Annual Countertop Buyers Guide


2018 Comprehensive Countertop Buyer's Guide

If you’re in the market for new countertops, this guide will help you evaluate your options and narrow your choices. We provide you with and overview of the top materials including current pricing. You’ll find it easy to compare your countertop options head to head as you decide which one is right for your home. They are listed in order from least to most expensive.

Laminate | Tile | Butcher Block | Resin Countertops | Recycled Glass | Solid Surface | Metal | Stainless Steel | Concrete |Quartz | Granite | Marble | Lava Stone | Recycled Materials

Our 2018 price guide is extensive. Please feel free to use the links above to go directly to you countertop material of interest. Be sure to always consider entryway sizes when measuring for slab cuts, the cost to deliver countertops is usually considerable so unless you are planning an in-garage countertop installation double check your measurements!


Laminate Countertops

Laminate is affordable and comes in hundreds of colors and patterns. These factors make it the single most popular countertop material available. Leading brands include Wilsonart, Formica, Pionite and Devmar, but many others are available.

Pros and Cons of Laminate Countertops: The strengths of laminate are its low cost, durability, color/pattern variety and the nonporous surface that makes it easy to clean. New laminate countertops are made to mimic the look and texture of natural stone or wood. On the negative side, laminate shows its seams, is not heat resistant, can fade with direct UV rays and can scratch fairly easily.

Laminate Price Range: $22-$52 per square foot.
↑Top

Tile Countertop

Tile Countertop

Tile Countertops

Tile has been used for decades for countertops. The variety of tile styles, colors and shapes lead to endless possibilities.

Pros and Cons of Tile Countertops: The diversity of design options is the key strength. Plus, tile is now being used to create amazing backsplashes that often cover a good portion of the wall. Tile can be very affordable.  Tile is fairly durable. On the downside, tile can crack and chip and the grout must be sealed regularly to keep it from darkening.

Tile Price Range: $23-$124 per square foot.
↑Top

Butcher Block Countertops

This traditional countertop material is made from grain ends of various woods. The rectangular ends are glued together to form the butcher block pattern.

Pros and Cons of Butcher Block Countertops: These countertops give a warm, inviting look to kitchens and can be quite affordable. They are outstanding for food preparation, and any nicks or scratches from cutting are viewed as character marks. The surfaces can be sanded and resealed fairly easily. Keeping them properly sealed and oiled is the key to their durability. If they are not sealed correctly, they may hold bacteria. In addition, the seams may come apart if they get wet on a regular basis.

Butcher Block Price Range: $32-$200 per square foot.
↑Top

Resin Countertops

Resin is a type of solid surface countertop but with more variations. It is produced in a pleasing array of colors and textures.

Pros and Cons of Resin Countertops: On the plus side, resin counters are very durable, impact-resistant and very easy to clean. Most hold their color very well, even in direct sunlight. Small scratches or nicks can be sanded out of the countertop. Newer resin tops can be made with less pigment, giving them a semi-opaque, translucent quality. This is ideal for backlighting the countertops, giving them a very unique appearance. The key potential negative for resin countertops is the lack of consistent quality from brand to brand. Look for acrylic or epoxy resin tops and avoid polyester resin countertops.

Resin Price Range: $51-$127 per square foot.
↑Top

Recycled Glass Countertops

This material has been around for more than a decade but is just now reaching a peak of popularity. The countertops are formed from glass pieces embedded in clear resin.

Pros and Cons of Recycled Glass Countertops: Strength and durability are found in these counters. They resist chips and scratches, won’t fade and are very easy to clean. Recycled glass countertops are also very green, as tons of post-consumer glass are being diverted from landfills and made into artistic and appealing bath and kitchen countertops. One potential weakness is that if they are installed with stress points, they may crack in time. Also, harsh chemical cleaners may mar the resin finish. Soap and water is usually adequate for cleaning this material.

Recycled Glass Price Range: $52-$127 per square foot.
↑Top

Solid Surface Countertops

This is a synthetic material made from acrylic, polyester or epoxy resin. The material is consistent throughout, including the coloration. Corian, Swanstone and Soapstone are among the most popular brands.

