Comparing Different Countertop Materials

Are Butcher Block Countertops Right for You?

Compare Popular Countertop Materials on Important Attributes

Butcher Block Co. compared 13 popular countertop materials on a range of dimensions including aesthetics, resilience to damage, maintenance requirements and sustainability. The materials we chose for this comparison included butcher block of course, plus granite, marble, limestone, slate, soapstone, quartz, solid surface (e.g., Dupont’s Corian™), tile, concrete, recycled glass, stainless steel and laminate.

We rated all the countertop materials shown above on 8 different attributes. The maximum rating awarded on each attribute was 3 bullets. Certainly, we considered the beauty of each material, along with its variegation (i.e., how much its appearance varies). We also rated each material on its resistance to scratches, chips and dings; its need for little or low maintenance; and whether it's natural, sustainable and affordable. 

Consider the Pros and Cons of Various Countertop Materials

Butcher Block Countertops

PROS: Natural beauty, variegation, sustainability, affordability, able to be cut upon directly

CONS: Not resistant to heat or stains (although can be sanded and renewed), require regular care and maintenance

Granite Countertops

PROS: Natural beauty, variegation, durability, low-maintenance

CONS: Expensive, not sustainable or environmentally friendly

Marble Countertops

PROS: Natural beauty, variegation, low-maintenance

CONS: Susceptible to scratches, chips, dings and stains; expensive, not sustainable or environmentally friendly

Limestone Countertops

PROS: Natural beauty, variegation, low-maintenance, affordable

CONS: Not resistant to stains, soft so can scratch and chip, requires occasional sealing

Slate and Soapstone Countertops

PROS: Natural, affordable, heat and stain-resistant 

CONS: Low variegation, requires application of mineral oil, not sustainable or environmentally friendly

Quartz Countertops

PROS: Resistant to scratches, stains and heat; available in a wide range of colors

CONS: Artificial appearance, can scorch, neither sustainable or friendly to the environment

Solid Surface Countertops

PROS: Stain-resistant, low-maintenance

CONS: Synthetic, low resistance to heat

Tile Countertops

PROS: Affordability, heat and stain-resistant

CONS: Can chip and crack

Concrete Countertops

PROS: Durability; resistance to heat, stains and other damage

CONS: Expensive, not particularly environment-friendly

Recycled Glass Countertops

PROS: Beauty and variegation, heat resistance, low-maintenance

CONS: Susceptible to staining

Stainless Steel Countertops

PROS: Heat and stain resistance, sleek look

CONS: No variegation, can suffer dents and scratches

Laminate Countertops

PROS: Very affordable, require little maintenance, high color diversity

CONS: Not resistant to heat, staining or scratching; not natural

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