The 5 kitchen countertops never go out of style |

Finding countertops that won't go out of style is the top priority of many homeowners who are considering how to design their kitchens. In the ever-evolving world of kitchen design, choosing kitchen counters that won't go out of style is a reliable investment for any home.

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Certain countertop materials have transcended fleeting trends, by continuing to remain popular where other styles have come and gone. These timeless kitchen countertop ideas seamlessly blend practicality and durability with aesthetic appeal, making them some of the best countertops for a kitchen.

Why do some countertops not go out of style?

Kitchen countertops that enhance not only functionality but also elevate the overall visual appeal of your kitchen space are unlikely to ever go out of style. A combination of elegance, versatility, and durability are the trifecta. Standing the test of time isn't just about how well the structural integrity of the countertop lasts, but also about counters that never fail to look good and effortlessly integrate into a kitchen space.

'Perhaps the true secret behind a timeless countertop is its ability to complement and uplift the space it inhabits', says Artem Kropovinsky, interior designer and founder of Arsight. 'A countertop doesn't exist in isolation—it’s part of a larger design tapestry. The key is to consider how it interacts with cabinetry, flooring, and fixtures. A countertop that brings harmony to its environment, irrespective of its material, will always remain in style.'

Artem Kropovinsky

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Based in New York, Artem Kropovinsky, founder of Arsight, has a decade of extensive and considerable global design experience. Prioritizing minimalism, sustainability, and authenticity, Artem, alongside his team of professionals, works on projects in the US and worldwide.

1. Marble

(Image credit: Jody Stewart)

It is a pretty unanimous fact that marble countertops won't go out of style. Although it is not the hardiest of materials, it offers a clean and elegant charm. As the go-to veined kitchen counter trend, marble effortlessly blends with a range of styles and color schemes that make it an easy choice, especially for those who plan on regularly redecorating. 

Roman Smolevskiy, owner of A+ Construction & Remodeling says, 'The timeless elegance of marble cannot be overstated. Its sleek, luxurious appeal fits both modern and classic interiors. While it requires a bit more maintenance compared to granite, its beauty often outweighs the cons for many homeowners.' 

'Marble exudes sophistication and luxury like no other material. Its smooth, cool surface and distinctive veining patterns have captivated homeowners for generations. From Carrara to Calacatta, marble countertops continue to symbolize timeless elegance', adds Ejoo Writer.

The classic white-veined design of marble countertops makes this a timeless choice that allows freedom of choice for different colors and textures throughout the rest of the room.

Roman Smolevskiy

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Roman Smolevskiy is the owner of A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento. The company provides home & kitchen remodelling services.

Ejoo Writer

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Ejoo Writer us a writer at Best Homes and Kitchens, a website dedicated to smart homes and kitchen design. 

2. Quartz

(Image credit: Caesarstone)

'A more modern but rapidly popularizing option, quartz countertops offer versatility in design, color, and pattern. They are also incredibly durable and require minimal maintenance, making them a favorite for many contemporary homes', recommends Roman Smolevskiy.

Offering the ideal blend of versatility, style and durability, quartz countertops have remained widely popular for homeowners who want a low-maintenance alternative to marble.

Mimicking the look of natural stone counters, quartz are engineered from an incredibly hardy material of natural quartz crystals and resins, making it highly heat-proof and scratch-resistant. Not only that but it is also a non-porous material making it resistant to stains and bacteria.

Artem Kropovinsky comments, 'The beauty of quartz lies in its ability to marry the best of both worlds. It embodies the aesthetic appeal of natural stone while offering modern practicality. The vast array of designs available ensures there's a quartz countertop for every taste. This chameleon of the design world ensures its position as an eternal favorite.' 

3. Granite

(Image credit: Future / Rachael Smith)

'Granite countertops have stood the test of time, offering a seamless blend of durability and elegance', says Ejoo Writer. 'With its natural beauty, varied patterns, and remarkable durability, granite has remained a top choice for homeowners looking to create a lasting impact in their kitchens.' 

Granite, like quartz, comes in a range of colors, making it an ideal material to use in harmony with your kitchen style, whatever that may be. The unique patterns granite offers add a layer of individuality to every kitchen. All this means that granite has maintained its top spot as one of the staple kitchen countertop materials.

4. Butcher block countertops

(Image credit: Annie Sloan)

'For a warm and inviting feel, butcher block countertops offer a rustic and charming appeal. They bring a touch of nature indoors and create a cozy atmosphere. While they require regular maintenance, the character and warmth they add to a kitchen space make it all worthwhile,'  says Ejoo Writer. 

The butcher block, like stone countertops, works well with a range of colors and textures in kitchens that make it an easy option that stands out while seamlessly blending in with a kitchen. The only thing to consider with wooden countertops is that does not clash with wooden flooring.

