15 Types Of Countertops You Should Know Before Your Kitchen Remodel

Apart from perhaps the cabinets, countertops are one of the primary focal points in any kitchen, as noted by Houzz. Everything from the backsplash to the paint color to the cabinetry should coordinate with your choice of countertops, and there's a lot to consider beyond the mere appearance. Yes, you want your countertops to mesh with your overall design aesthetic, but all the different countertop materials have their own pros and cons. Before you select the countertops you want in your kitchen remodel, you should take a bit of time to really contemplate how you use the space, and what you want from the materials.

Is durability the key consideration? Do you want something that has minimal upkeep, or are you willing to put in a little extra work for a look that you love? How much of the material do you need — and what's your overall budget? While there are less expensive and more expensive options for every material, there's a particularly massive difference between the various ends of the spectrum when it comes to countertop materials.

If you're having trouble deciding which countertop material truly speaks to you, don't worry — we've got you covered. Here are 15 different types of countertops that you should know about before your kitchen remodel, and a little about them, so you can determine which one is the right fit for you specifically.

Marble countertops can totally elevate a kitchen, and whether you go for a classic white or a taupe or gray hue, they add some serious style. However, if durability is a concern for you, marble can be challenging, as Real Simple explains. Marble is quite porous, so any spills need to be cleaned up quickly. It's also relatively soft in comparison to other materials, so you want to exercise caution when slicing anything directly on the countertop.

The one group of home cooks who may be well served by marble are those who love to bake — marble has a naturally lower temperature, which means it'll stay cool for when you need to roll out your dough as you pretend you're a contestant on "The Great British Bake Off."

Butcher block countertops give a space a warm, cozy vibe, and they're available in a variety of woods and stains, allowing you to customize them to your preferred aesthetic. They're also durable, as any stains or scratches can be sanded away, and depending on the type of wood you select, they can be a more affordable option, says Hunker.

However, butcher block countertops will need to be sealed (and occasionally resealed), and depending on your climate or your propensity for placing hot dishes on the counter, you may need to be wary of warping as well.

Modern concrete blends often feature additives that mean the slabs can be thinner and lighter, making them a new possibility for countertops (via Countertop Guides). This durable material is resistant to chips. It's also ideal for those wanting to customize their kitchen — concrete can be pigmented to take on just about any hue, can be stamped or stained, and you can even embed things such as stones or colored glass in order to create exactly the look you want. Another bonus is that concrete countertops are poured, so they're perfect if you have tricky corners or strange shapes in your kitchen layout.

However, concrete can be a little on the pricier end, and may also require extra time in the renovation process. According to Country Living, once concrete is poured, you need about 28 days for it to fully cure.

In terms of aesthetics, your options are nearly limitless with this choice, as The Spruce says — there are a ton of different tiles on the market in all kinds of patterns and colors. Additionally, tiles come in various shapes and sizes, so you can get exactly the look you're going for. They're also one of the few countertop materials that can be relatively easily DIY'd, if you have some basic skills, a bonus for any budget-conscious renovator. Tile countertops are also quite easy to clean and can withstand heat from any hot pan you place on the surface.

However, tiles are somewhat brittle and may crack if you drop something and they're hit in the wrong way. And, while the tiles themselves are easy to clean, the grout isn't, so you may find yourself frustrated by foods staining the grout.

Eco-friendly homeowners will love this countertop option, which is made of up to 80% recycled materials, according to Countertop Guides. Recycled glass countertops are also durable and non-porous, and feature a unique blend of glass that gives you a one-of-a-kind countertop.

Recycled glass countertops do have the possibility of breaking or cracking, and highly acidic foods or harsh cleaners could potentially damage the surface. Additionally, though recycled glass isn't the cheapest option at roughly $50 to $100 per square foot, it's not as expensive as many other materials.

Travertine, a type of limestone, is a visually appealing natural stone option that is known for its reflective nature, which helps open up a space and make it more bright and airy, according to Rock Solid Custom Granite.

Though stunning, there are a few cons that make travertine a somewhat high-maintenance option for home cooks. The material is very reactive with acid, which means that common substances like lemon juice or wine could easily stain the surface. It's also porous and soft, meaning it's liable to scratch, and somewhat sensitive to heat.

Onyx is an absolutely stunning material, and has the unique quality of translucency, which means some well-placed lighting can create a truly show-stopping kitchen (via Moreno Granite). If properly cared for, it's also a very long-lasting material.

On the con list, onyx is somewhat brittle, meaning it typically needs to be fortified with some kind of extra stabilizing material. Also, the calcium-based nature of onyx means it's reactive to acid, according to Cosmos Surfaces, so you'll have to seal and reseal to protect the surface.