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Pros & Cons of 10 Popular Kitchen Countertops

One of my jobs as an Interior Designer is to educate my clients to ensure the products and finishes we are choosing best suit the aesthetics of the house but also the finishes and materials.


This is especially important in the most used room of the house - The Kitchen!


I have put together a list of the top 10 most popular kitchen countertop materials (in no special order) and the pros and cons:


1. Granite

Granite is the one that is most familiar and has long been one of the most common kitchen countertop materials. Because it is a natural stone, it tends to go well with earthly aesthetics.

When taken care of properly, it can last for over ten years. If your kitchen is busy like mine, this is ideal for you. It has a high level of durability and strength. Granite is heat, stain, and scratch-resistant but must be properly sealed.


Granite Cons:

  • Susceptible to cracking

  • Can have an outdated look

  • Needs to be sealed due to it being naturally porous

  • Absorbs liquids that can lead to bacterial build-up


Granite Pros: (the pros may outweigh the cons)

  • High durability 

  • Heat, scratch, and stain resistant

  • Natural stone

  • Does not contain synthetic resin


2. Marble

Marble is another popular choice for countertops amongst homeowners. It is an irrefutably stunning material that exudes elegance. The marble’s cool, smooth surface brings a touch of nature into your home.


Marble Pros

  • Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and designs

  • Can increase in value over time equating to a great investment

  • Has a naturally cool temperature

  • Not a prominent conductor of heat


Marble Cons

  • It is porous and needs sealing to prevent stains

  • Heavy and DIY installation is not possible 

  • It is very delicate that can be prone to scratches and stains


3. Quartz (Engineered Stone)

Quartz is one of my favorites and is becoming very popular in the market because of its low maintenance and durability. Unlike other natural stones, quartz does not require sealing, oiling, or sanding, which provides a major convenience factor for homeowners. All you need to do is wipe it down with mild soap and warm water. Easy Peasy! It will go with most of your kitchen decor because there are various designs to choose from. Thanks to advances in technology, engineered quartz looks like natural stone. Let’s go over the pros and cons.


Quartz Pros

  • Quartz offers a wide variety of designs

  • Low maintenance, sealing, and sanding needed

  • It has superior durability

  • It won’t scratch, crack, or chip


Quartz Cons

  • Quartz may discolor over time

  • The resin and fillers are not susceptible to heat

  • It might not have a natural look as other natural stones