Pros and Cons of Solid Surface Countertops: As for its strengths, this material comes in more than 100 colors and textures, so there are a range of choices for any kitchen or bath. They have the look of laminate, but with higher quality. Solid surface countertops are shock-resistant, easy to clean and very durable. The material is colored throughout, so light scratches can be gently sanded out. Textured tops have the look and feel of natural stone, but are warmer and don’t have the negatives of stone such as granite. On the downside, solid surface counters are not as resistant to heat as stone or tile, and they can be scratched rather easily.

Solid Surface Price Range: $70-$130 per square foot.
↑Top

Copper Countertop

Copper Countertop

Metal Countertops

Stainless steel isn’t the only metal used in countertops. Copper, zinc, pewter and bronze are also being fashioned into countertops.

Pros and Cons of Metal Countertops: All the metals are easy to clean and care for. You can keep them polished or allow a natural patina to give them character. Softer metals like zinc and copper are more easily shaped to add appealing counter edge formations. You can find a metal countertop material to go with any kitchen design scheme. On the downside, if you don’t want the patina look, copper, bronze and zinc require regular polishing to keep it at bay.

Visit metal surface countertop trends guide for more options and information

Metal Price Range: $87-$250 per square foot.
↑Top

Stainless Steel Countertops

This material has been in use since the early 20th century and remains very popular. Once found mainly in commercial kitchens, it is now regularly used in homes.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Stainless Steel Countertops: The name says a lot. This material won’t stain, rust or otherwise corrode. It is very heat resistant and handles impact fairly well. Stainless steel is very attractive for kitchens and bathrooms. However, it can scratch and show fingerprints, but those are the worst things that can be said about it.

Stainless Steel Price Range: $70-$145 per square foot.
↑Top

Concrete Countertops

If you don’t think concrete can be attractive, think again. It’s not like have a chunk of sidewalk for your countertop. The concrete is smooth and can be tinted, stamped and stained to form gorgeous tops for your cabinets.

Pros and Cons of Concrete Countertops: Concrete countertops are obviously strong and durable. They chip less easily than tile or even granite. The pigment, stamping or staining add unique and interesting colors and texture to the countertops. Shells, tile or glass pieces and stones can be embedded in the concrete too. As for weaknesses, concrete is very heavy and a bit expensive.

Concrete Price Range: $75-$200 per square foot due to the variation in styles and embedded materials.
↑Top

Quartz Countertops

This material is also known as engineered stone. Quartz crystals and a binder form the countertop material. Quartz has the look of natural stone without some of the problems. Leading brands include Hanstone, Cesarstone and Silestone.

Pros and Cons of Quartz Countertops: The durability and hardness of quartz is outstanding. Unlike natural stone, it has a nonporous surface, so it is easier to clean and it won’t stain. Quartz is very attractive and comes in more colors and hues than granite.  Quartz has very few negatives, though it isn’t as heat-resistant as natural stone and it is pricey.

Quartz Price Range: $105-$187 per square foot.
↑Top

Blue Granite Countertop

Blue Granite Countertop

Granite Countertops

This naturally beautiful material adds elegance and style wherever it is installed. Currently very popular, granite is also timeless.

Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops (Bathroom): On the good side, granite is extremely attractive and can take a kitchen or bath from good to great. The material is quite strong and durable, resists heat very well and won’t scratch easily. When sealed properly, granite will resist stains. There are a few concerns too. The sealant used must be regularly reapplied or else the porous nature of the stone may lead to stains from foods and cleaners. Porous materials are harder to clean and may harbor germs. Additionally, Granite is expensive and costly to transport. Also try: Pros and Cons of Granite Countertops (Kitchen).

Granite Price Range: $95-$225 per square foot.
↑Top

Marble Countertops

Marble is a metamorphic rock containing carbon in crystal form as well as veins of mineral deposits. These elements combine to give marble its extraordinary good looks.

Pros and Cons of Marble Countertops: These are some of the most attractive counters available. You’ve got good choices for coloration and variety. Whites, blacks, grays, yellows, greens and pinks can be found. Marble is very heat resistant. The concerns with marble start with the fact that it is porous. The surfaces must be sealed correctly and regularly or the marble can stain quite easily. As a porous stone, it can be tough to sanitize the surface.

Marble Price Range: $127-$250 per square foot.
↑Top

Enameled Lava Stone

Enameled Lava Stone

Lava Stone Countertops

Made from actual lava mined from volcanic craters, these countertops offers outstanding durability and are very attractive and unique. The lava stone is glazed, producing an unlimited number of color choices.

