Selecting a kitchen countertop is a challenging task for any new home build or remodeling project. The counters in this room withstand a lot of wear and tear, so the material should be sturdy—yet they are also considered a “showpiece” item. Because of this, both builders and homeowners often turn to a natural stone such as granite, but other materials are rapidly gaining ground—especially quartz. With so many options and trends that arise, how do you know what’s right for your project?

Popular Countertop Picks

When selecting a countertop material, look at how designers are putting together kitchen areas to make sure you’re staying current with the latest looks and styles. “Showrooms can help you find inspiration,” says Michael Loflin, Industry Research an Information Manager at the Natural Stone Institute, adding, “You’ll see different edges, combinations of countertops with cabinets; it can give you some ideas.”

Industry publications and organizations are also valuable sources to turn to for information. The National Kitchen + Bath Association (NKBA) recently did a study examining the top kitchen trends for the next three years. Here’s a peek at the top three styles (along with associated countertop materials) from their list:

#1 – Transitional – granite, quartz, quartzite

#2 – Contemporary – quartz

#3 – Farmhouse – quartz, end-grain butcher block, soapstone

Both natural stone and quartz continue their reign as top picks for countertop material in the years to come. Let’s take a closer look at each.

Quartz Countertops

There’s no question quartz counters are in demand, but it isn’t just homeowners that love this material. Rebekah Zaveloff CKD, Co-Founder and Design Director at KitchenLab Interiors as well as a NKBA Insider, says, “A lot of new home construction builders are very committed to quartz countertops because there are no surprises. A client isn’t going to say ‘that’s not what I expected’ on install day.” This is not always the case when it comes to the natural stones, many of which have a great deal of variation in veining and color. Even when a homeowner picks out the slab, the finished result can differ from their expectations. 

Zaveloff points out that quartz is popular due to its consistency and durability, and says it’s a great choice for those who are worried about chipping, staining, and scratching. She also mentions that there can be some confusion between this countertop material and quartzite.

“Quartz is a man-made product and quartzite is a natural stone,” she clarifies.

An engineered material, quartz is basically formed by mixing natural stone material with a bonding resin. This means the countertops aren’t porous, making it very low maintenance.  Your wine that spills onto a Quartz countertop will wipe away the next morning with no stains.  This is the countertop to go with if you are a neat-freak and want your countertops looking “new” every night when you cleanup after dinner.

Natural Stone Countertops

Since each slab of granite, marble, or quartzite is unique, these materials have remained popular over the years.

“Natural stones have been around since the dawn of man and will continue to be here long after we’re gone,” says Michael Loflin. “They’re authentic.”

The range of colors, patterns, and veining can be truly amazing, and the designs Mother Nature offers tend to make a statement all on their own.

If you want to make sure you’re getting a natural stone that will hold up well in a kitchen you’ll need to do a bit of research. Loflin encourages people to educate themselves on the materials they are considering for a countertop.

“Do a deep-dive on the stones you’re looking at and learn as much as you can about them,” she says.

Marble waterfall countertop. (Photo courtesy of Stone Interiors)

Not all natural stones are created equal, and some are harder and more durable than others. For example, marble is softer than granite because it is calcite-based, but there are some marbles that are harder than others.  Marble has been a favorite for decades but it tends to be softer (meaning it can chip more easily), and it generally will absorb spills easily leading to stains.  Marble is not a good choice for the neat-freak. 

Although natural stones and quartz are the most popular picks, there are plenty of others to consider such as concrete, stainless steel, and wood.

Compare materials before finalizing your countertop. While making an informed choice may be time consuming, it can assist in making a choice that will suit all your needs and be pleasing to the eye.