Pioneers in India for 304 Grade Stainless Steel kitchens
Choosing the best countertop material for your kitchen depends almost entirely on your daily needs and the rest of your kitchen design. You choose the material based on how you use the countertop. If you cook frequently or prefer ordering in and don’t have the time for a deep clean every other day, choose your countertop material accordingly.
Certainly, quartz, marble and granite are some of the most popular options for kitchen countertops, and for good reason. But we’ll show you what other kitchen countertop options you have based on your requirements, along with their pros and cons.
Quartz
Quartz is generally composed of over 90% crushed quartz and about 10% resins and pigments, essentially meant to bind the stone and add colour to it. It requires very minimal maintenance but is extremely durable. In recent times, it has become a great alternative to natural stone. It is considered the best countertop material for kitchen because of its durability.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customisable | Relatively expensive |
| Scratch resistant Unique appearance Incredibly durable |
Not ideal for outdoor kitchen |
Granite
Natural granite is derived from volcanos and created once the lava cools. It is unique in beauty and pretty durable. Since it is a natural stone, it is considerably expensive, but it is also an investment. Multiple kitchen countertop granite colours and patterns are available due to the way the granite forms naturally. There is a limitless range of options to choose from, and no two kitchen countertop granite are the same.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Naturally derived Incredibly unique Durable |
Expensive Prone to chipping |
Marble
As a natural stone, marble is arguably one of the prettiest options for a kitchen countertop table but also one of the most expensive. Each kitchen counter marble slab, like granite, is unique in its own right. No two slabs of marble are the same, and they’re available in different colours, too. Marble is a pretty soft stone; hence, it tends to scratch easily.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful and luxurious Unique Durable Naturally derived |
Expensive Stains quickly Scratches easily |
Laminate
Laminate is an affordable kitchen countertop table option. It is available in a variety of colours and textures for a more personalised design and is significantly easy to maintain. However, it is not the most heat-resistant or durable option.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide variety Budget-friendly |
Not durable Chips easily |
Concrete
Concrete gives your kitchen an urban look while being incredibly durable. Completely customisable, it can be shaped and formed into your preferred size. They can also be personalised into a colour of your choice. However, they are more expensive and require more maintenance than other options. Concrete is porous, so it can easily absorb stains and liquids.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customisable Modern & Rustic Difficult to scratch Durable & long-lasting |
High maintenance Stains easily Expensive Requires sealing |
Butcher block
The Butcher block is a heavy cutting board that is usually made of laminated hardwood. It is several pieces of wood glued together. They give your kitchen a warm look and are budget-friendly as well. However, wood furniture, in general, requires a lot of maintenance. It tends to stain easily and is not scratch-resistant.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Customisable Budget-friendly Warm look |
High-maintenance Stains easily Not heat-resistant Not scratch-resistant |
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel countertops were once only used in commercial kitchens. However, they are now an excellent choice for countertops because they are heat-resistant, antibacterial, and hygienic. Although they are considerably expensive, stainless steel is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a commercial look for their kitchen. Since they require practically no maintenance, they’re increasingly in demand.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Heat-resistant Anti-bacterial No maintenance Durable |
Expensive Scratches easily |
Glass
A glass countertop is a truly beautiful but considerably expensive addition to your kitchen that adds a certain charm to the space. It’s great in terms of hygiene. It is heat-resistant, anti-bacterial and does not stain. But at the end of the day, glass can and will crack if you’re not careful.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Anti-bacterial Heat-resistant Stain-resistant |
Expensive Cracks easily |
Terrazzo
Terrazzo is created by mixing cement with various recycled materials, such as glass, granite, marble, and onyx. The colour of the terrazzo depends on the colours of the materials used in the mixture. Since cement is used, terrazzo is incredibly durable and doesn’t stain easily.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable Heat-resistant Easy to maintain Various options available |
Expensive Not for outdoor use |
Soapstone
Soapstone has a slate-like finish that complements the colour scheme in your kitchen perfectly. It is relatively easy to scratch but also does not break easily. It is also pretty easy to clean but requires timely maintenance. It does not have a lot of variety in terms of colours and also absorbs oil quickly.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful Durable Heat-resistant Easy to clean |
Scratches easily Absorbs Oil Expensive Limited Colours |
FAQs
The best countertop for a kitchen depends on your needs. However, we recommend quartz countertops. It is a beautiful option that adds personality and character to your kitchen and is also durable and stain-resistant.
When it comes to the kitchen countertop granite vs quartz debate, granite is generally more affordable than quartz, but prices can vary based on the stone's quality and origin. Quartz offers more uniform patterns and colours, while granite has unique, natural veining.
The cost of a 30 sq ft quartz countertop typically ranges between ₹75,000 and ₹1,50,000, depending on the brand, quality, and finish. For a premium alternative, explore Kuche7’s stainless steel countertops, which provide unmatched durability and aesthetic appeal for a similar investment.
Quartz and stainless steel countertops are among the most durable options, resisting scratches, stains, and heat. Granite and marble also last long with proper care.
Yes, you can paint laminate countertops using specialised paints designed for countertops, such as acrylic or epoxy-based paints. Proper surface preparation, including cleaning, sanding, and priming, is essential for a smooth and durable finish.
To calculate countertop cost:
- Measure the countertop area in square feet (length × width).
- Multiply the total area by the cost per square foot of the chosen material.
- Add installation charges, edge treatments, and additional features like cutouts for sinks or cooktops.
Slate is a good choice for countertops, offering a natural, matte finish and durability. It's non-porous, stain-resistant, and easy to maintain, making it suitable for kitchens. However, it is less heat-resistant than granite or quartz and may scratch or chip more easily.
Quartz is relatively expensive compared to materials like laminate or tile but is more affordable than high-end natural stones like marble. Its price reflects its durability, low maintenance, and wide range of designs.
