Kitchen countertops come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors. And the most important decision you will make during a kitchen remodel will be choosing the best kitchen countertop for your needs. Assessing the pros and cons of the vast number of countertop options is not an easy task for the average homeowner.
In this blog post, we will be introducing different countertop types including their costs. Being a complete guide, this post will help you with choosing the best countertop that fits your needs and expectations.
What Are The Types Of Kitchen Countertops?
There are many kinds of kitchen countertops. Most commonly, they are classified according to their material types. Granite, marble, and quartz are some of the most common ones. However, there are many others you can consider when it comes to choosing a countertop specifically for your space.
Here is a list of countertops that people use for their kitchens:
Granite Kitchen Countertops
Granite kitchen countertops are durable natural stones bestowed with incredible heat resistance. It is quarried in different parts of the world, and each region has its unique granite color and pattern. Thus, homeowners have an excellent chance of finding their very own unique countertop slabs due to the sheer number of options available. However, granite is porous, which means stains and bacteria can sit on the surface and make cleaning more difficult. Also, granite slabs are very heavy, and some rare slabs can be quite expensive.
Based on HomeAdvisor, the price range for granite countertops falls between $2,000 and $4,500, with the national average being around $3,250. The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $40-$60, while labor expenses range from $35-$85 per hour.
Quartz Kitchen Countertops
Quartz kitchen countertops are popular engineered countertop stones made from natural quartz crystals. The crystals are bound together using industrial resins, with the addition of color pigments. It is resistant to scratches, stains, and bacteria. Manufacturers often release quartz slabs that mimic popular natural stones such as marble and granite but with the added benefit of greater durability and easier maintenance. However, the cost of a quartz slab is usually higher than mid-range natural stones. On the other hand, affordable quartz countertops are getting into the market and becoming popular day by day.
The cost of low-quality quartz varies between $60-$80 per square foot. Mid-quality quartz countertops typically range from $65-$80 per square foot, while higher-quality options without any visible veins can cost between $75 and $200 per square foot. The price range for quartz countertops falls between $1,500 – $8,000 per 30-40 sq. ft., with the national average being around $3000. The cost of labor expenses ranges from $30 to $85 per hour.
Marble Kitchen Countertops
Marble kitchen countertops are classical and timeless. They add a unique touch of luxury and sophistication to kitchens. A marble stone is highly resistant to heat but is more porous and soft when compared to other countertop options. Thus, it is prone to etching and staining. It requires sealing and some marble slabs tend to be very expensive.
The price range for marble countertops falls between $2,000 and $5000, with the national average being around $3000. The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $40-$100, while labor expenses range from $35-$45 per hour.
Stainless Steel Kitchen Countertops
A stainless steel countertop is a durable metal alternative to natural and engineered stones. Aesthetically, it offers a sleek, modern look as well as brings a bright and spacious quality to any kitchen. Additionally, it is resistant to heat, bacteria, and staining. However, working on a stainless steel countertop can be noisy. Also, keeping the metal surface free of fingerprints and smudges can be a lot of work for some homeowners.
The price range for stainless steel countertops falls between $4000 and $11250, with the national average being around $7600 (based on 50 square feet of countertop). The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $80-$225, while labor expenses range from $30-$100 per hour.
Laminate Kitchen Countertops
Laminate countertops are made of paper or plastic. The layers are bonded to each other using resins. This synthetic material is pretty affordable, easy to install, and lightweight. A great variety of patterns, colors, and textures are available for homeowners. On the other hand, laminate countertops are not resistant to heat, scratches, or chipping. You should also be careful when using sharp knives or hot pans on a laminate countertop.
The price range for laminate countertops falls between $600 and $2400, with the national average being around $1500. The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $40-$80, while labor expenses range from $30-$40 per square foot.
Butcher Block Kitchen Countertops
Butcher block countertops are renowned for their rustic and natural character. Kitchens with butcher block countertops look very warm and inviting. Although they are prone to scratches, homeowners can sand and refinish the surface to fix any imperfections. Unfortunately, they are still prone to moisture and bacteria. Also, sudden temperature changes can cause cracks or warps.
The price range for butcher block countertops falls between $2500 and $7500, with the national average being around $3500. The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $50-$100, while labor expenses range from $60-$100 per hour or $10-$100 per square foot.
Wood Kitchen Countertops
Wood kitchen countertops are versatile, classic, and elegant. Adding warmth to any kitchen. Wood countertops come in a variety of colors and grains, each of which offers unique beauty in the kitchen. However, maintenance of a wood countertop can be toilsome. It requires regular waxing or oiling. Also, stains, heat, and bacteria can damage wood surfaces easily if not cared for properly.
The price range for wood countertops falls between $1,500 – $6,000 per 30-40 sq. ft, with the national average being around $4,000. The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $20-$140, while labor expenses range from $$20 to $80 per square foot.
Concrete Kitchen Countertops
Concrete countertops are made by mixing cement, water, and sand. Concrete slabs are durable, strong, and easily customized into different sizes. Manufacturers can add colors, patterns, or various textures to concrete stones. However, they are prone to cracking or chipping after some time. Also, concrete slabs are heavy and expensive.
