There’s no shortage of kitchen countertop ideas available on the internet and home improvement magazines. In fact, there are so many different kitchen countertop ideas — each with its own list of pros and cons no less — that a simple kitchen remodel with new countertops can quickly seem unachievable without the help of an on-site interior designer.
But choosing countertop options doesn’t have to be a hassle. Below, you can find a comprehensive list of all the kitchen countertop ideas you need to know about. This will help you easily understand the differences between each of them, and find the perfect countertop materials for your home.
Add a Rustic Touch to Your Kitchen With Butcher Block Countertops
Butcher block countertops, one of the most trendy kitchen countertop ideas, have been around for ages. Often one of the more affordable options when compared to other materials, these natural wood countertops are a stunning addition to any kitchen.
That being said, they do require a bit of maintenance, including monthly mineral oil treatments to keep them looking their best. Some butcher block varieties are used to create live edge countertops for added charm.
The butcher block countertops below blend incredibly well with the other wood elements in the space. All the wood combined with the simple cabinets and farmhouse sink create a rustic kitchen design that stands the test of time. The matching wooden beams and kitchen island help to create a cohesive look that can’t be outdone by other countertop materials.
Kitchen in the home of Jacob and Ellen Dixdotter, photographed by Andrea Papini for Nordiska Kök
Use Uncommon Materials Such as Bamboo to Create One-of-a-Kind Kitchen Countertops
A more unique take on wooden countertops, bamboo is a much less common countertop material than most other woods used in homes. Bamboo kitchen countertops are growing increasingly popular, however, due in part to the environmentally friendly nature of bamboo itself. Additionally, bamboo countertops are typically much cheaper and easier to maintain than other types of material.
This example of bamboo kitchen countertops uses a lighter, natural variety of bamboo, allowing the countertop to stand out from the cabinetry ever so slightly. Darker colors are available through the use of a resin coating, though the natural appearance is usually preferred.
via Ask Og Eng
Embrace a Sleek, Industrial Kitchen Aesthetic With Stainless Steel Countertops
Stainless steel countertops are the only countertop material that is 100% stain-proof. They are also known to be incredibly long-lasting, ideal for someone that spends a lot of time in the kitchen. Though they are most often seen in commercial kitchens and outdoor areas, the lack of stains, durable nature, and easy maintenance of stainless steel countertops have them appearing in personal kitchens all over the world.
The kitchen below has a distinctly industrial feel, with dark colors, sleek styling, and minimal hardware. The countertop, kitchen island, and backsplash are all the same material, providing excellent cohesion and amplifying light to brighten the space when needed.
via Himlekok
Use Copper Countertops to Create Depth and Personality in the Space
Among the more uncommon kitchen countertop ideas is the use of copper countertops in the home. Copper as a kitchen countertop material brings an abundance of personality to any space, particularly those dominated by dark tones.
Depending on the exact type of copper used, your countertop could be an inhospitable environment for a range of bacteria and viruses. Just keep in mind that copper is known as a “living surface”, meaning that its appearance will gradually shift and evolve.
This kitchen pairs copper countertops with a dark palette and subtle copper accents. The intense, mysterious air of this kitchen is also very classic, calling upon some mild 1800s aesthetics.
via DeVol Kitchens
Install Heat-Resistant Concrete Countertops for Ultimate Durability
Concrete is known to be a very durable material, and concrete countertops are no different. Concrete allows for highly customizable countertops, with polished finishes, unique edge profiles, integrated sinks, and personalized colors and inserts.
Concrete countertops can even be customized to resemble granite, marble, or even wood. However, the more effort that goes into designing the countertop, the more you’re likely to pay. Additionally, concrete is vulnerable to staining without proper maintenance.
The concrete countertop below is a simple polished grey design with squared edges. This style pairs well with the white kitchen and brown accents.
Styled by Emma Fisher, photographed by Jonas Berg for Stadshem
Tile Countertops and a Matching Backsplash for a Seamless Appearance
Tile countertops are one of the most scratch-resistant kitchen countertop ideas. Additionally, ceramic tiles are historically on the more affordable end of the material spectrum and come in a massive range of shapes and colors.