Artem Kropovinsky suggests that: 'As much as visual aesthetics matter, the tactile experience is an unsung hero in the realm of countertops. A countertop that feels good under the hand, that emanates warmth or coolness, can add a touch of luxury and comfort to daily routines. For this, butcher block countertops or honed finishes, which offer a soft matte surface as opposed to glossy, never truly fade from the limelight.' 

5. Soapstone

(Image credit: Michael Del Piero)

These extremely versatile and modern countertops and not only dark and dramatic, but also quite a safe option, since this dense natural stone has a soft feel, yet is very long-lasting.

'Soapstone is becoming more popular as a countertop material due to its
unique look and incredible durability. Soapstone countertops are nonporous,
so they’re resistant to stains and don’t need to be sealed like some other
materials. They also come in a variety of colors, making them easy to
customize for your home,' Mark Buskuh Founder & CEO of Ninebird Properties.

FAQs

Can I cut directly on a butcher block countertop?

While one of the most talked about pros of a butcher block countertop is that you can cut into it, making it one of the best kitchen countertops for cooking, we still recommend using a cutting board instead to reduce the amount of wear is caused and cleaning that is needed.

Are marble countertops prone to staining?

Marble countertops are prone to staining due to the fact they are quite porous. Remove stains as quickly as possible and avoid leaving acidic substances on your marble to avoid it staning.

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In the constantly changing world of interior design there are certain staple design elements that never seem to disappear, and when it comes to countertops these classics have proven to retain their popularity.

Ranging from the elegance of marble, to the luxurious versatility of granite, and the faultless durability of quarts, these natural stone materials can fit in with just about any kitchen. For those who crave a warm and rustic counter, the butcher block doesn't fail to do the trick. Soapstone is the dark and sturdy option that can bring drama to your kitchen design. These are reliable choices for any home owners who like to experiment with their kitchen style and need a counter that will fit with whatever design features they choose to incorporate.

When deciding on a kitchen countertop that doesn't go out of style, consider that what is truly timeless is a countertop that has is durable, versatile and adheres to your personal style.

Deciding on the right kitchen countertop materials for your home can be a challenge. You’re thinking of the cost, aesthetics, and your kitchen’s practical functioning, among other factors. A perfect countertop not only adds an important design element but also makes it easier to clean and maintain your kitchen.

If you’re looking to get a new kitchen countertop or replace the existing one, your timing is perfect. Not long ago, the only choices for kitchen countertop materials were wood butcher-block and plastic laminate. Today, there’s a plethora of surfaces available and they all come in different textures, colors, and patterns to satisfy any of your design desires.

Let’s walk through the top 10 most popular kitchen countertop materials:

1. Granite Slab

Different types of natural stones have grown in popularity to become the top-most choices for many homeowners. However, the most popular natural stone remains the granite slab. You can get this material in several grades (1 to 5), and these ratings are dependent on the place you buy, colors, patterns, and thicknesses.

Average price: $32-$75 per square foot.

Pros

• Solid granite countertops are heavy and durable
• Improves the resale value of your home
• Low-maintenance
• It has a solid surface that is both scratch- and heat-resistant

Cons

• Granite is fairly expensive
• It’s not stain-resistant, meaning it requires periodic sealing

2. Marble

Marble is the darling of kitchen countertop materials in today’s world due to its aesthetic appeal. Specifically, the Carrara marble has a gray-toned veining that helps it hide light stains and disguise wear. With its timeless appeal, a marble kitchen countertop is undoubtedly going to give your kitchen a high-end look.

When cleaning marble surfaces, use water and a mild liquid detergent to prevent etching and maintain the creamy surface’s elegance.

Average price: $40-$100 per square foot.

Pros

• It comes in different colors and textures
• Significantly increases property value
• Natural material
• Bakers can use the surface when rolling out bread

Cons

• Requires regular sealing
• Expensive to install and maintain
• Scratched and stains easily

3. Quartz

If your aim is to get a countertop material that is good value for money, you can never go wrong with a quartz countertop. Quartz is manufactured from a mixture of 95% ground quartz and other polymer resins. With quartz being an incredibly hard mineral, it’s no wonder that the finished result is a hard stone-like surface that is free from wear and tear. It is also stain- and heat-resistant, making it a perfect option for busy cooking settings.

Average price: $50-$120 per square foot.

Pros

• Quartz looks like stone but requires less maintenance
• Available in vibrant colors and patterns

Cons

• Sometimes the edges or corners may chip, and when that happens, you’ll need an expert to repair them

4. Laminate

This surface is also referred to by its brand-name Formica. It is plastic-coated, and you can get it in a variety of colors. Thanks to modern printing techniques, you can opt for a laminate countertop that mimics wood or stone – and guess what? Your visitors won’t be able to tell it’s not the real thing.

Average price: $20-$50 per square foot.

