Popular Kitchen Countertop Materials
Countertops set the tone for your style and influence how you use your kitchen. They can be the most expensive part of a kitchen renovation but can also add value to your home. If you’re planning on a renovation, there are tons of trendy kitchen countertop ideas and materials to choose from for a variety of budgets. Some of the top countertop materials include:
- Granite Kitchen Countertops
- Quartz Kitchen Countertops
- Laminate Kitchen Countertops
- Marble Kitchen Countertops
- Solid Surface Kitchen Countertops
- Tile Kitchen Countertops
- Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops
If you’re not sure which countertop material is right for you, our Countertop Buying Guide offers a more in-depth look at the benefits to each to help you decide. Regardless of which material you choose, there are various kitchen countertop ideas to consider to give your kitchen a look that suits your style.
Are you ready for new countertops? We can help that dream become a reality. Use our Custom Countertop Design Tool to measure, select your material and arrange installation.
Trending Kitchen Countertop Ideas
If you’re looking for on-trend, decorative ideas for a kitchen counter, explore some of the designs options and countertop features below to see what may work for you and your space.
Designs for Kitchen Countertops
Butcher Block Countertops With an Undermount Sink: If you love the look of butcher block counters but also appreciate the seamless appearance of an undermount sink, try mixing the two elements together to create the perfect partnership. Keep in mind that with wood countertops comes the potential for water damage, so make sure the sink seam is sealed with silicone and the wood is protected with a good wood sealer.
Colorful Countertops: If you’re looking for something other than neutral stone, go bold with a countertop of a different color. A vibrant color — like blue, green or orange — will be the star of the show, so other pieces in the kitchen will need to play into it to ensure a cohesive look.
Live-Edge Countertops: Invite a more natural aesthetic into your kitchen with a live-edge countertop. The rough, unfinished edges leave the natural curves of the wood intact, offering organic shapes that create stunning visual interest. You’ll find they’re best suited to kitchen islands instead of as an entire working countertop.
Multi-Material Countertops: In this scenario, two different countertop materials share the spotlight to create one beautiful look. If you can’t decide between two materials, use them both. Dedicate one to an island and the other for the rest of the kitchen. Make sure that your two choices are still cohesive, like butcher block and granite.
Matte Countertops: Matte finishes on countertops are showing up more in kitchen settings. They’re good at hiding imperfections and scratches, and they soften the reflection of kitchen lighting as it shines on the surface. Concrete countertops are a good example here, as well as laminate, solid-surface and tile.
Tile Countertop Ideas: With an array of colors, patterns and shapes, tile countertops can really make a statement in your kitchen. Contrasting grout colors can enhance the look, or you can match the grout color to the tile for a more seamless appearance. Play down other features in the room, such as cabinets and hardware, so they don’t compete with the countertops.
Integrated Sink Countertops: These countertop/sink combinations are all constructed from the same material, giving you one seamless, cohesive piece. This design allows for more customization of what your sink can look like and makes cleaning and maintenance easier. You'll often find countertops with integrated sinks made from materials like quartz, granite and solid surface.
Edge Profiles
Aside from material and design, you’ll want to choose an edge profile. An edge profile, or the decorative edge of the countertop, helps complete the look. There are seven types of edge profiles: eased, bevel, round-over, double round-over, ogee, 90-degree edge and waterfall. You’ll choose your edge profile based on the countertop material you select. Below are brief descriptions of each edge. Learn more about which decorative edges work with which countertop types in our countertop buying guide.
Eased: This edge creates straight, 90-degree lines, but with softer corners. It’s more modern in appearance and a great choice for smaller kitchens and tight corners. It’s a good edge for butcher block countertops.
Bevel: Featuring a 45-degree angled edge, a bevel edge offers subtle elegance and gives your countertop a defined frame. Both the top and the bottom of the edge can be beveled, allowing more room for customization. This look is a good fit for a solid surface countertop.
Round-Over: Also known as a half bullnose edge, a round-over edge features a rounded top and flat bottom. This edge profile lends a more traditional look that works well in many kitchens. A round-over edge pairs well with quartz countertops as well as a few others.
Double Round-Over: This edge is also referred to as bullnose and is curved on the top and the bottom. It’s a great option for households with children since there’s no sharpness to its design. This edge works well with granite.
Ogee: This edge creates an elegant S-shape that speaks to a luxurious look. It works with a variety of countertop materials, the most popular being natural stone. Its striking appearance may come at a higher cost since its design is more complex to create.
90-Degree: Clean, straight lines on this edge create 90-degree angles on the top and bottom. It offers a minimalistic look that pairs well with laminate.
