These 6 Outdated Countertop Trends Will Make You Want To Replace Yours ASAP

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Countertop trends come and go, and many design experts often have differing opinions about what's outdated and what's here to stay. For example, while quartz is said to be more popular in homes over granite, the material is also controversial due to health and safety concerns during the manufacturing process. Another example is ceramic tiling, which was a once-favored and officially dated kitchen countertop trend. But now? Homeowners are reportedly starting to bring back some of these 1970s and 1980s vibes to 2025, albeit with some updates.

It can be difficult to stay on trend with countertops in your home, especially since these are not cheap investments. Nevertheless, there are some styles and materials that are dated overall, and you might want to consider replacing them if you're looking to sell your home at some point, so you can get the most value. It also goes without saying that any worn-out countertop should be replaced with something more contemporary — and you definitely don't want to date your space from the get-go by installing a material that's already fallen out of favor. 

Granite was all the rage for about two decades. In recent years, though, homeowners and designers appear to be done with granite countertops. The main reason is that the countertops seem to be everywhere. The worst offenders are granite countertops that have busy patterns or bright colors, which can quickly make a home look dated.

Some people argue that granite can still offer a timeless look, though. If you decide to go with this material, consider a more neutral tone and subtle pattern. On the other hand, if you're looking at remodeling, it may be worth replacing granite with a more contemporary material. This is especially the case if your countertops are damaged, or if you want to put your home on the market in the near future. If you fall into this camp, you might consider replacing granite with quartzite countertops. Unlike quartz, quartzite is not manmade. Like granite, quartzite is very durable and also has unique veining and fields, because it's a completely natural stone

As a home-building material, laminate is often regarded as one of the more budget-friendly options. Aside from flooring, laminate was also once a popular choice for countertops thanks to its affordability and ease of maintenance. There's no arguing that laminate is much more affordable than stone countertops. This melamine-coated material first emerged in the 1950s and was once touted as easy to clean. Laminate has some serious downsides, though, as it's also notorious for warping and peeling, especially when it comes into contact with water. Unlike stone, laminate is also prone to permanent stains and scratches. Needless to say, the old and worn look of laminate is definitely not something you want in a kitchen or bathroom.

Despite their downsides, the popularity of laminate countertops has never truly gone away, and they are still arguably the go-to among more budget-conscious homeowners. If you can't quit on laminate just yet, you might consider an upgrade instead. While older laminates in solid colors are definitely outdated, there's a resurgence of this material in more modern, attractive styles that mimic the appearance of stone. Contemporary laminate is said to be slightly more durable, too, though laminate will never compare to its stone counterparts in this regard.

If you're looking for an entirely different countertop material altogether, consider replacing worn-out plastic laminate with concrete or microcement. These are much more durable materials than laminate, while also being easy to maintain (although you do need to reseal periodically to keep concrete countertops stain-proof). And, if you're worried about color, know that concrete can be stained in a variety of shades to make your kitchen or bathroom spaces really pop.

Corian emerged on the countertop market in 1971 as the very first solid surface of its kind. It was originally only available in white, but has since expanded into over 100 different solid colors to give homeowners and businesses some variety. Corian was favored in busy households and industries alike thanks to its stain resistance, affordability, and overall hygienic properties. While still considered a budget-friendly and durable choice, the material is losing favor, thanks to the downsides of installing Corian countertops, including their more industrial-like appearance. What's more, Corian is notorious for its lack of scratch- and heat-resistance.

If you want to replace commercial-looking Corian with a different countertop material, porcelain might be a potential option to consider. Porcelain countertops also come in a wide array of colors and styles (including imitation stone looks), and can offer better heat- and scratch-resistance. You might also be able to get a better warranty with a porcelain countertop. Warranties differ between manufacturers, but whereas Corian only offers a 10-year limited residential warranty, porcelain options can come with up to a 25-year warranty. 

While all-white kitchens were very much on trend in recent years, they have arguably fallen out of favor just as quickly. Here's why a white-on-white kitchen can date your home in 2025: All-white kitchens were said to look clean and timeless, but having a white countertop coupled with a white backsplash and cabinetry can make any space look a little sterile. Homeowners are now wanting warmer colors in kitchens that feel cozier and less like a doctor's office. Instead of pure white, designers are opting for warm whites paired with other neutrals, such as taupe and beige, as well as accent colors like earthy blues and greens.

If you already have an all-white kitchen, you don't necessarily need to replace your countertops that are still in good shape. For example, you can help to offset a sterile look with warmer shades on other materials in your kitchen, such as different-colored cabinets. Repainting cabinets is a lot cheaper and less disruptive than ripping out your countertops (here's a guide on how to paint over gloss cabinets if you're contemplating this DIY). On the other hand, if you're looking for a full kitchen or bathroom remodel, now might be a good time to select a softer, less stark shade for your countertops. 

A kitchen backsplash is just as important as a countertop in terms of aesthetics and practicality. When you first perused ideas for a backsplash to protect your walls, you might have gone with the trend of mixing up your designs. This idea goes back as far as the 1950s, which was the same era that saw backsplashes become trendy more generally. However, instead of installing contrasting tile, designers have recently been extending the stone countertops up the wall to create a seamless flow of material — also known as a "countersplash."

If you're keen to implement this look in your own kitchen, and you're opting for no uppers, consider incorporating a small shelf to cap off the upper edge of the stone. Also, unless you're implementing the design in a small area (like a powder bath vanity), opting for calm, less graphic veining is probably going to stand the test of time better than something like a bold, busy Arabescato marble (either real or imitation).

Alternatively, you can also create a seamless, cohesive effect with a more traditional tile and solid countertop pairing, you just need to choose materials that will harmonize with each other. The easiest way to do this is by sticking with neutral colors. Compare samples next to each other in different types of lighting and evaluate how the undertones interplay with each other. You can also use a color wheel to help you decide whether to go for contrasting or complementary tones. If you're considering bolder patterns, shades, or tile layouts, then decide which area you want to be the main player. For instance, natural stone with more graphic veining can be easier to pair seamlessly with a simpler tile. Alternatively, a bolder tile moment with contrasting grout lines, a glossy finish, or more saturated color may be simpler to team up with an understated countertop.

Tiled countertops might remind you of the 1980s, and the era spawned counters filled with square-shaped ceramic tiles. These types of countertops have fallen out of favor over the years, primarily due to problems with the thick grout lines that go along with them. Tiled countertop grout lines are notorious for quickly getting dirty and being difficult to clean, which are also turnoffs for prospective buyers. If you have an older tiled countertop, you may want to rethink this design, particularly if the grout lines are stained beyond simple cleaning.

Ironically, tiled countertops are making their way back into modern kitchens and bathrooms with some modifications. Besides replicating the square-tiled countertops of decades past, modern alternatives like Kit Kat tile and hexagon shapes are also popping up. To address the elephant in the room: You also don't have to fear grout lines entirely. Thanks to advances in ceramic tiling materials, we now have products like epoxy grout that are almost impervious to stains and moisture. If you're looking to take on this project yourself, and have an old, dated countertop you want to cover up, tiling can also be a way to give old, outdated countertops a makeover without replacing them. Finally, if you have existing tile countertops that are starting to feel charmingly retro as tile starts trending again — but the grout is in awful shape — you can also consider regrouting. Regrouting tile allows you to remove just the grout (either with a hand tool like this ReeTree Grout Remover or with an oscillating multitool), and then apply fresh, preferably epoxy-based grout. Here's a guide on how to regrout tile and what mistakes to avoid.