Types & Materials of Kitchen Countertops
Reinvent your Kitchen with Sleek, New Countertops
Installing a new countertop in your kitchen can significantly enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality. A high-quality countertop provides a durable and easy-to-clean surface for food preparation and it can also help to increase the value of your home.
Furthermore, with a variety of countertop materials and designs available, you can customize your kitchen to reflect your personal style and needs. Overall, a new countertop can transform your kitchen into a more enjoyable and efficient space.
Kitchen Countertop Materials
When choosing a new kitchen countertop, it’s important to select the material that’s right for you and your home. From natural stone – with its timeless and durable look and feel -- to stunning granite or even quartz, there’s a countertop for every style and budget.
Natural Stone Countertops
Natural stone is a beautiful and timeless countertop material that’s durable and fashionable. Here are some natural stone options.
Solid Surface Countertops
Man-made and available in many patterns and colours, this acrylic countertop has no seams and can be easily repaired if chipped.
Quartz Countertops
Engineered from quartz and resin, this durable countertop material is both great-looking and stain-resistant with a smooth, low-maintenance finish.
Laminate Countertops
Laminate is versatile, dependable and relatively inexpensive compared to other countertop materials available, making it an appealing, budget-friendly choice.
Dekton Countertops
Dekton countertops feature a unique blend of raw materials that can mimic the look of stone or concrete and are just as durable.
Wood Countertops
A butcher block countertop not only creates a warm, inviting look and feel in any kitchen, but it’s also great for prepping meals on and looks great either stained or unfinished.
Kitchen Countertop Materials Comparison
Material |
Stain Resistance to common food and drinks |
Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees |
Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects |
Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Very Good |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 25-Year |
| Granite | Very Good |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 15-Year |
| Quartzite | Very Good |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 15-Year |
| Marble | Fair |
Poor | Fair | Poor | 15-Year |
| Solid Surface | Very Good |
Fair | Very Good | Very Good | 10-Year |
| Laminate | Excellent |
Fair | Excellent | Very Good | 1-Year Against Product Manufacturing Defects |
| Dekton | Excellent |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 25-Year |
| Wood | Very Good |
Fair | Excellent | Very Good | No Warranty |
Material |
Stain Resistance to common food and drinks |
Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees |
Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects |
Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Very Good |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 25-Year |
| Granite | Very Good |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 15-Year |
| Quartzite | Very Good |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 15-Year |
| Marble | Fair |
Poor | Fair | Poor | 15-Year |
| Solid Surface | Very Good |
Fair | Very Good | Very Good | 10-Year |
| Laminate | Excellent |
Fair | Excellent | Very Good | 1-Year Against Product Manufacturing Defects |
| Dekton | Excellent |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 25-Year |
| Wood | Very Good |
Fair | Excellent | Very Good | No Warranty |
| Stain Resistance to common food and drinks | Very Good |
|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Excellent |
| Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects | Fair |
| Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details | 25-Year |
| Stain Resistance to common food and drinks | Very Good |
|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Excellent |
| Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects | Fair |
| Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details | 15-Year |
| Stain Resistance to common food and drinks | Very Good |
|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Excellent |
| Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects | Fair |
| Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details | 15-Year |
| Stain Resistance to common food and drinks | Fair |
|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Poor |
| Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees | Fair |
| Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects | Poor |
| Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details | 15-Year |
| Stain Resistance to common food and drinks | Very Good |
|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Fair |
| Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees | Very Good |
| Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects | Very Good |
| Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details | 10-Year |
| Stain Resistance to common food and drinks | Excellent |
|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Fair |
| Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects | Very Good |
| Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details | 1-Year Against Product Manufacturing Defects |
| Stain Resistance to common food and drinks | Excellent |
|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Excellent |
| Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects | Fair |
| Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details | 25-Year |
| Stain Resistance to common food and drinks | Very Good |
|---|---|
| Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Fair |
| Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees | Excellent |
| Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects | Very Good |
| Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details | No Warranty |
Material |
Stain Resistance to common food and drinks |
Scratch Resistance to cuts and marks caused by kitchen knives |
Heat Resistance up to 400 degrees |
Impact Resistance to cracks and chips from dropped objects |
Warranty** see individual brand for warranty details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quartz | Very Good |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 25-Year |
| Granite | Very Good |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 15-Year |
| Quartzite | Very Good |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 15-Year |
| Marble | Fair |
Poor | Fair | Poor | 15-Year |
| Solid Surface | Very Good |
Fair | Very Good | Very Good | 10-Year |
| Laminate | Excellent |
Fair | Excellent | Very Good | 1-Year Against Product Manufacturing Defects |
| Dekton | Excellent |
Excellent | Excellent | Fair | 25-Year |
| Wood | Very Good |
Fair | Excellent | Very Good | No Warranty |
Kitchen Countertop Edge Profiles
The edge of your countertop can help you define the entire space. Different edges can have different effects on the style and feel of the room and can really help tie the design together. Rounded edges are a subtle, durable compliment to all styles while straight or beveled edges offer more elegant, striking design options.
Speak to an associate in store or book a kitchen project consultation for more information.
Top Edges
Additional edge profiles are available by region. Remember that countertop thicknesses vary by surface and as such, the edge profiles will change.
Complete Your Project with a Sink
Your sink is one of the most used items in your home, and you should consider all the options available to you when choosing a new one. Sinks are available in many styles, types and materials, and finding the perfect one can really give your kitchen a lift and compliment your new countertop.
Types of Kitchen Sinks | The Home Depot Canada
Sink Types
Undermount
A smooth transition from countertop to sink with the benefit of increased countertop space.
Integral
Made from the same material as the countertop, the finished look is seamless and works for all design styles. Only available with Corian® material.
Apron Front
A traditional look that creates a striking focal point.
Drop-In
Quick installation, multiple design options and works with all countertop materials.
Number of Bowls
Single
Great for washing large dishes and oversized pots.
Double
There’s a side for cleaning and a side for prepping.
Triple
Features a small middle bowl intended as a prep sink.
Round
Perfect as a prep sink or secondary sink.
Add Backsplash to Kitchen
Now that you’ve found the perfect countertop and sink, you’ll need to select the backsplash that will perfectly tie everything together. Backsplashes are available in a multitude of materials including glass, tile and metal. You can use backsplashes under your cabinets, or even up the wall as a feature element.
See store for full assortment or speak to your kitchen designer about feature walls as you plan out your countertop.
Measurements and Installation
1. Consult with a Kitchen Designer
Schedule a free kitchen project consultation to discuss your kitchen plans with our in-store or virtual kitchen designers.
2. Make Style Decisions
Choose the surfaces, styles and edges that are within your budget.
3. Measure to Fit
Our home services professionals will come to your home and ensure a perfect fit.
4. Delivery & Installation
Our professional insured installers guarantee results, all backed by a 1-year warranty.
Countertop Installation
Why Should You Choose to Have It Installed by The Home Depot?
Enlist the experts at The Home Depot’s Home Services to install your new countertops and we’ll take care of every detail, from start to finish. It’s worry-free renovating, as all our installers are experienced, highly skilled and reference-checked — and their work is guaranteed.