Waterfall: This edge keeps going, from the top of the counter down the sides to the floor. It’s a great choice for kitchen islands and works well with quartz countertop material.
DIY Countertop Ideas
If you’re looking for cheap countertop ideas that are easier on the budget, these inexpensive countertop solutions are worth a look. They allow you to give your kitchen a refresh at a more affordable price.
Resurface or Paint
For a quick refresh to your existing countertops, consider resurfacing or painting them. This DIY-friendly project makes it easy to transform outdated surfaces with a new look — looks that can resemble high-end granite or marble countertops if you choose. Make sure to check that your countertop material can be painted. This DIY upgrade works best on laminate or tile countertops. Other materials can be hard to paint. Check out our guide, How to Paint Countertops, for more information and instructions on painting your countertops.
Faux Marble
Marble countertops are elegant and classic and bring an air of luxury into your kitchen. However, if you don’t have the budget to install the real thing, create the look you love with a faux marble refinishing kit. With this DIY upgrade, you can transform your countertop into marble-look surface for a fraction of the cost.
Concrete Countertops
Concrete countertops are an extremely durable option for the kitchen and can bring an industrial feel to the space. However, they’re also versatile in how they can look, whether you’re considering staining them a color or embedding items into the surface, like pieces of glass, tile or stone to create a unique countertop. More seasoned DIYers may feel confident doing this themselves, but if you’re new to the DIY world, you may want to enlist the help of a professional to ensure you get the results you want. Follow our guide on How to Make Concrete Countertops to get started.
Concrete countertops need sealing at least once a year.
DIY Installation
If you’re considering installing new countertops on your own, make sure you feel comfortable doing it before committing to the project. Laminate countertops are relatively easy to install, making them a great option for a DIY project. Learn how to install laminate countertops with our helpful how-to. Though more advanced, you can also install butcher block countertops yourself. We’ve detailed the steps in our How to Install Butcher Block Countertops guide. Other materials, such as installing granite countertops yourself, can be done, but the help of a professional is recommended.
Choosing the Best Countertop for Your Kitchen
New countertops instantly give your kitchen a fresh appearance. Ultimately, you’ll want your countertops to be a good mix of style, function and what will work best in your home. They should stand up to how you work in the kitchen and pair well with the space to ensure a cohesive look. Add your own personal touches to really make the room shine.
Kitchen Countertop Décor Ideas
Though your countertop will be a piece of decor itself in your kitchen, there’s no harm in adding a few elements to really pull the entire room’s look together. Once you’ve chosen your new countertops and had them installed, enhance their style with a few decorations. You can decide how practical — or not — the items you display are. Below are a few ideas on styling your countertops.
- Prop cutting boards against the wall when they’re not in use. Mix and match shape, size and design so they’re interesting to look at.
- Bowls of fruit are a great way to bring a bit of organic color into the space. Double the style by choosing a decorative bowl for the fruit to sit in.
- Glass storage jars create a stylish and functional way to store staples like flour and sugar.
- In a free corner, style a tray with a mixture of pretty and practical — a couple of small succulents, a candle, salt and pepper shakers or a small canister of similar cooking utensils. By grouping items together, it gives them their own zone and makes the look purposeful.
Find more inspiration in our countertop decoration ideas article.
Be intentional about what items you’ll display. It’s easy to cross from decoration to clutter, and you’ll want to make sure your countertop is still the star of the show and you leave enough space for working in the kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kitchen Countertops
What Is the Best Material to Use for Kitchen Countertops?
Stylistically, the best countertop material to use in your kitchen is one that suits your décor scheme. You’ll also want to factor in cost, durability and maintenance.
What Is the Most Popular Kitchen Countertop Right Now?
Quartz is usually top of the list when it comes to countertop material. It’s low maintenance, durable, and heat- and stain-resistant, making it a great choice for busy kitchens. It also comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns, giving you plenty of options to update your space with a new look. Use it to create a waterfall edge on an island, a bold statement in a vibrant color or keep it classic with an all-white look.
What Is the Most Durable Countertop?
Quartz. This material is made from crushed quartz — the strongest natural mineral found on earth —and mixed with resin, creating a durable, nonporous surface that’s resistant to stains. A quartz countertop is a good choice if you like the look of granite or marble but don’t have the budget to install those types of countertops.
What Is the Most Affordable Kitchen Countertop?
Laminate is one of the most affordable options for kitchen countertops. It’s easy to install, making it a great choice for DIYers, and comes in a variety of styles and patterns so you can easily find the look you want.