With the proper installation, grout, and maintenance, these kitchen countertops will easily last decades. Tile can be installed on top of most existing countertops, though that is not recommended for peak durability and appearance.
In this example, the kitchen counter, range hood, and backsplash use the same tile, creating a seamless transition between each element. For an added splash of personality, patterned and/or colored tile can be peppered throughout.
Styled by Lingsell, photographed by Florbrant for Historiska Hem
Choose Laminate Countertops for Both Style and a More Affordable Price
If you’re looking for something low maintenance and affordable, laminate countertops may be the solution. Laminate is perfect for recreating the look of more pricy materials such as quartz, stone, marble, or soapstone countertops.
The technology used to create laminate countertops has come a long way since the material was introduced in the 1950s and 1960s, easing installation and providing more style options. However, they are still not as durable as other materials.
This grey and white kitchen is a light, airy space with small appliances and a white laminate countertop. Although the design is simplistic, it’s a classic kitchen that won’t need to be updated for years and years to come.
via Alvhem
Achieve a Luxurious Look and a Durable Design With Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are the most stain-resistant material after stainless steel. Quartz comes in a variety of colors, can have veining that mimics marble, and can even contain mirror chips that create a sparkle effect under the right lighting.
Quartz countertops are not made from an originally solid surface like other countertop ideas. Instead, they are engineered from ground-up particles of quartz bound together with resins. Because of this, the material is nonporous, greatly increasing its durability and stain resistance.
The quartz countertop below is a darker variety that has an appearance similar to that of natural stone. The quartz itself has hues that blend well with the two-tone cabinets, serving as the perfect stepping point between these contrasting colors.
via Kvanum
White Marble Countertops and a Matching Backsplash With Intricate Veining for a Bold Statement
Marble countertops are often viewed as the height of luxury and typically boast a price tag to match. It’s a truly stunning material that has withstood countless trend shifts, maintaining its popularity over the decades.
No two pieces of marble are the same, and nothing can rival the appearance of marble countertops in a kitchen. However, buyers should be aware of marble’s porous nature, which makes it susceptible to staining and etching.
This marble countertop perfectly showcases the uniqueness of the material, particularly when placed against solid, neutral-colored upper and lower cabinets. The built-in sink and cooktop are excellent examples of the level of customization that can be done with marble by a trained professional.
via Nordiska Kök
Choose Granite Countertops for a Durable, Classic Kitchen Design
Granite countertops are another countertop option that is considered luxurious and with its hefty price tag attached. Granite countertops are made from natural stones that have been cut into a slab and then cut to fit your kitchen specifically.
Granite is also more heat-resistant than nearly all other types of kitchen counter material. That being said, if the stone does become damaged in some way, repair options are incredibly limited. Additionally, like other types of stone, granite must have regular maintenance to maintain its appearance.
This example matches the color of the cabinets to the stone grey tone of the granite and continues that pairing onto the island.
Styled by Emma Fischer and Linnéa H. Manaberi, photographed by Henrik Linden for Alvhem
Limestone Countertops for a Touch of Natural Stone in the Kitchen
Another type of stone countertop, limestone, is available in a range of colors and textures. Like with many of the other kitchen countertop ideas, the material can be damaged over time. However, limestone is often less expensive than marble, soapstone, or granite.
On the other hand, though limestone can be polished to an extremely smooth texture, it will not shine like those other countertops will.
This example kitchen features both a waterfall edge and open shelving in addition to an island. The coloring of the limestone pairs well with the wall and cabinet shades.
Terrazzo as Your Kitchen Counter Material for Playful, Colorful Countertops
Finally, in our list of kitchen countertop ideas, we have terrazzo countertops. Terrazzo countertops are a type of multi-material countertops where stone and glass fragments or marble chips are combined to create a solid surface. This type of kitchen countertop is also incredibly versatile.
The kitchen countertop pictured here is bursting with personality and consists of colors found throughout the rest of the space.
via Nordiska Kök
