Interior designing is all about aesthetics, quality, new trends, and the best use of space. While we are very much concerned about furniture, color schemes, flooring, and designs, how can we overlook the importance of countertops? 

Counters are a key part of kitchen design and functionality, and choosing the best style and material is essential. 2024’s calls for nature-inspired spaces and designers are focusing on sustainability to jump on the bandwagon.

Which Are the Best Types of Countertop Materials and Their Pros and Cons 2024?

As we progress toward 2024, we must keep pace with the new trends. As a tradition, we have been opting for granite, silestone, corian, and marble. Now, everything is changing. So, it is important to have a basic knowledge about the best types of countertop materials and their pros and cons 2024.

Dolomite Countertops

Dolomite is a naturally sourced material available in a variety of colors and designs ranging from grayish brown and pinkish blue patterns. This material is known for its high durability and competitive pricing. Dolomite material price varies from 50 to 75 USD per square foot. When you hire an expert for installation, you will have to pay additional labor cost i.e. 20 USD per square foot. 

As dolomite is a moderately soft stone, it cannot withstand high pressure or harsh chemicals. It requires careful handling or it may get scratched and stained easily. However, choosing less porous varieties and proper care and regular maintenance may make it last for years.

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Pros

• Cost-Effective 
• Aesthetic Appeal
• Heat-Resistant

Cons

• Less Popular 
• Softer Than Other Natural Stones 
• Limited Variety 
• Vulnerable to Damages 
• Requires Regular Maintenance

Laminate Countertops

People are more inclined towards installing laminate countertops due to their affordability and usefulness. The current market prices of laminate countertops range between 20 to 80 USD per sq. foot including material and installation cost. You may have to invest a budget of 800 to 1750 USD for a kitchen remodeling project. However, the exact cost is determined by the variety and customization specifics. Laminate counters have an easy installation process, so it can be a DIY project. The best thing about these counters is that they require low maintenance, however, if they get damaged they will have to be replaced.‍

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Pros

• Huge Variety 
• Cost-Effective 
• Stain-Proof
• Easy Maintenance 
• Easy Installation

Cons

• No resale values 
• Less Durable 
• Non-Repairable

Marble Countertops

Marble counters are best for creating minimal designs and chic interior spaces. The natural stone is available in a huge variety of colors and styles. The cost of marble counters may vary considerably depending on the specifications you choose. The average cost ranges between 40 to 200 USD per sq. foot. So, a marble countertop for a medium-sized kitchen may cost you almost 3000 USD. While this is the first-time cost, you may have to spend occasionally on repairing and resealing marble surfaces

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Pros

• Glossy Finish
• Pretty Texture 
• Valuable Natural Stone 
• Highly Durable 
• Heat Resistant

Cons

• Professional and Costly Installation 
• Easy Staining 
• Prone to Cracks 
• Expensive Material

Soapstone Countertops

People love soapstone counters for their timeless beauty, versatility, and lived-in aesthetics. Its high talc content gives it a soft texture. However, it can withstand rough use, and last for years. It is usually found in gray tones with dynamic veining styles. The soapstone material may cost you almost 55 to 120 USD per sq.foot. And if you are revamping a 50 sq. feet kitchen, you will have to spend almost 2500 to 5000 USD for professional installation. Soapstone counters require regular oiling as the material may darken with time. The best maintenance can be done through good-quality mineral oil and sandpaper.

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Pros

• Attractiveness 
• Highly Dense and Non-Porous Material 
• Environmental-Friendly 
• Fire-Proof 
• Discoloration Resistant 
• Easy Repairing

Cons

• Easy Scratching 
• Requires Care and Maintenance 
• Ages Eccentrically and Changes Color with Time 
• Expensive Installation

Concrete Countertops

Concrete counters are gaining popularity due to their high strength, and modern artists are using their creativity to create original and inspired interior looks. The total price of concrete counters may vary from 50 to 150 USD per sq. foot. While this is affordable, concrete counters require proper care and maintenance and you will have to regularly seal the surfaces, follow a strict cleaning routine, and instantly repair any damages. 

