Choosing the Best Countertops for Your Home

Choosing between kitchen countertop options shouldn't be a challenge. Learn about different types of countertops so you can find a surface that's right for your home and budget.

Types of Countertops

· Quartz countertops

· Granite countertops 

· Solid surface countertops

· Laminate countertops

· Laminate sheet countertops

· Butcher-block countertops

Each type of countertop material has its own benefits and considerations. Take a look at material details below so you can upgrade the surfaces in your kitchen with a beautiful new look.

Quartz Countertops

Quartz countertops are a low-maintenance option, perfect for any busy kitchen. Made from the strongest natural mineral found on earth and mixed with resin, it's nonporous, stain-resistant and easy to clean. You’ll never have to seal, condition or polish it.

Benefits

· Worry-free maintenance

· Durable

· Nonporous surface protects against bacteria and germs

· Low maintenance and easy to clean

· No sealants, conditioning or polishing required

· Resists heat, scratches and stains

· Colors and patterns stay consisten

Considerations

Quartz countertops can be the perfect addition to your space. Here are some things to know before deciding.

· Cost

· Range: $50-165 per square foot

· Average Cost: $95 per square foot

· May fade or discolor when exposed to UV light

· Can be damaged by excessive heat

· May have visible seams

Maintenance

A quartz countertop is as easy to care for as it is beautiful. Use mild soap and water or a nonabrasive, oil-free cleaning solution. Always remember to avoid harsh chemicals.

Granite Countertops

Granite is naturally resistant to heat and scratches, making it a popular choice for kitchens. When properly sealed, it’s stain- and bacteria-resistant, meaning it’s the ideal surface for food prep.

Benefits

Every slab of natural granite is unique. You’ll get a one-of-a-kind variation along with other advantages including:

· Heat and scratch resistance

· Stain and bacteria resistance (if sealed)

· UV resistance

· Food-prep safe

Considerations

Along with the benefits that granite countertops offer, there are some points to consider:

· Cost

· Range: $45-165 per square foot

· Average Cost: $85 per square foot

· May have visible seams

· May require annual sealing and maintenance

· Susceptible to fractures

· May be difficult to repair

Maintenance

Our granite offerings are warranty protected and treated with a sealant to defend against staining and discoloration. To maintain granite, simply use mild soap and water but avoid ammonia-based solutions.

Note: Benefits and considerations above are expectations consistent with the overall granite marketplace and aren’t specific to Lowe’s.

Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface countertops are the smart choice when you want an affordable and practical option. Made from nonporous acrylic, solid surface countertops are easy to clean and resist stains and bacteria.

Benefits

When it comes to your kitchen or bathroom, you can’t go wrong with a solid surface countertop.

· Cost

· Range: $40-105 per square foot

· Average Cost: $60 per square foot

· Nonporous surface is easy to clean and disinfect

· Easily repaired if scratched

· Can be used for backsplashes and sinks

· Available in a variety of colors and patterns

Considerations

Making the right choice means knowing all the details. Here are some things to keep in mind when deciding to invest in a solid surface countertop.

· Less heat-resistant than other surfaces

· May be susceptible to scratches

Maintenance

Solid surfaces are man made and nonporous, making them hygienic and easy to clean. Simply use soap and water for everyday cleanup or an ammonia-based cleaner for stains. Avoid using window cleaner.

Laminate Countertops

Laminate countertops are a stylish and affordable option that’ll make any kitchen attractive. Choose from a variety of styles, patterns and finishes, and enjoy all the ways laminate makes life easier.

Benefits

Laminate offers an easy and low-maintenance option for your busy kitchen. It's also the most affordable countertop type. Here are some of the many features you’ll love.

· Cost

· Range: $25-65 per square foot

· Average Cost: $35 per square foot

· Durable

· Easy to clean with mild soap and water

· Suitable for DIY installation

· Water-resistant

· Hundreds of color and style options

Considerations

Determining which countertop to choose is easy when you have all the details. Here are some other factors to know before deciding.

· May be susceptible to scratches

· May have visible seams

· May easily damage with exposure to heat

Maintenance

Laminate countertops are easy to take care of and require little upkeep. All you need is mild soap and water to keep them clean.

Laminate Sheet Countertops

Laminate sheets are the perfect choice when you want to refresh your countertops without replacing them. Laminate sheets are thin and flexible, and they’re installed over your existing countertop for an instant upgrade. With a variety of styles and finishes to choose from, you can achieve the look of natural stone, granite, wood and more.

Benefits

Laminate sheets are a doable project for a do-it-yourselfer. To make laminate sheets appear seamless, heat is used to form and bend the sheets.

· Cost: $

· Easy to clean with mild soap and water

· Suitable for do-it-yourself (DIY) installation

· Water-resistant

· Hundreds of colors, patterns, styles and sizes

Considerations

Laminate sheets are a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a quick refresh. There are a few factors to consider before deciding if laminate sheets are right for you.

· They aren’t as durable as other countertop materials.

· They may be susceptible to scratches.

· They may crack easily, especially around the edges.

Maintenance

When cleaning laminate sheets, less water is best. Use a clean, damp, nonabrasive cloth and a mild soap to clean.Butcher-Block Countertops

Butcher-block countertops bring inviting warmth to any kitchen. They’re also perfect for dining areas or focal points like kitchen islands or desks. 

Benefits

Butcher-block countertops add rustic charm to your kitchen and feature plenty of advantages.

· Cost: $ – $$

· Environmentally friendly

· Naturally reduce noise

· Scratches and nicks are easy to sand out

· Perfect for nonfood prep and dining areas

· Over time, may develop a deep patina that’ll add beautiful dimension 

Considerations

With all the beauty that butcher-block countertops have to offer, there are also some details to know when deciding.

· Must be treated often with food-safe mineral oil to protect against water damage

· Low resistance to heat and extreme dryness could cause cracking 

Maintenance

To clean butcher-block countertops, simply use dish soap, hot water and a sponge to scrub along the wood's grain. Rinse with hot water and then dry thoroughly with a clean dish towel.

Other Uses for Countertops

Some countertop materials work well for uses beyond kitchen counters. For example, you can use laminate or butcher block to create custom surfaces such as tabletops, bar tops, desks and shelving. In addition, some laminate sheets can work as backsplashes or even cabinet fronts and wall coverings.