When planning a kitchen remodel, the choices can feel overwhelming. Look for inspiration online or in our showroom. When planning the style and function of your kitchen, a few core elements lay the foundation. Cabinets shape the layout, provide storage, and set the tone with door style and finish. We compare cabinet lines in our cabinetry guide.

Countertops are the other essential element. They provide workspace, cover a large surface area, and strongly influence the kitchen's style. With nearly endless options for material, style, and color, how do you decide?

How do you use your kitchen?

Your countertop decision starts with function:

What's your budget?

Countertop materials vary widely in price. Consider how much actual countertop you need and how that affects your overall budget. Look at the size and shape of your kitchen, whether you're expanding or changing the layout, and how many islands you'll include. Mixing countertop materials is one way to include a more expensive material in one section while the rest stays budget-friendly. Quality, durable countertops last a long time when properly maintained, so going up in tier in one area is often worth it. We cover Massachusetts kitchen budget ranges in our kitchen cost guide.

How committed are you to maintenance?

Not all countertop materials are equal. Some require more care than others. More porous materials like marble and limestone need to be sealed every year. Wood countertops require oil application about once a year. Some materials handle heat, spills, and grease well; others need more care. If you're willing to maintain a high-maintenance material for the look, go for it. If you know that's not for you, stick to an easier choice that fits your lifestyle.

What's your style?

Countertops, along with cabinets, backsplash, and flooring, cover most of the surface area of your kitchen and significantly impact the design style. Here are the main countertop materials:

Granite

Granite is a classic choice. This natural material brings unique flair to any kitchen since every piece is different, and adds a dash of luxury. Granite is durable and heat-resistant, in a wide array of colors.

Soapstone

Soapstone is a smooth gray stone that's hard wearing and gets more interesting with age. Strong and heat-resistant, but its unique look is one you have to commit to.

Marble

Marble is a classic natural material in a range of colors that gives a kitchen a one-of-a-kind luxury feel. It's heat-proof but susceptible to stains; it has to be sealed properly and carefully maintained. Marble is considered a top choice for baking, so it can be incorporated into a section as a baking zone.

Solid Surface

A blend of acrylic and resin that's durable and low-maintenance. The material can be formed into any shape and comes in a huge range of colors and patterns. It can mimic more expensive materials like granite or quartz, serving as a less expensive alternative.

Quartz

Quartz is engineered, nonporous, hygienic, and very durable. Available in a wide range of colors and styles and customizable to your requirements. For these reasons it's one of the most popular countertop options on the market and complements any style.

Laminate

Laminate is more affordable and offers one of the widest selections of colors and patterns. Not as hard-wearing as some materials, but modern laminates are more durable than they once were.

Concrete

Concrete is unique, customizable in shape, heat- and scratch-resistant. Ideal for rustic and industrial kitchens but adaptable to other styles since it can be honed to different finishes, given individual textures, or tinted with color. Concrete may crack slightly, but cracks can be repaired, and once sealed regularly it's a highly durable surface.

Wood

Wood countertops or butcher block are ideal for food prep or baking zones. They work well as a tabletop at the end or to the side of a kitchen island. Wood is a perfect choice to warm up a white kitchen or offset blue or gray cabinetry. Susceptible to stains and scratches, but long-lasting once sealed and maintained, with wear and tear giving wood character.

Tile

Tile is durable and stylish, in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns for a one-of-a-kind look. The tiles themselves don't need sealing, but grout lines do.

Talk through countertops with a designer

Our 5,000 square foot showroom in Norwell has a wide range of countertop materials you can compare in person. We'd love to help you find the right one for your kitchen.

Schedule a showroom visit. No pressure, just a real conversation about your home.

Transitions Kitchens, Baths & Remodeling
433 Washington St, Norwell, MA
(781) 871-0881