8 Low-Maintenance Materials To Use For Your Kitchen Countertops

Your kitchen is where your next favorite meal begins, the origin of those evenings spent around a table and creating new memories with your loved ones. As a result, when it comes down to curating a space that's as visually appealing as it is functional, even details that seem small can carry great weight, such as the material used for your kitchen countertops.

At first glance, it may seem like all countertop materials are the same, differing only in their appearance. However, choosing the right material goes beyond the the countertop color that gives your kitchen the right vibe and the aesthetic they provide your space with. Instead, the material you end up picking can also dictate how much time is dedicated to maintaining your countertops versus actually enjoying the results of time spent in the kitchen.

Because of this, when you're choosing the right material for your kitchen's countertops, on top of visual appeal, you'll also want to weigh factors like durability and maintenance, which play a role in how much upkeep is required. Some materials, like quartz, can shine in both departments, while others, like laminate, may require little maintenance but lack durability. To get you started in the right direction, here are 8 low-maintenance materials across a variety of price points to get you started. These may vary in durability, which can lend to more maintenance down the road, but their overall daily upkeep is minimal, helping you spend more time cooking in and enjoying your kitchen rather than maintaining its surfaces.

This is no surprise since quartz is 2025's best kitchen countertop material according to Consumer Reports. On the surface, it is eye-catching, with an appearance sitting somewhere between traditional and modern for an overall balanced look. This, paired with its various colors, allows you to tailor quartz to fit your kitchen's existing aesthetic. However, above all, quartz is highly durable, holding up well to daily wear-and-tear. It also doesn't require sealing, which boosts its status as a low-maintenance material even further. However, quartz can be pricey, and, while it can hold up to heat, very high temperatures can be damaging.

Have you ever seen inside a professional kitchen? If so, there's a good chance that the surfaces were made of stainless steel, as it's a top-choice among food professionals. Although its appearance can be a bit industrial, stainless steel is hygienic thanks to its antibacterial qualities, durable, and easy to maintain, with no need to seal or refinish it every few months. While it can be a popular low-maintenance material for countertops, there are some potential downsides to stainless steel countertops and times it may need extra TLC, such as removing any smudges this material may showcase.

Granite is another popular option that pairs durability with versatility and ease-of-cleaning. It can resist scratches, which stainless steel is often prone to, while providing a natural aesthetic that fits well in many homes. However, while it sports a laundry list of benefits, there are a few things to keep in mind. For starters, while its durability helps make it a lower maintenance option, it does need a little care every now and then. Specifically, granite requires resealing every year or so for the best results. While infrequent, it is still an important maintenance factor to consider.

Recycled glass is one of the newer players when it comes to kitchen countertop materials. This material is composed of crushed glass that's mixed with resin for a smooth finish. Its unique appearance helps it stand out, and other than keeping in mind the risk of cracking under too much pressure or heat, it can be a lasting choice for a kitchen. While recycled glass countertops have downsides like a lower durability compared to some countertop options, which could lead to more maintenance, it doesn't require sealing.

On its own, soapstone is durable. It holds up well to heat, which makes it a perfect fit for the kitchen where you may be dealing with hot cookware. However, while its durability does lend to a low-maintenance care routine, it does need to be sealed regularly for it to maintain its sleek, solid appearance. It can also develop scratches, which may lead to additional maintenance in the future.

Although you may love the appearance of an effortlessly elegant marble countertop, marble can be a high-maintenance material that may require more work than you're willing to commit to your kitchen. Fortunately, that doesn't mean you need to give up your dreams of a stylish kitchen. Quartzite has a similar appearance as marble, all while being more durable and holding up well to everyday tasks. While it does need an infrequent seal to keep it in good condition, it's overall low-maintenance.

Solid surface doesn't refer to just one material. Instead, solid surface countertops are composed of various materials meshed together in a blend that can help you achieve your desired countertops while keeping your priorities in mind. While you'll need to be cautious with heat, solid surface countertops can handle day-to-day kitchen activities with ease, and they don't require a specialized cleaning routine. Scratches can show up, but maintaining its appearance is as easy as buffing away any imperfections .

When you think about laminate, durability likely isn't the first thing to come to mind. And, it's true: laminate can be prone to damage, with a lower durability than many other materials on our list. However, at the same time, it's incredibly low-maintenance. It can last over a decade in your home, and it's easy to clean. Plus, since it's not a natural stone material, it doesn't need to be sealed, all while sporting a wide variety of color options. Laminate countertops can be a great way to achieve a high-end kitchen in appearance while remaining budget-friendly.