10 Best Kitchen Countertop Ideas To Spruce Up Your Kitchen

When it’s time to remodel your kitchen, there are lots of choices to make, not least of which is the type of countertop you should have. But how do you choose from such a large variety of materials, colors and designs? And what criteria do you use to decide?

Never fear, we have looked at the 10 best kitchen countertop ideas to spruce up your kitchen to take the hard work out of your decision.

Table of Contents

Product Reviews

A kitchen countertop is more than just space to store your kitchen appliances or prepare food, it forms an essential part of the aesthetic of your kitchen. So when you are choosing a countertop for your kitchen it is worth taking your time picking the right one.

We are going to look at some of the best kitchen worktop ideas to spruce up your kitchen.

Stainless Steel Countertop

For those who are serious about their cooking a stainless steel countertop is perfect. It is reminiscent of a restaurant kitchen and offers a great, modern look to your home. Not only is a stainless steel countertop practical and stylish but it is also very hygienic.

Pros

Practical but stylish
Easy to maintain
Gives professional kitchen vibe
Stain and rust resistant

Cons

Expensive

PaperStone Countertop

For an eco-friendly countertop that is hard to beat, install a paper countertop in your kitchen.

These are made from sheets of post-consumer recycled cardboard which are treated with a petroleum-free resin containing natural ingredients such as cashew nut shell liquid.

The cardboard is then compacted under extreme pressure and heat to produce a solid surface material.

Pros

Very environmentally friendly
Pressure and heat treated
Petroleum free resin

Cons

Not widely available

Zinc Countertop

For something unusual in your kitchen choose a zinc countertop. This metal unlike stainless steel will develop a patina over time, giving your kitchen a truly unique feel.

With a solid base underneath a thin layer of zinc you will have a good surface with a one of a kind look.

Pros

Non porous surface
Unique finish to each countertop
Easy to keep clean

Cons

Will develop hairline scratches over time

Integrated Sink Countertop

An integrated sink countertop has a sink already molded into the countertop, so there is no need for a separate sink. There are also no seams and ridges, so it is a much more hygienic option and is very easy to keep clean.

The size, depth and details of the sink can be completely customized to suit your needs.

Pros

No need for separate sink
Makes cleaning up much easier
Customizable

Cons

Can’t replace just the sink

Solid Glass Countertop

One of the most popular ideas for a different kind of countertop is the solid glass version. This will make your kitchen a definite conversation starter and give it an ultra modern look.

These countertops come in a variety of shapes, thicknesses and colors, they are scratch and heat resistant too.

Pros

Unique material for countertops
Looks very modern
Available in many colors and styles

Cons

Susceptible to damage if something heavy is dropped on it

Reclaimed Wood Countertop

Another environmentally friendly choice for a kitchen countertop to spruce up your kitchen is reclaimed wood. Not only is this a green option, but it can look incredible when done properly.

You can choose oak, maple, ash or whatever wood you want. This is an inexpensive option for sprucing up your kitchen.

Pros

Inexpensive option
Gives your kitchen character
Choose your favorite type of wood

Cons

Will need high maintenance to keep it looking good

Concrete Countertop

For something that’s right on trend and contemporary choose a concrete countertop. This is something that you can either buy or do yourself relatively cheaply. You can choose from a variety of colors, shapes and thickness.

As a porous surface the concrete countertop requires a sealant to protect it against staining.

Pros

Adapt the shape and color to your kitchen design
Very solid countertops
Can be done as a DIY job

Cons

Will need to be sealed

Quartz Countertop

A quartz countertop will give your kitchen a great lift with its reflective surface and variety of patterns.

This is a tough countertop that will tolerate harsh treatment and still come up looking good. It is hardier than marble and even outperforms granite.

Quartz countertops are also very easy to maintain and have low porosity.

Pros

Extremely hard wearing
Creates a modern look
Available in many designs

Cons

Expensive

Soapstone Countertop

As a material that is not very common a soapstone countertop will set your kitchen apart. This naturally occurring quarried stone is also called steatite and contains talc.

This gives the stone a slightly milky appearance which many people like for its rustic look.

Pros

Gives a rustic feel to your kitchen
Non porous so does not require sealing
Easy to clean

Cons

Not as tough as granite

Marble Countertop

A marble countertop will look elegant in your kitchen and give it a refined, luxurious feeling. There are many different shades and patterns to choose from too. Unfortunately, it is also a porous material and prone to staining from things like wine.

You will need to use a chopping block too as marble can be damaged by acids such as citric acid from lemons.

Pros

Gives a kitchen a touch of luxury
Great reflective surface

Cons

Porous material

Buyer’s Guide

While it may be tempting to choose your new countertops based on looks alone, we know that you are not that fickle.

Of course, the appearance of your countertops is important when remodeling your kitchen, but there are other equally important factors to consider.

You need to think about your lifestyle, the people who use the kitchen and the amount of time you have to keep it looking good. So maintenance should be an important criterion in your decision-making.

It won’t matter how good your countertop looks if it is not up to the task of your daily routine, so durability should figure high on your list of priorities. Finally, you need to set yourself a budget and stick to it.

Maintenance

The level of maintenance required to keep your countertop in good condition and looking great should be top of your wish list.

Think about how often the countertop material may need to be sealed, waxed or oiled and whether you are really prepared to commit to that. Everyday maintenance is also a consideration, if you have kids you’ll want a material that doesn’t stain if things get spilled.

Wooden countertops can be damaged by water unless regularly oiled and even a concrete surface can be stained by citric acid or spilled water not immediately wiped up.

Durability

The durability of the countertop is another important factor and should rate high in your list of desirable features.

Remodeling your kitchen is an expensive process, and you will want to ensure that the countertop you choose will last a reasonable amount of time.

Hard surfaces such as quartz are very durable and low maintenance, while a laminate countertop may be more easily damaged. Stainless steel countertops are also very durable and are also relatively easy to maintain.

Glass countertops are durable but can be damaged if something heavy is dropped on them.

Appearance

Naturally you will consider the appearance of your new countertops and how they fit in with the design of your kitchen. Most materials are available in a variety of colors, designs and thicknesses.

Depending on the look you want to achieve you can choose from modern materials such as glass, zinc, stainless steel or marble. Or for a more rustic look choose soapstone or reclaimed wood.

For a clean, minimalist appeal, an integrated sink is a great choice. The sink is pre-molded into the material of the countertop so that there are no seams or ridges.

Price

How much you pay for your countertop will depend on your budget but once you decide on a price ceiling you should stick to it.

While you may be swayed by that gorgeous granite countertop if it is outside your budget, look at close alternatives which are less expensive.

Solid surface countertops are available in a wide range of colors and are highly resistant to stains and scratches. Concrete countertops are another option and one which is relatively easy to do yourself with a minimum of tools.

Laminate countertops are potentially the least expensive but be aware that they can scorch if a hot pan is placed directly on them.

Frequently Asked Questions: Kitchen Countertop Ideas

Which Countertop Adds The Most Value?

If you are considering selling your home in the future it may be worth investing in granite, marble or soapstone for your kitchen countertops. These have the biggest resale value.

What Is The Most Popular Countertop?

The most popular countertop today is quartz. It is available in a wide range of colors and patterns and is very hard wearing. Following closely behind it is granite as a countertop choice.

10 Best Kitchen Countertop Ideas To Spruce Up Your Kitchen