The price range for concrete countertops falls between $1800 and $4500, with the national average being around $3000. The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $5-$15, while labor expenses range from $30-$90 per hour or $55-$135 per square foot.
Soapstone Kitchen Countertops
Soapstone kitchen countertops are natural, soft, and smooth surface alternatives to engineered or other natural stones. The matte finish gives soapstone a rustic and antique look, which exudes a unique character in many interiors. Soapstone is resistant to staining and heat. However, it is still prone to chipping and staining. Also, the surface gets darker over time. However, many homeowners love soapstone countertops even more as the surface color gets darker.
The price range for soapstone countertops falls between $2650 and $4400 (for 30 square feet), with the national average being around $3500. The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $70-$120, while labor expenses range from $18-$25 per square foot.
Recycled Glass Kitchen Countertops
Recycled glass kitchen countertops are made from crushed pieces of glass. Very small glass pieces are bound to each other using resin and cement additives. Glass countertops are eco-friendly, as well as offer customers unique colors and patterns. The shiny glass surface beautifully reflects the light in your kitchen However, glass countertops are usually expensive. They are also prone to damage caused by acidic food or drinks and are not heat resistant.
The price range for recycled glass countertops falls between $1500 and $5850 (for 30 square feet), with the national average being around $2700. The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $40-$170, while labor expenses range from $30-$80 per hour or $10-$30 per square foot.
Porcelain Kitchen Countertops
Porcelain kitchen countertops are made from raw and clay-based materials. They are thin and lightweight, but highly durable. Porcelain slabs are resistant to stains and scratches. They come in a wide range of colors and finishes. You can find porcelain countertops that mimic your favorite natural stones. However, moisture, heat, or impact can cause stains or cracks on the surface of the porcelain. Also, grout lines are a potential breeding ground for bacteria. Therefore, it needs regular and meticulous cleaning.
The price range for porcelain countertops falls between $1500 and $3800 (for 35 square feet), with the national average being around $2900. The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $20-$65, while labor expenses range from $10-$20 per square foot.
Tile Kitchen Countertops
Tile kitchen countertops come in various materials such as ceramic, porcelain, stone, glass, …etc. One of these materials is attached to a base platform using mortar or some other adhesives. They are offered a wide range of styles, patterns, and colors. Tile countertops are more affordable compared to most other alternatives, and are easy to find in many stores. On the other hand, tiles can be porous, and there are usually a lot of grout lines on the surface. Therefore, maintenance of a tile countertop is relatively more demanding as compared to other countertop options.
The price range for tile countertops falls between $480 and $1950 (for 30 square feet), with the national average being around $1215. The cost of material per square foot typically ranges from $2-$30, while labor expenses range from $15-$20 per square foot.
What is the Cost Of Kitchen Countertops According-Their Types of Material?
The costs of the aforementioned countertops are presented in the following chart to give you a more comprehensive understanding.
| Types of Countertop | Price Range | Labor Cost | Material Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granite | $2,000 – $4,500 per 30 sq. ft. | $35- $85 per hour | $40-$60 | $3,250 |
| Quartz | $1,500 – $8,000 per 30-40 sq. ft. | $30 to $85 per hour | $65-$80 (mid-range) | $4,000 |
| Marble | $2,000 – $5000 per 30 sq. ft. | $35 – $45 per hour | $40-$100 | $3000 |
| Stainless Steel | $4000 – $11250 per 50 sq. ft. | $30 – $100 per hour | $80-$225 | $7600 |
| Laminate | $600 – $2400 per 30 sq. ft. | $35 -$45 per hour | $40-$80 | $1500 |
| Butcher Block | $2500 – $7500 per 30 sq. ft. | $60 – $100 per hour | $50-$100 | $3500 |
| Wood | $1,500 – $6,000 per 30-40 sq. ft. | $20 to $80 | $20-$140 | $3,800 |
| Concrete | $1800 – $4500 per 30 sq. ft. | $30 -$90 per hour | $5-$15 | $ 3000 |
| Soapstone | $2650 and $4400 per 30 sq. ft. | $18 – $25 per sq. ft. | $70-$120 | $3500 |
| Recycled Glass | $1500 and $5850 per 30 sq. ft. | $30 – $80 per hour | $40-$170 | $2700 |
| Porcelain | $1500 and $3800 per 35 sq. ft. | $10 – $20 per square foot | $20-$65 | $2900 |
| Tile | $480 and $1950 per 30 sq. ft. | $15-$20 per square foot | $2-$30 | $1215 |
What Are Some Inexpensive Countertop Options?
These are the 5 most affordable countertop options for those who are on a budget.
- Tile countertops
- Laminate countertops
- Concrete Countertops
- Ceramic countertops
- Wood countertops
Which Kitchen Countertops Are The Most Durable?
These are the 3 most durable countertops you can find on the market:
- Quartz countertops
- Granite countertops
- Stainless steel countertops
What Type Of Kitchen Countertops Are Popular In 2023?
The following are the top 3 kitchen countertop trends of 2023:
- Quartz countertops
- Quartzite countertops
- Granite countertops