Pros and Cons of Lava Stone Countertops: This material is durable and very strong. It handles impact fairly well. The glazed surface is nonporous, so won’t harbor bacteria, making it easier to clean and sanitize. It resists heat very well and won’t stain or fade. The key weakness of lava stone counters is their price. The rarity of the material is what drives up cost.

Lava Stone Price Range: $250-$300 per square foot.
↑Top

Other Recycled Materials

Recycled crushed glass countertops get a lot of press because they are really attractive and they’ve been around longer than most green countertops. But now there is a growing number of countertop materials that are produced from recycled and reclaimed materials, much of it post-consumer material. Here’s a look at the most popular ecofriendly options along with their prices.

Bamboo End Grain Countertops:

It looks something like butcher block, but is made entirely from bamboo grass, a fast-growing, sustainable product. Price: $35-$50 per square foot.

Palm Wood Countertops:

Made from palm trees that are past fruit-bearing age, the counters are attractive, tough and durable. In fact, palm wood is stronger than oak. These are affordable countertops. Price: $40-75 per square foot.

Recycled Paper Countertops:

Paper, much of it post-consumer waste, is compressed and covered with a resin binder containing pigment. Paper Stone is a top brand. Many colors are currently available. Price: $40-$80 per square foot.

Recycled HDPE Countertops:

High-density polyethylene is used in a range of consumer and construction products. It is shredded and compressed, then covered in resin to form hard, durable and impact-resistant counters. Price: $50-$80 per square foot.

Reclaimed Wood Countertop

Reclaimed Wood Countertop

Reclaimed Wood Countertops:

As the name implies, the wood is salvaged from old buildings primarily and repurposed for countertops. They offer a warm, traditional look to any bath or kitchen. Price: $55-$100 per square foot.

Summary

See our Countertop Materials pages for complete details on many of these materials. Your options have never been greater, so take some time to look around this site and learn more about the countertop materials that might be ideal for your kitchen or bath. When you’re informed about what’s available, and understand the pros and cons of each option, you’ll make a choice you’re happier with in the years ahead.
↑Top

4 Responses

  1. I would like a metal countertop I am looking at copper but would also like information on pewter.
  2. Janice
    Recycled paper countertops - where on earth do you find $40 per sf? I can't find less than $80 per sf. I absolutely LOVE this product, have been watching it a very long time for longevity, and now can finally pull the trigger but it's too darned expensive..... Thank you!
    • 86eMariaReading all the Q&A on your blog was the most fun i have had in weeks! You should be on HGTV! i am stiayng up late hours every night soaking up on photos of white kitchens with carrara trying to figure out what the heck i should do. i have a crazy job, a one-year old and a torn up kitchen and my biggest worry has been "which white paint?" for weeks! i am obsessing now. i can't go overbudget on another item and the calacatta marble (which has a creamier hue) is a lot more expensive than the honed carrara slab i have found. i also really love the carrara. it is so classic and my house has a cottagy, french provincial/country look that would go well with carrara/farmhouse sink look. i think that a white white would look better with the carrara. but my concern is that my entire downstairs and most of upstairs is SW's dover white (walls) and high gloss oil in SW accessible beige (thick crown and chair rails). plus i prefer to use a white crackled subway tile for backsplash and those are barely off-white (don't seem to come in pure white). my floors are the darkest stain of pine and look like they came out of an old church (beat up in a charming way). i am getting beaded inset, traditional raised panel cabinets with an entire wall of mullianed-glass 42 inch cabinets around the window/sink area and a wood hood cover. appliances are all Viking and exposed. any thoughts? should i give up on carrara with off-white cabinets and backsplash??? i am willing to pull away from the creaminess of SW dover white but don't want to go all the way to the pure white side. i am also leaning towards keeping SW accessible beige in the kitchen, maybe on the walls in the breakfast nook, in the tile backplash (only inside rectangle behind range) and possibly on the back wall of the glass cabinets to make my white dishes pop. the cabinets will go up all 9 feet so no place for any more accessible beige than a little tile and bfast nook. all the crown and chair rails in bfast nook will need to match the off white cabinet color selected. you are a white paint goddess! thanks, Jennifer24
      • No way, this is awesome news! I am super happy that I won this.... I can't wait to movaeker my counter tops -- they need a change. My whole kitchen needs a change, really, but just having new counter tops is going to make SUCH a difference. Thank you for always hosting such great giveaways and thanks for this prize!