10 Best Kitchen Countertop Materials for Lancaster Homes

Remodeling your kitchen is an exciting opportunity to breathe new life into one of the most important spaces in your home. From layout and lighting to cabinetry and countertops, every choice plays a role in how your kitchen will look, feel, and function.

Countertops, in particular, are a major design element. They influence everything from daily usability to visual impact, budget, and resale value. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right surface for your kitchen.

To help you make an informed decision, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most popular kitchen countertop materials—along with their pros and cons—to consider for your Lancaster home remodel.

1. Granite Countertops

Always a popular choice, granite countertops are known for their durability and high-end look. They are sure to catch the eyes of realtors and prospective buyers and definitely raise your home’s resale value. Granite countertops can be made of one large slab of granite, meaning it may be possible to have a seamless countertop. You can also choose modular granite countertops, which are made of large tiles of granite pieced together to form the surface of the counter. Granite (both slab and modular) does require some maintenance—it needs to be sealed periodically to protect the surface from stains.

Pros of Granite Countertops:

• Durable and strong
• Scratch-resistant
• Resistant to heat and abrasions
• Lots of color choices available—no slab of granite is the same!
• Popular among homeowners and raises the resale value of your home

Cons of Granite Countertops:

• Higher Price Point
• Require regular sealing
• Heavy, which may require extra support during installation

2. Marble Countertops

Marble is perhaps the most beautiful natural stone for countertops due to its delicate and unique veining. It is relatively durable although it is softer than granite and more susceptible to scratches. Marble, like granite, needs to be sealed and maintained. It is a fairly expensive choice for countertops but is very popular and desirable. 

Pros of Marble Countertops:

• A high-end choice that raises your home’s resale value
• Adds significant aesthetic value
• Every piece is different and unique
• Resistant to heat, cracking, and breaking
• Long-lasting
• Great for baking surfaces

Cons of Marble Countertops:

• Requires sealing and maintenance
• Higher cost

• Prone to scratching and staining

3. Quartz (Engineered Stone) Countertops

Quartz countertops are made of 93-95% crushed quartz (and other stones sometimes) and 5-7% resin. A quartz countertop is harder than granite and more durable, although it is not nearly as heat-resistant. It does not require sealing or other regular maintenance, and it is easy to keep clean. Quartz comes in many colors—the most popular are white, gray, and black—and can even be designed to look like marble. It’s a popular option for Lancaster kitchens thanks to its consistent appearance and wide color range.

Pros of Quartz Countertops

• Easy to maintain (no sealing required)
• Scratch- and stain-resistant
• Non-porous and hygienic
• Many colors and styles are available
• Mimics stone at a lower cost

Cons of Quarts Countertops

• Not heat-resistant—always use trivets or potholders!
• Can discolor over time in direct sunlight
• Not completely scratch-resistant
  
  

4. Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone countertops are a unique choice in that they develop a beautiful patina over time. Because of their high talc content, they have a warm, milky look that complements many kitchen designs. Generally found in shades of gray leaning toward blue or green, soapstone can also come in black or white. It has beautiful veining that is more subtle than that of marble. Soapstone is softer than granite and can be scratched pretty easily. The good news is that scratches can usually be removed with either mineral oil or light sanding.

Pros of Soapstone Countertops

• Come in unique natural colors and patterns
• Unique look that evolves over time
• Easy to repair minor scratches
• Non-porous, so they're resistant to stains
• Can withstand heat

Cons of Soapstone Countertops

• More high-maintenance than some other choices. Need to be treated with mineral oil once per month over the first year to aid in the development of the patina
• Softer surface can scratch more easily
• Color options are limited

5. Tile Countertops

One of the most affordable options, ceramic tile can be a good choice for countertops. It’s durable, impervious to stains and heat, and comes in countless colors and designs. On the minus side, it can be hard to keep the grout lines clean, and it also doesn’t help your resale value as some prospective buyers may find it too hard to maintain.

Pros of Tile Countertops

• Wide range of styles and colors
• Heat- and stain-resistant
• Affordable
• Can be a DIY project, easy to install
  
  

Cons of Tile Countertops

• Grout lines can stain and require resealing
• Do not add to the resale value of your home
• Tile is brittle and can crack
  
  

6. Solid Surface Countertops

Solid surface is a material originally designed to mimic the look of stone countertops. Made of acrylics, polyester, and resin, the solid surface is shaped into slabs for countertops. They’re easy to maintain and clean, and they come in more colors and patterns than just about any other type of countertop. Solid surface countertops can be installed with no seams, and can also be designed with a sink integrated into the countertop. These countertops do not resist heat and can sometimes crack, but overall, they hold up well.

