What is the least expensive type of countertop?

Author: Jerome Smitham  |  Last update: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

The least expensive type of countertop is laminate. It's appealing and easy to clean, but it can also easily damage from heat, scratches, and moisture.

What is the best countertop material for the money?

Quartz Countertops

Much like granite, its value is best appreciated in the long term, as it is a durable and low-maintenance material. Quartz is a practical choice, compatible with the challenges of busy family and work lives because it requires so little effort to maintain its classic beauty.

What is cheaper, quartz or granite?

Quartz countertops can cost between $80 to $140 per square foot installed. Granite countertops can cost between $80 and $175 per square foot installed. The price difference between granite and quartz will vary because both materials are international imports, so tariffs and other transport costs will impact pricing.

What is a cheaper alternative to granite countertops?

Quartz countertops are among the best alternatives. Choosing a premium quality quartz manufacturer like Caesarstone will provide homeowners with a worthwhile and valuable option that will last long and won't require much maintenance or upkeep. The cost of granite countertops ranges between $80 to $175 per square foot.

What is cheaper, butcher block or quartz?

Butcher block countertops are generally more affordable than quartz countertops. The average quartz countertop costs around $4,500, while the average butcher block countertop costs around $3,750.

5 Tips for Affordable Countertops

What is the downside of using butcher block countertops?

Butcher Block Countertop Cons

All butcher block wood is susceptible to stains and scratches. While harder woods are more resistant, butcher block needs regular sealing, especially if used as a cutting surface, to prevent germs, mold, and warping.

What are the cheapest hard countertops?

Laminate Countertops

Generally the cheapest countertops available, laminate is made from layers of plastic bonded to particleboard to form a solid surface. Preformed counters with a built-in backsplash come in limited colors and patterns.

What is the easiest countertop to maintain?

Low Maintenance Countertop Surface Options
  • Laminate.
  • Zinc.
  • Recycled Glass.
  • Quartz.
  • Solid Surfaces.
  • Wood.
  • Stainless Steel.

What countertop looks like quartz but is cheaper?

Laminate countertops have colors and patterns to mimic Quartz But they are cheaper than quartz countertops.

What is the fake granite called?

Liquid granite, which can also be known as synthetic granite, isn't stone at all. The term is used for a particular type of extra-strong concrete developed by Sheffield Hallam University, and also for a technique for pouring and decorating concrete to make it look like granite.

How much is a 10 ft slab of quartz?

How much does a 10 foot quartz countertop cost? Quartz price per sq ft is around $50, so 10 ft quartz should be anywhere between $400 to $600 depending on the grade of quartz you're willing to purchase.

What is the downside of quartz countertops?

#1.

Quartz countertops do have a certain level of heat resistance. However, it's not as heat-resistant as granite countertops. The same thing that makes quartz countertops so strong also makes them weak when you put heat or hot cookware on them.

Can I put hot pans on quartz?

You should never put a hot pan or pot from the stove or oven directly onto a quartz worktop. Yes, you could get away with it a few times, but eventually, the quartz worktop will become damaged. It is advisable to use a trivet or heat-resistant mat at all times.

What does Joanna Gaines use for kitchen countertops?

White marble countertops are a hallmark of Joanna's kitchens, effortlessly bringing luxury and timeless elegance. Paired with dark cabinets, they strike the perfect balance of modern style and cozy warmth, as seen in her Waco home.

What is the best countertop to increase home value?

Quartz Countertops and Home Value

People love quartz because it resists the impact of hot pans, knives, scrubbing pads, and stains from your homemade spaghetti sauce. Quartz also demands less upkeep. The durability and maintenance factors alone should add value.

Can you put hot pans on granite?

You can put hot pans on granite with no worries if you place something underneath them. A trivet, pad or potholder will absorb the heat from the pan before it reaches the surface, preventing damage to your countertop and preserving its beauty.

What are people using instead of granite?

While granite countertops are popular for their natural beauty and durability, quartz, solid surfaces, marble, glass, concrete and limestone are all considered great alternatives to granite.

Is Corian better than quartz?

The verdict. Corian is more versatile and available in a larger array of colours and patterns, whereas quartz has a unique appearance, more heat and scratch resistant and more durable.

What color countertops never go out of style?

White will always be an elegant choice for kitchen countertops.

What countertop lasts the longest?

1. Quartz. Quartz is the most durable countertop material. A perfect choice for any kitchen or bathroom, quartz countertops contain a mixture of crushed quartz and resin.

Why not quartz countertops?

2) It's Vulnerable to Heat Damage

Excessive heat can damage a quartz countertop because its resins melt when in contact with heat. That's why you should avoid putting items like hot pots, pans or curling irons directly on the surface.

How can I redo my countertops cheaply?

There are a few cheap ways to redo kitchen countertops. For example, you can paint them, cover them with contact paper, or sand them and stain them with a wood finish. These options are suitable for wood, linoleum, or laminate countertops.

Is there a cheaper alternative to quartz countertops?

Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot.

Is Lowes or Home Depot cheaper for countertops?

In the past, we've compared Home Depot and Lowe's to see who had the better deal on kitchen countertops. We decided Home Depot won the comparison for countertops in general.

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