Concrete countertops can be customized in many ways and will offer you limitless design options. Designers experiment with different colors, imprinted textures, edge customization, patterns, shapes, and additions

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Pros

• Customization makes it a one-of-a-kind interior 
• Highly versatile and perfect for contemporary and traditional spaces 
• Its incredible features make it highly practical 
• Cost-Effective 
• Highly Durable
  

Cons

• Porous Surface 
• Prone to Scratches and Staining 
• Time-taking Installation
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Butcher Block Countertops

Wood-inspired interiors feature contemporary style, ever-lasting beauty, distinctness, and versatility. Butcher blocks are the designer’s favorite for their unique looks and lifetime durability. Initially used for commercial spaces, now it has become homeowners’ top choice for kitchen remodeling projects. Arsight help you craft the perfect residential and commercial interiors in the US. On average, the price of butcher blocks varies from 30 to 40 USD per sq. foot. And the minimum cost of professional installation is 3500 to 4000 USD for a medium-sized kitchen. However, it may vary depending on the service and area.

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Pros

• Highly Versatile 
• Durable 
• Simple Cleaning 
• Easy Restoration
  

Cons

• Prone to Damage 
• Regular Resurfacing
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Granite Countertops

Granite is the best pick for interior designing projects as it not only promises pretty aesthetics but also better property value. You can find a huge variety of granite countertops in the market and choose the best to complement your interiors.  Arsight has the best experts who work on strategy and concept, develop bespoke designs, source detailed and professional drawings, create pro combinations of material, furniture, fixtures, and finishes, provide project implementation support, and ensure satisfactory project completion. 

Granite is one of the most valuable materials and its cost may vary between 40 to 200 USD per sq. foot. However, it is only the material cost, it may require professional installation which may cost somewhere between 35 to 85 USD per hour. For a seamless finish, granite slabs are best but might be slightly expensive compared to tiles.

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Pros

• Vast Variety 
• Heat-Safe 
• Durable 
• Requires a Low Maintenance Budget 
• Versatile 
• Adds to Property Value

Cons

• Prone to Damages 
• Traditional 
• Gives a Crowded Look to Small Spaces 
• Require Frequent Sealing 
• Prone to UV Damage

Quartz Countertops

Quartz material for countertops features a mixture of ground mineral quartz with resin and pigments. It has become a popular choice for countertops and can completely change any interior look. The average price of quartz counters may vary between 50 to 200 USD per sq. foot. And you may allocate a budget of almost 4500 USD to install quartz countertops in a medium-sized kitchen. However, the price may go up to 12000 USD depending on the quality and space size.

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Pros

• Durable 
• Stylish Interior 
• Stain-Proof 
• Minimal Maintenance 
• Valuable Interiors 
• Easy to Clean

Cons

• Pricey 
• Heat Sensitive  
• Labor-Intensive Installation 
• Discolors When Exposed to Direct Sunlight 
• Visible Layers May Create an Unappealing Look

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Epoxy Countertops

Epoxy is a quick alternative to expensive materials for countertops. A combination of resin and hardener, epoxy can be a DIY project. You can experiment with different colors and designs, and create the most distinct interior look. Epoxy countertops material price may range between 100 to 350 USD per sq.foot, while the labor cost is 45 to 140 USD per sq. foot. A 100 to 200-square-foot kitchen may cost something around 4500 to 9000 USD.

