Counter Points: Countertop Pros and Cons
If you are looking to refresh your kitchen or bathroom with new countertops, take a look at your top options.
If you’re renovating or remodeling your kitchen or a bathroom—or even a laundry room that has a countertop—deciding which countertop material to use is a big decision.
But don’t worry: We’ve done the research for you. Here are the top six farmhouse-friendly options, and the pros and cons you need to know to make an informed decision.
Granite
Granite has been a popular countertop choice for many years. Do be aware that while granite countertops are a classic choice for American homes in general, they tend to be less popular with farmhouses, and many homeowners are replacing their granite countertops for more farmhouse-friendly options.
Also Read: Best Countertops For Your Farmhouse
Pros:
- Heat and scratch resistant
- Requires very little maintenance
- Doesn’t require cleaning chemicals, just soap and water
Cons:
- So hard it’ll dull knives if you cut directly on the surface
- Porous, so can stain if it’s not resealed periodically
- Can crack with too much pressure
DIY friendly? No
Cost per square foot: $40–$90
Soapstone
This natural stone has a soft, almost soapy texture, giving it the name “soapstone.” It’s a cottage favorite as well as being farmhouse-friendly. Soapstone is also known for the beautiful patina it acquires over time.
Pros:
- Heat and stain resistant (not porous)
- Scratches can be sanded out, if desired
- Will darken over time with a patina
Cons:
- Needs to be maintained with mineral oil
- Can scratch
- Will darken over time to a different color
DIY friendly? No
Cost per square foot: $70–$120
Wood
Wood countertops are classic for farmhouse style and tend to be one of the more affordable options. Often homeowners choose one area of the kitchen for wood countertops, such as an island. However, they are not a good choice for water-heavy areas like bathrooms.
Also Read: Best Budget Countertops Options
Pros:
- Scratches can be sanded off
- Easy to clean
- Long-lasting if maintained properly
Cons:
- Not resistant to heat or scratches
- Stains easily and can retain water damage
- Needs regular maintenance
DIY friendly? Yes
Cost per square foot: $30–$60 (professional)
Cost per square foot: $5–$15 (DIY)
Solid Surface
This is a manmade material, so it’s a newer countertop option. You’ll often find solid surface countertops called by their brand names, such as Avonite and Corian. They have a wide range of looks, including marble or granite look-alikes.
Pros:
- Stain resistant
- Scratches can be sanded out
- Seamless design (literally, they have no seams)
Cons:
- Not heat resistant
- Does scratch
DIY friendly? No
Cost per square foot: $35–$80
Quartz
These countertops aren’t actually natural quartz; instead, they’re made with small particles of quartz, held together with resin. They have many looks available, including marble, and have become a very popular farmhouse choice.
Pros:
- Very little maintenance required
- Stain resistant
Cons:
- Not heat resistant
- Can discolor over time with sunlight
DIY friendly? No
Cost per square foot: $55–100 per square foot
Concrete
This is another countertop option that has gained popularity in the last several years. It has a great industrial look, which works well with the farmhouse style. It’s much more affordable if you DIY it, but be warned: Don’t try it unless you’re a seasoned DIYer, as the project can be tricky.
Pros:
- Heat and scratch resistant
- Cracks can be fixed
Cons:
- Requires regular sealing
- Can crack
- The curing process takes almost a month
DIY friendly? Yes
Cost per square foot: $65–$120 (professional)
Cost per square foot: $8–$15 (DIY)
Looking for more countertop wisdom? Read on for Holly Thompson’s answer to the question Are Granite Countertops Outdated? Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of farmhouse inspiration!
