Countertop Trends of 2025: Exploring Popular Styles and Materials 

Countertops are not just functional elements in a kitchen or bathroom; they are also a key design feature that can elevate the aesthetic of your space. They are essential in a kitchen or bathroom design, as they are used as the primary workspace and help quickly deliver first impressions. As we move into 2025, the demand for durable, sustainable, and stylish countertops continues to grow.  

Whether you are renovating your kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor spaces, understanding the latest countertop trends for 2025 can help you make the right choice of material. Based on expert designers' predictions, TWD has compiled a list of the most popular countertop materials and styles expected to excel in 2025.  

Key Takeaways

• 2025 countertop trends focus on durability, design versatility, and minimal maintenance.
• Quartz remains a top pick due to its non-porous surface, color variety, and easy upkeep.
• Granite stands out for its unique natural patterns and heat resistance but needs periodic sealing.
• Marble delivers timeless luxury yet requires careful sealing and prevention of scratches.
• Quartzite offers the elegant look of marble with greater durability, though sealing is still needed.
• Wood (especially butcherblock) adds warmth and can be sanded to remove scratches.
• Laminate is the most budget-friendly option, mimicking pricier materials while staying easy to clean.

Most Popular Countertop Materials 

Quartz Kitchen Countertop

Quartz countertops have been a top choice for years, and in 2025, they will remain a dominant material in Phoenix, AZ, homes due to their durability, aesthetic appeal, and versatility. This engineered stone combines natural quartz crystals with resins and pigments, allowing diverse colors, textures, and patterns to be present in modern kitchen design.  

Why it’s a popular kitchen countertop trend: 

• Durability: Quartz is non-porous, making it highly resistant to staining, scratching, and impact. It is also harder than granite, making it much more durable. While this material is resistant to scratches, avoiding cutting directly on the surface with sharp objects is crucial. This material is also heat resistant, but to a certain extent. To avoid damaging your quartz resin with excessive heat, it is recommended to use heating pads for your hot pans and pots when moving dishes to your kitchen island.   

• Design versatility: Another reason to love quartz countertops is their versatility. Whether you prefer a solid color, marble-like veining, or even bold, textured patterns, quartz offers endless design possibilities. Along with colors and patterns, quartz countertops can have a matte or glossy finish that can be smooth or rugged. Quartz countertops also complement several design styles, such as contemporary, classic, modern, or minimalist.   

• Minimal maintenance: Unlike granite or marble, quartz does not require sealing because the resin used in the manufacturing process makes it non-porous. Quartz can also be easily cleaned with warm water and soap.   

Tips for Maintaining Quartz Countertops:  

Maintaining quartz is simple due to its durability and minimal maintenance needs. See below for tips on ensuring that your quartz countertops stand the test of time.  

• Avoid harsh chemicals—Harsh chemicals like bleach can damage the resin binding to the quartz. Try to clean the surfaces only with a cloth, warm water, and mild dish soap.  

• Use a cutting board when cutting with sharper utensils; this will help prevent scratches.   

• To avoid burn stains, do not put hot pans, pots, or hair tools directly on the countertop surface.  

Granite Kitchen Countertop

Granite countertops will continue to be an extremely popular choice in kitchens, bathrooms, and other home surfaces in 2025. This is due to the natural stone’s unique appearance and durability. 

Why it’s one of the top kitchen countertop trends for 2025: 

• Composition: Unlike quartz countertops (which are engineered), granite countertops are made from a single, natural stone slab, making each piece unique.   

• Appearance and Uniqueness: Granite countertops are known for their stunning natural beauty and variety. They come in diverse colors, from deep blacks and grays to vibrant whites and greens. What makes granite so interesting and appealing is that each slab is unique. The natural formation process of veining, speckles, and patterns makes each slab different.   

• Durability: Granite countertops are highly durable and scratch-resistant, making them ideal for kitchen remodels. They are also heat-resistant, which means they can withstand hot pans, pots, and hair tools without needing a trivet. However, if available, a trivet is still recommended to keep the countertop in tip-top shape. Granite is also resistant to stains; however, it can be stained by acidic liquids if it stays on the surface for too long.   

• General Maintenance: Granite countertops are porous, meaning they must be sealed periodically, typically once every year or two. This will make the surface less porous and prevent staining from liquids like wine, coffee, or oil.   

