How to Choose the Best White Countertops For Your Kitchen

Laminate countertops are one of the most affordable material options. They’re popularly used in DIY kitchen remodels as they’re not as difficult to install compared to other countertop options. Laminate is extremely durable and low maintenance, as well as water resistant.

When it comes to white laminate countertops, there are a variety of styles to choose from – whether you like a matte white, shiny white or marbled white look. Some laminate is even designed to mimic the appearance of other materials including Carrara Bianco marble and white painted wood.

Laminate is extremely versatile and can be used to complement a variety of aesthetics. For example, laminate made to look like wood kitchen countertops offers a rustic, laid-back look ideal for cabins and other casual spaces.

Granite white countertops aren’t man-made, they’re made from a natural stone. By design, they are a naturally beautiful countertop option but they do require sealing as they’re porous. Once sealed, granite can resist stains, heat, scratches and bacteria. Being that it’s a naturally occurring stone, no two granite slabs are the same. Choose from granite slabs in solid white, speckled white, veined white and more.

It’s recommended to reseal granite annually to keep spills from penetrating and staining the stone. It’s also recommended to use a specialty granite cleaner instead of an all-purpose cleaner, which may be too harsh on the surface. Granite must be cared for carefully as it's prone to cracking and chipping.

Solid surface countertops are designed in a seamless, one-piece construction. They’re made to mimic the look of a variety of materials including marble and granite.

Solid surface countertops are available in a range of colors and finishes including white, gray, off-white, brown and more. They can also have veining which many homeowners enjoy the look of. White solid surface countertops offer a virtually seamless appearance which offers a smooth, clean look.

As for maintenance, they’re very easy to keep clean as they’re water- and stain-resistant. Plus, they also resist bacteria due to their non-porous surface.

White quartz countertops are not only beautiful, but extremely functional. Quartz is a very low-maintenance material that’s incredibly strong as well as heat-, scratch- and stain-resistant. Its non-porous surface doesn’t allow the absorption of liquids, eliminating the growth and spread of bacteria and germs. White quartz is an ideal choice for homes with children as it’s difficult to stain, even with colored markers.

Unlike natural stone, quartz is a man-made material, made from a combination of natural quartz and resin. It's available in a range or colors as pigments can be added to resin. Choose from a variety of white hues like off-white, bright polished white, white with gray particulates that add shimmer, and more. The cost of white quartz countertops ranges considerably based on brand, type and color. It's similar in price to granite, and more expensive than many other countertop materials including solid surface, laminate and butcher block countertops.

If you want to save money, you can go the DIY route with white resin countertops. Some countertop refinishing kits come with all the tools and materials you'll need to transform your existing countertop. You can use DIY resin on a variety of countertop materials including laminate, butcher block and marble. The application process varies by brand and does require a moderate amount of time and attention to detail. The pay-off can be worth it, however, as resin is known to retain its glossy finish, is easy to maintain, doesn't stain, and is a much more affordable option compared to most other countertop materials. To read about about refinishing countertops, including step-by-step instructions, read our guide on How to Paint Countertops.

Porcelain white countertops offer the look of marble without the sensitive, porous finish. If you like the look of veining in countertops, there are many porcelain options with veining throughout. Porcelain is resistant to water, heat, scratches, stains and even impact.

White countertops can complement every kitchen style, from modern to farmhouse, and any budget, too. Choose the right material for your kitchen based on your personal budget and lifestyle. At Lowe's, we offer in-stock cabinet materials including laminate and butcher block as well as custom options like quartz, granite and solid surface. If you want to try a few options in your kitchen before making a decision, check out our white countertop samples. From a kitchen visualizer that lets you see how white countertops will look in your kitchen to installation services, we can help with your countertop project from start to finish.