be backlit. This creates a stunning, glowing effect that can dramatically enhance the ambiance of any space. 

For even more personality, onyx features bold, swirling patterns and vibrant colors, making it a true work of art that can elevate the design of kitchens, bathrooms, or bars. However, while onyx's beauty is certainly unmatched, it is a delicate material that requires careful handling and maintenance.

Pros:

• Striking and beautiful designs 
• Translucent, can be backlit for a dramatic effect
• Adds a luxurious touch to any space
• Rare and exclusive, enhancing the uniqueness of the design

Cons:

• Prone to scratches and chips
• Requires regular sealing and delicate maintenance
• Susceptible to staining from spills and acidic substances
• Expensive in both material and installation costs

Porcelain

Next up, one of the best countertop materials is a less likely candidate: porcelain. Porcelain is considered one of the best due to its exceptional durability, versatility, and modern aesthetic. Made from a highly refined clay fired at high temperatures, porcelain countertops are incredibly hard, resistant to scratches, and impervious to heat, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. 

Adding to its popularity is the fact that porcelain is also non-porous. Meaning it resists stains, bacteria, and moisture without the need for sealing. Porcelain is available in a wide range of colors and patterns, including designs that mimic natural stone; porcelain can seamlessly fit into any design style. 

Lastly, its lightweight nature makes it easier to install compared to other materials.

Pros:

• Highly durable and scratch-resistant
• Heat-resistant and non-porous, resisting stains and moisture
• Available in a wide variety of colors and patterns
• Low maintenance, no need for sealing
• Lightweight, making it easier to install

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than other materials
• Brittle, making it prone to chips, especially on edges
• Limited availability in thicker slabs, often requiring a substrate for added strength
• Complex designs and larger pieces may require professional installation

Quartzite

Quartzite is another more uncommon material that’s quickly becoming considered one of the best countertop materials due to its incredible strength, natural beauty, and low-maintenance properties. 

Formed from sandstone subjected to intense heat and pressure, quartzite is even harder and more durable than granite, making it highly resistant to scratches, chips, and heat. Its appearance is often compared to marble, featuring beautiful veining and a wide range of colors, but with the added benefit of greater durability. 

Another benefit of quartzite is the fact that it’s also resistant to etching and staining when properly sealed, making it a practical choice for both kitchens and bathrooms. 

Pros:

• Extremely hard and durable, more so than granite
• Resistant to scratches, chips, and heat
• Can resemble marble in design
• Resistant to etching and staining with proper sealing
• Adds value and a luxurious look to any space

Cons:

• Requires sealing to prevent stains
• Can be expensive, both in material cost and installation
• Limited availability of colors compared to other stones
• May need professional installation due to its hardness and weight

Soapstone

Last but certainly not least is soapstone, which is another material climbing the ranks of popularity thanks to its unique combination of natural beauty, durability, and practical benefits. Composed primarily of talc, soapstone is known for its smooth, silky feel and its ability to develop a rich patina over time that enhances its character. It is highly resistant to heat, making it ideal for kitchens where hot pots and pans are common. 

Additionally, soapstone is non-porous, which means it does not require sealing and is resistant to stains and bacteria. Its ability to retain and radiate heat can also help maintain a consistent temperature in the kitchen.

Pros:

• Heat-resistant, ideal for use around stoves and ovens
• Non-porous, requiring no sealing and resisting stains and bacteria
• Develops a unique patina that enhances its appearance over time
• Smooth and soft to the touch, with a natural, elegant look
• Easy to repair if scratched or damaged

Cons:

• Softer than other stones, making it more prone to scratches and dents
• Can be expensive, both in terms of material and installation
• Limited color options, generally available in shades of gray, blue, and green
• Requires regular maintenance to maintain its appearance and patina

Factors to Consider for Selecting the Best Countertop Material 

When selecting the best countertop material for your kitchen or space, consider the following factors:

1. Durability: Assess the material's resistance to scratches, stains, heat, and impact especially when installing in high-traffic areas or spaces with heavy use.
2. Maintenance: Consider how much upkeep the material requires. As you’ve learned here, materials like granite and quartzite need periodic sealing, while porcelain and quartz are typically lower-maintenance.
3. Aesthetic Appeal: Choose a material that complements your design style and color scheme. Different materials offer various looks, from the classic elegance of marble to the modern appeal of quartz.
4. Cost: Evaluate your budget, including both material and installation costs. Some materials, like marble and onyx, can be significantly more expensive than others, like laminate or ceramic tile.
5. Heat and Stain Resistance: Think about the likelihood of exposure to hot pots, spills, and stains. Materials like quartz and porcelain are highly resistant, while others may require more careful handling.
6. Installation Requirements: Some materials, like quartzite, may require professional installation due to their weight and hardness. Consider whether you need a material that can be easily installed by a DIYer or requires professional help.
7. Longevity: Look at the expected lifespan of the material. Higher-quality materials, such as granite or quartzite, typically offer longer-lasting durability.
8. Functionality: Reflect on how you use your kitchen or space. For example, if you do a lot of baking, materials with a cool surface, like marble, might be advantageous.

Balancing these factors will help you choose a countertop material that meets both your practical needs and aesthetic preferences.

The Final Word: The Best Countertop Materials 

When renovating or building your new kitchen, it’s not just about finding the best countertop material; it’s about finding the best countertop material supplier. Premier suppliers, like AP Marble, not only have an extensive selection of these best countertop materials, and more…but the service and support to streamline the process from selection to installation. 

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Learn more about AP Marble’s 20 years of experience in the industry, or begin exploring our selection of natural stones, now. Online or in person, our showroom and team are ready to help you find the best countertop material for your unique project.

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