Pros of Solid Surface Countertops

• Lots of different colors and styles (can mimic stone or be colored)
• Resistant to staining, easy to clean and maintain
• Easy to clean and repair
• Seams (if there are any) are basically invisible
• Affordable option

Cons of Solid Surface Countertops

• Not heat-resistant
• Can be dented
• Considered less luxurious than stone
  
  

7. Wood Countertops

Wood countertops bring natural warmth and a handcrafted feel to Lancaster kitchens. It has always been a popular choice for countertops. It is an eco-friendly option that will last a long time and look more beautiful with age. Wood complements many kitchen designs and styles. It definitely needs upkeep, though. Because wood is an organic, porous material, it needs refinishing and sealing to keep it from harboring bacteria or becoming damaged by water. With care, wood countertops can add warmth and life to your kitchen.

Pros of Wood Countertops

• Sustainable and eco-friendly
• Develops character over time
• Easy to sand and refinish
• Beautiful and warm
• Durable and long-lasting
• Great for food prep

Cons of Wood Countertops

• Must be oiled and sealed regularly and may need to be refinished sometimes
• Vulnerable to stains
• Not as heat- or scratch-resistant
• Susceptible to water damage and bacteria

8. Laminate Countertops

Once seen only as a budget option, laminate countertops are slowly making a comeback as they are being constructed out of higher-quality, better-looking materials. Laminate countertops are made of particle boards, plastics, paper patterns, and resins. The products are melded together using heat and pressure to form a fairly thin board that is glued to a wood substrate to make the countertops. Laminate comes in a variety of colors and designs, some of which look like granite or marble. Laminate is affordable and easy to maintain, but it will not raise your home’s resale value.

Pros of Laminate Countertops

• Very affordable
• Available in many styles, including stone-look
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Resist mold and mildew and scratches
• The newer laminates look better than ever

Cons of Laminate Countertops

• Laminate is notorious for peeling
• Not heat resistant
• Susceptible to scratches and denting
• Doesn’t add resale value
  

9.  Concrete Countertops

Customizable, modern, and surprisingly versatile, concrete countertops are becoming more popular in Lancaster kitchens. Not just for ultra-modern kitchens, concrete countertops can be made to look at home in just about any space. You can choose from many different colors, from the traditional gray to terra cotta, navy, black, brown, and more. There’s even the option of embedding pieces of glass or metal into the concrete for texture and to add interest.

Because it is poured into molds, concrete countertops can be made in just about any shape and design to fit your kitchen perfectly. Concrete is durable, but it does require a fair amount of maintenance, needing to be resealed regularly. It’s also very heavy and may require that your floors and lower cabinets be shored up.

Pros of Concrete Countertops

• Durable and heat-resistant
• Custom shapes and colors available
• Adds unique, modern style
• Boosts resale value

Cons of Concrete Countertops

• More expensive option
• Needs regular sealing
• Prone to cracking if not properly reinforced
• The sink needs to be supported on a frame so the weight isn’t on the countertop
  
  

10. Stainless Steel Countertops

While stainless steel kitchen countertops used to be seen only in industrial kitchens, they’re becoming more and more popular at home. They are functional, durable, easy to care for, and they look great. Stainless steel is another on-trend option that you may love in your kitchen. It is more expensive and, while it generally cleans up like a dream, it can stain if a spill is left too long. Overall, it’s a great choice for countertops.

Pros of Stainless Steel Countertops

• Heat- and stain-resistant
• Easy to clean
• Resist mold, mildew, bacteria, and stains
• Long-lasting and stylish

Cons of Stainless Steel Countertops

• Can scratch or dent
• Shows fingerprints and water spots
• Can stain if a spill is left too long
• Higher price tag
  
  

We hope this countertop guide has helped clarify your options and brought you closer to making a confident choice for your kitchen remodel. Whether you’re prioritizing durability, style, sustainability, or budget, there’s a material that can meet your needs.

For more inspiration, be sure to check out our kitchen gallery to see how different countertops come to life in real homes.

Need expert guidance? At McLennan Contracting, our design team specializes in helping Lancaster homeowners find countertop materials that match their style, lifestyle, and goals. Contact us today to start planning your dream kitchen.