Tips for Maintaining Granite Countertops:  

• Clean up spills quickly: Even though granite is resistant to staining, it is crucial to wipe up spills immediately to avoid the potential of leftover stains.   

• Use drink coasters: prevent water and beverage rings by using coasters under glasses.   

• Use cutting boards: While granite is scratch-resistant, it is still a good idea to use a cutting board to protect your knives and countertop.   

• Sealing: Sealing is particularly important for granite countertops. It is recommended that you reseal your granite every one to two years. This will make the surface less porous and less likely to hold stains.   

Marble Kitchen Countertop

Marble continues to captivate homeowners and designers with its timeless elegance and natural beauty. In 2025, marble countertops will remain a luxurious choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-traffic areas, offering unparalleled style and sophistication. Remember that marble countertops require careful maintenance and upkeep, but if you are willing to invest in their care, they will be a beautiful addition to your home.  

About marble:  

• Composition and Appearance: Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone under intense heat and pressure, which results in its unique veining and pattern characteristics. The veining patterns come in assorted colors, such as white, gray, yellow, green, black, and more. Like granite, every marble slab is unique, and no two marble countertops are alike. Marble is available in a polished, glossy finish or a matte, smooth finish.   

• Durability: Marble is soft compared to quartz and granite, making it more prone to scratching and chipping. It is heat resistant, meaning you can place hot-temperature items on the surface without worrying about cracking or warping. However, prolonged exposure may result in discoloration or damage over time. While durable, marble can scratch more easily than harder stones like granite. When using sharp objects or heavy items, it is important to be more cautious.   

• High-Maintenance: Marble is a porous stone that is highly susceptible to staining. To avoid staining your marble surface, it is recommended that you seal it to protect it from acids and stains. Marble is also prone to staining by oil, coffee, or wine. When a stain is present, it is essential to wipe it away immediately.   

• Cool Surface: Marble's natural coolness is one of the most functional characteristics, especially in baking and other culinary activities. Bakers love marble countertops because the cool surface is ideal for working with dough and pastries.   

Tips for Maintaining Marble Countertops:  

• Polish and Hone Periodically: Due to the softness of the material, it is essential to get your marble countertops periodically polished or honed every 6-12 months to avoid the tendency of scratching.  

• Use coasters and trivets.  

• Clean up spills promptly to avoid damage.   

Quartzite Kitchen Countertop

Quartzite is a metamorphic rock that begins as sandstone and, under intense heat, turns into a much harder, denser stone. It is a durable option for kitchens, bathrooms, and other areas of the home. Quartzite countertops offer a combination of natural beauty and strength. This material is often compared to granite and marble; however, it has distinct differences.  

Why it's popular: 

• Appearance: Quartzite comes in various colors and often features natural veins and patterns that may resemble marble but with the added benefit of durability. Quartzite can be polished for a glossy, reflective, or matte finish.  

This may be an attractive option for those who like the look of marble but do not want to worry about all the maintenance requirements.  

• Durability: Quartzite is durable and harder than granite, making it one of the toughest natural stones. The hardness of the material makes it perfect for high-traffic areas. It is also heat-resistant, making it a desirable choice for kitchen countertops where hot pots and pans are on the surface. Even though this material is strong and durable, chipping and cracking can still happen.   

• General Maintenance: Like marble and granite, quartzite is a porous stone that requires sealing to prevent staining from liquids and other damage. Quartzite is easy to clean; warm water and mild dish soap will do the trick on most stains. While quartzite is more resistant to staining than marble, it is still advised to wipe off spills quickly to avoid the sealant weakening quicker than it is supposed to.   

Tips for Maintaining Quartzite Countertops:  

• Use cutting boards: while the countertop is scratch-resistant, this will help prevent your knives from getting dull.   

• Re-seal periodically: Based on usage and exposure, resealing your quartzite is recommended every 1 to 2 years. This process is essential to prevent stains.   

• Avoid harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, and abrasive sponges that can damage the surface.  

• Be mindful of heavy or sharp objects on the countertop, as quartzite can chip or crack.  

Wood Kitchen Countertop

Wood countertops, specifically butcherblock, remain a staple in kitchen design and butler pantries for 2025. Their warmth, texture, and timeless appeal make them versatile for rustic, farmhouse, or contemporary spaces. They are also very durable, making them a steady surface for meal preparation and cooking.  

Why it’s popular:  

• Natural warmth: Wood brings a natural, organic warmth to any space, making it ideal for those who want a homier, inviting feel.  