Pros

• Cheap to install and maintain
• There are many varieties of laminates available in different colors, patterns, and styles
• Easy to install

Cons

• Most homebuyers consider laminates as ‘cheap’ materials, and this may reduce the valuation of your home when selling
• Can get delaminated from water damage
• Susceptible to burns
• Laminate countertops may feel lightweight and hollow when compared to other countertop materials

5. Wood

A wood countertop can add style and elegance to your kitchen. Wood countertops come from different lumber varieties, including walnut, oak, cherry, and maple. Depending on imagination level, you can decide to stain your countertop surface with food-safe green, blue, yellow, and red stains to give it that extra touch.

Apart from beauty and class, wood countertops also offer usability convenience. Since wood is heat-resistant, you can place your hot pans and pots without thinking twice. And you can even use the wooden surface when chopping meat.

Starting price: $40 per square foot

Pros

• You can choose from different wood varieties (teak, oak, maple, cherry, birch)
• Accommodates many design styles
• Used with other kitchen parts, like the kitchen cabinet and dining area
• Adds warmth to your kitchen

Cons

• Easily damageable compared to stone or tiles
• It needs regular sealing to avoid staining

6. Solid Surfaces

Solid surfaces are also referred to as Corian or other brand names, and their look resembles an engineered stone. But, as they say, looks can deceive, as solid surface countertops can scratch easily and are prone to stains. You might need to keep this info in mind if you’re considering having a solid surface counter.

Average price: $75-$120 per square foot.

Pros

• Available in different colors and patterns
• Can be durable if well maintained

Cons

• Easily damaged by heat
• Easily scratched and stained

7. Concrete

I know, I know. You probably thought that concrete is only suited for sidewalks. The truth is, concrete countertops are one-of-a-kind and can significantly improve your cooking space. And it does not matter if your kitchen is rustic or modern, as concrete can accommodate different kitchen designs.

Concrete countertops come with a natural feel, something that cannot be said of other materials, such as laminates, stainless steel, or glass. If you’re style-oriented, you can incorporate different textures and floral designs or even embed the material with seashells, stones, or other items that fascinate you.

Average price: $70-$150 per square foot.

Pros

• Concrete is eco-friendly, making it an ideal material for any person who cares about environmental issues
• Easy to maintain
• Can be stained or tinted with different colors
• Extremely durable

Cons

• Concrete is expensive
• Needs proper sealing

8. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tile countertops are produced from clay-based tiles that are adhered over cement-boarded cores. Grout seams are not ideal for use with kitchen countertop materials, but luckily, there are new porcelain and ceramic tiles available in large sizes that reduce the number of seams used, thus ensuring easier upkeep.

Average price: $5 -$7 per square foot

Pros

• Tiles are available in a wide variety of colors and textures
• Tiles are cheap
• Comes with diverse designs – porcelain tiles can be designed to look like real stone, wood, among other materials

Cons

• Tiles are prone to cracking
• Tiles require grouting
• Grout seams can be easily stained

9. Stainless Steel

Stainless steel surfaces have a sleek finish and have become popular with modern kitchens. One of the merits of having stainless steel kitchen countertops is that you can easily clean them using soap and water. They are also heat resistant, and therefore, you don’t have to worry about where to place your hot pans and pots. However, many people prefer to use stainless steel on some parts of the kitchen, such as the dining area or the kitchen cabinet, because this material is pretty costly.

Average price: $75-$150 per square foot.

Pros

• Environmentally friendly
• Easy to install
• Durable
• Heat-and-stain resistant

Cons

• Can be dented or scratched
• Can increase the noise in the kitchen
• It gets cold, and may not be suitable for traditional kitchens
• Custom countertops made to fit your specific kitchen may be difficult to find.
• Expensive

10. Soapstone

Soapstone is a natural stone that is bacteria and stain-resistant. It comes in gray tones, ranging from light to dark, with subtle veining. As opposed to other natural stone kitchen counters, soapstone does not need annual sealing, but you should regularly apply mineral oil to hide any surface scratches.

Overtime, soapstone surfaces tend to darken, but regular maintenance with mineral oil will preserve the smooth feel of the surface.

Average price: $50-$100 per square foot.

Pros

• Stain-resistant
• It does not need sealing
• Low-maintenance
• Works in both rustic and modern kitchens
• Non-porous

Cons

• This material is quite soft and may get damaged if you drop heavy items on it.

Ready to Transform Your Kitchen Countertops?

We are standing by to help you choose the best kitchen countertop materials for your kitchen, based on your specific ideas, desires and your budget.

If you want to change just your countertops, we can do that! If you want to totally transform your entire kitchen, including new cabinets, countertops, sink, island plus anything else you can dream of, we can do that!

Halcyon Remodeling is your Atlanta kitchen remodeling company. Get a free estimate for your new kitchen.

Check our reviews on Google. Contact us to discuss your remodeling plans, whether you need a new kitchen, bathroom, basement or whole-house renovation.

Not quite ready to start, but curious about how much remodeling projects cost? Get a free copy of our Atlanta Remodeling Cost Guide now.

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