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Pros

• Versatile 
• Durable 
• Best Sealing Properties 
• Glossy Finish 
• Creative Designs 
• Heat Resistant 
• Non-Toxic Material 
• Easy Cleaning

Cons

• Emit Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
• Challenging DIY Installation

Stainless Steel Countertops

Stainless Steel counters are a professional’s choice as they offer hassle-free maintenance. You can choose from brushed, mirror, and matte finish to add interior value. On average the price of stainless-steel counters varies from 80 to 225 USD per sq. foot. However, the premium stainless-steel varieties may cost slightly higher from 200 to 2700 USD per sq. foot. It includes material and labor. Usually, customization determines the exact cost. Thicker gauge stainless steel countertop varieties feature better quality, higher prices, and greater durability

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Pros

• Very Durable 
• Class and Sophistication 
• Unique Interior 
• Rust-Free 
• Fire-Proof

Cons

• Easily Scratches 
• May Dent with Pressure
• Non-Resistant to Heat 
• Not Ideal for Quiet Spaces

Travertine Countertops

Travertine stone helps you create Italian-inspired interior designs with a modern touch. The soft swirly appearance and appealing color shades including red, ivory, and brown make it the best choice for any interior. You can opt for a polished, honed, brushed, or tumbled finish to enhance the final looks.

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Pros

• Never Goes Out of Style 
• Budget Friendly 
• Durable 
• Versatile 
• Easy Shaping 
• Easy Repairing

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Cons

• Requires Regular Maintenance 
• Prone to Acid Damage

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Porcelain Countertops

Porcelain has won homeowners and interior designers’ hearts for its incredible beauty, versatility, and matchless durability. The average price of porcelain material for countertops varies from 50 to 120 USD per sq. foot including material and professional installation. However, the price can go as high as 150 USD per sq. foot.

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Pros

• Highly Durable 
• Aesthetic Beauty 
• Easy Maintenance 
• Hygienic Surface
• Temperature Resistant 
• Chemical Safe 
• UV Resistant and Best for Outdoors

Cons

• Expensive 
• Vulnerable to Damage 
• Expensive Professional Installation

Bamboo Countertops

Bamboo countertops are the best substitute for wooden or laminate surfaces as they promise uniqueness, high durability, and environmental friendliness. Bamboo countertops may cost you almost 1500 to 3000 USD for a 50 sq. feet kitchen (including material price and installation). However, the most premium bamboo variety for countertops may cost up to 10,000 USD for a 50 sq. feet space.

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Pros

• Cost-Effective Material 
• Easy Cleaning 
• Incredible Anti-Bacterial Properties 
• Highly Durable 
• Eco-Friendly 
• Timeless Beaut

Cons

• Easily Stains 
• Visible Seam May Look Unappealing 
• Requires Regular Maintenance 
• Limited Design Options 
• Sensitive to Temperature 
• Easy Scratching

Walnut Wood Countertops

Walnut wood is one of the best varieties that is endorsed by designers and experts across the globe. It is available in a huge color variety featuring a traditional and open-grain design. Its decay-resistant properties make it highly versatile. It can be used for countertops, furniture, flooring, and woodwork. The average price of walnut wood material for countertops ranges between 6 to 13 USD per sq.foot. However, the final price depends on the quality grade you choose.

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Pros

• Lifetime Durability 
• Enhances Interior Beauty 
• Versatile 
• Easy Maintenance 
• Food-Safe

Cons

• Expensive 
• Prone to Damages with Rough Use

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Silestone Countertops

Silestone countertops are one of top choices for homeowners and leading interior designers of the world. It is known for its exquisiteness, lifetime durability, and easy maintenance.

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Pros

• High Durability 
• Less Maintenance 
• Versatility 
• Anti-microbial Properties 
• Heat Resistance 
• Warranteed

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Cons

• Expensive Material
• Professional Installation 
• Vulnerable to Scratches 
• Limited Slab Size 
• Environmental Impact

Corian Countertops

Corian countertops help create the most creative kitchen designs for its exceptional beauty and distinct features.

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Pros

• Vast Variety 
• Non-Porous Surface 
• Easy Maintenance 
• Relatively Affordable than Natural Stone Varieties

Cons

• Prone to Damages 
• Inefficient Heat Resistance 
• May Discolor with Harsh Chemicals 
• Less Resale Value