• Customizable: Wood can be cut and finished in several ways to suit any style.   

There are multiple types of wood to choose from:  

1. Maple: This is a popular choice for Phoenix homeowners, as it is known for its durability and lighter color.   

1. Walnut: This rich, deep color provokes a luxurious feel.   

1. Cherry: A reddish hue  

1. Oak: Strong, dense wood ranging from pale yellow to deep brown.   

• Maintenance: Wood countertops require regular oiling and sealing to protect them from water damage. When cleaning the surface, avoid soaking the wood in water. When a scratch or stain is present, the wood can be sanded to remove those areas. 
• Durability: Wood countertops, specifically butcherblock, are strong and resistant to knives; scratches and dents may appear over time. When this happens, the imperfections can be sanded to maintain the countertop appearance.  

Tips for Maintaining Wood Countertops:  

• Keep the countertop oiled with mineral oil or a penetrating oil sealer to prevent cracking or drying out of the wood. This prevents it from absorbing too much moisture. Lack of oil on your countertop can cause swelling or warping.  

• Sand out the countertop periodically: If scratches or cuts accumulate over time, sanding down the countertop will help these disappear.   

Laminate Kitchen Countertop 

Laminate countertops are rising for popular home upgrades in 2025; they are the most budget-friendly countertop material. This is ideal for those looking to update their space without a significant financial investment. Laminate is made from layers of paper or fabric saturated with resin and bonded to a particle board core; this makes them available in an assortment of colors, patterns, or textures.  

Why it’s popular:  

• Cost-savings: Laminate is popular for many reasons, but one is that it is inexpensive, making it a budget-friendly choice.  

• Durability: Laminate is less durable than stone and can be scratched and chipped more easily.  

• Maintenance: This material is easy to clean and maintain. Most stains/residues come off smoothly with mild soap and water. However, sharp objects, excessive moisture, or heat can damage it.   

• Appearance: Laminate material mimics natural stone or wood looks while being a cost-saving alternative.   

Tips for Maintaining Laminate Countertops:  

• Avoid exposure to heat: Always use trivets or hot pads to protect the surface from hot cookware or hot hair tools.   

• Cleaning: Avoid abrasive cleaners as this can easily scratch the surface.  

• Use Cutting Boards: Laminate is more susceptible to damage from knives and other sharp materials, so it is vital to use a cutting board when using these objects.  

Ready to choose the ideal counter for your next remodel? Give TWD a call! 

Choosing the right countertop material is essential, and many factors must be considered. The right countertop material for your kitchen, bathroom, or other high-traffic areas considers durability, aesthetics, maintenance, and overall functionality. Our team at Todd Whittaker Drywall Inc. (TWD) understands the difficulty of making a countertop choice. Our on-site design team will collaborate to guide you in the right direction when choosing your ideal countertop material that checks off all your needs. For more information on how to get started, go to www.twdaz.com to request your free in-home consultation or call us at 623-544-1211. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Which countertop material is the most durable?
A: Quartzite and quartz both rank highly for durability, with quartzite being a natural stone harder than granite, and quartz being an engineered, non-porous surface resistant to staining and scratching.

Q: Do quartz countertops require sealing?
A: Typically, no. Quartz is an engineered stone that’s non-porous and doesn’t need sealing. You can maintain it by simply wiping spills promptly and avoiding harsh cleaners or excessive heat.

Q: How often should I reseal granite or marble?
A: Most homeowners reseal these stones every 1–2 years. However, high-use kitchens may require more frequent sealing, while lower-use areas might go slightly longer.

Q: Are wood countertops practical for busy kitchens?
A: Yes, if you keep them properly maintained. Regular oiling and sealing help protect the wood from moisture. Minor scratches or stains can be sanded away, making butcherblock a practical and warm option.

Q: According to designers, what’s the best budget-friendly material for countertops?
A: Laminate is generally the most cost-effective choice. It comes in a variety of styles and colors that can mimic the look of stone or wood without the higher price tag.

Q: Which surfaces are most heat-resistant?
A: Granite, quartzite, and marble are naturally heat-resistant stones. However, it’s always good practice to use trivets or hot pads to prevent potential discoloration or damage over time.

Q: How do I decide which type of countertop is right for my home?
A: Consider your budget, design preferences, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. If you’re still unsure, a professional design team like TWD can help guide your decision.