4 Trendy Kitchen Countertops for 2021

Jan 15, 20213 min read

Updated: Feb 25, 2021

Selecting the perfect countertop for your kitchen is a complex task when considering design, durability, price, and resell-ability. Prioritizing the look of your countertop, which can make or break a kitchen, is just as important as considering the functionality of your slab.

If you're considering a full kitchen renovation or just looking for countertop inspiration you've come to the right place. Keep reading as we compare and contrast 4 unique countertop options and weigh in the pros and cons of each choice.

1. Ultra-Compact Surfaces

Companies like Neolith and Dekton, have made a huge splash in the countertop industry by providing a large variety of durable countertops called “ultra-compact surfaces." These companies use a process called Sinterized Particle Technology, which uses extremely high temperatures and pressure to compact natural materials like glass, porcelain, and granite into a resilient surface.

Choosing an ultra-compact surface will give you a wide range of design options for your kitchen remodel. Our designers love incorporating Neolith countertops with their custom cabinet designs.

Neolith offers over 30 colors to choose from, 7 countertop finishes in slate, satin, silk, etc., and 4 different thickness options.

Pros of Ultra-Compact Surfaces

Wide variety of finishes, thicknesses, edges, and materials to choose from
Durable: heatproof, scratch-proof, stain proof
Low-maintenance; easy to clean and maintain

Cons of using Ultra- Compact Surfaces

Depending on the material and finishes, some surfaces may be less durable/ scratch resistant
Can be costly
Limited suppliers/ manufacturers

2. Quartz

If you're looking for a super durable and low-maintenance countertop option quartz is a great choice. As a kitchen countertop, quartz is nearly indestructible, non-porous in nature, and re-sealing is not necessary -requiring less upkeep than granite.

Often compared in look and durability to granite, quartz is an engineered stone composed of mostly natural stone. The appearance is similar to granite but may lack the unique appearance that natural stone offers. However, there are many ways to customize your order, with manufacturers offering a variety of colors and finishes.

Check all of the different Quartz countertop options just one company, Caesarstone, offers below.

Pros of using Quartz

Easy maintenance and re-sealing not required
Non-porous in nature, making it more hygienic
Quartz can be fabricated in any shape and size according to the preferences
An appealing, durable, and natural-looking stone

Cons of using Quartz

Can be an expensive stone
Uniformity of slabs may lack the unique appearance of natural stone like granite

3. Concrete

Concrete can be a beautiful and unique countertop option for your kitchen. Not only is concrete extremely durable it can also be incorporated into trendy styles including industrial modern or contemporary. Concrete is also more customizable than natural stone, allowing for endless options of shape, color, finish, and textures.

Pros of Concrete Countertops

Durable and scratch-resistant
Stylish and unique look
Customizable- can even replicate the look of granite, marble, or wood.

Cons of Concrete Countertops

Can be expensive to install and maintain
Not as easy to clean and maintain
Because it is a unique look, it may be a problem with resell

4. Granite

If you're looking for an ultra-durable option, granite is a classic choice. For ages, granite has been considered the top choice of many homeowners looking to add elegance and permanence to their kitchen.

Granite is a natural stone that is mined from stone quarries, cut into slabs, and then manufactured into countertops. Selecting a natural stone like granite will add uniqueness to the appearance of your countertop, but can be a bit pricey. At $50-$180 a square foot, granite isn’t as budget-friendly as other options.

Pros of using Granite

Impermeable to heat
All-natural and durable
Increases the value of your home
Available in different color options
Does not require much maintenance

Cons of using Granite

Can be porous in nature and acquire stains/ bacteria buildup
Will need to be resealed throughout its lifetime
Not a budget-friendly option

A few things to consider:

Backsplash, flooring, and cabinets: will your new slab integrate well with your kitchen style?
A kitchen island: whether or not you want one, and matching it with the counters
Price point: deciding this early on will give you a better scope of what's reasonable
Durability and ease of maintenance: think about how you'll use the space
Resell: is your countertop choice resell friendly? (if that's a concern)