How to Buy Kitchen Countertops in 2025: Expert Tips for Smart Buyers

Is your kitchen countertop a source of pride or stress? The right countertop enhances your kitchen’s look, functionality, and home value. With countless options, the process can feel overwhelming. At Granite Selection alone, there are over 14,000 unique slabs of stone from which to choose.

There’s no set way on how to buy countertops, but there are some tips and tricks. In our kitchen countertop buying guide for 2025, we offer tips to help you avoid common mistakes and make informed decisions about your future countertop.

What to Consider Before Buying a Kitchen Countertop?

Many homeowners focus on looks and forget about lifestyle. But how often you cook, clean, and use your space should guide your choice. From materials to details, thoughtful planning makes all the difference.

1. Establish Your Budget

Your budget is a critical factor in determining the type of kitchen countertop that best suits your needs. Prices can range from as low as $25-$50 per square foot for budget-friendly materials like laminate countertops to $100-$250 or more per square foot for luxury or custom options like marble.

When planning your budget, don’t focus solely on the material cost. Additional expenses such as installation, edge detailing, sink cutouts, and reinforcements for heavier materials can add $10-$30 per square foot to your total costs. Always request a quote to capture all associated costs and leave room for a contingency fund to cover unexpected expenses.

2. Work Out Project Details

Planning your project details in advance ensures a smoother process and avoids unexpected costs. Determine whether you’re replacing an existing countertop or starting fresh as part of a full remodel.

Here are the key considerations:

• Measurements: Accurately measure the countertop space, including corners, overhangs, and any unique features.
• Cabinet strength: Ensure cabinets can support the weight of heavier materials or plan for reinforcements.
• Backsplash: Decide if you want an integrated or separate backsplash.
• Cutouts: Account for sink and appliance placements that may require cutouts.
• Extras: Consider add-ons like integrated cutting boards or waterfall edges.

Taking the time to work out these details upfront will save you time, money, and stress later on. The more precise your planning, the easier it will be for your fabricator to bring your vision to life — and the more confident you’ll feel moving forward with your countertop project.

3. Granite vs. Quartz vs. Marble?

Many struggle to choose between granite, quartz, and marble — the most popular kitchen countertop materials. Each offers unique patterns, colors, and benefits, making it possible to achieve nearly any look.

Feature	Granite	Quartz	Marble
Price Range	$$	$$$	$$$$
Durability	High	High	Medium
Maintenance	Medium	Low	High
Heat Resistance	Excellent	Good	Good
Stain Resistance	Good (when sealed)	Excellent	Poor

Granite Countertops

• Pros: Granite countertops are heat-resistant, hardy, and less porous than marble. Some who love marble opt for a granite variety that closely resembles marble because it is more durable.
• Cons: Its density can raise installation costs and may require stronger cabinets. As a natural stone, granite also shows visible seams on larger countertops.

Quartz Countertops

• Pros: Like granite, quartz countertops are low-maintenance and perfect for areas that are used daily. It’s non-porous and highly durable. As a man-made stone, its patterns are consistent, and seam visibility is less noticeable.
• Cons: Sometimes can be just as expensive as granite or marble, depending on the type. It’s also less heat-resistant than natural stones, which may be a drawback in high-heat cooking areas.

Marble Countertops

• Pros: Marble is a beautiful, heat-resistant stone that automatically increases the value of homes and is long-lasting when looked after properly.
• Cons: Marble stains and etches easily — even from water — and needs frequent wiping. Its high maintenance often deters those who use their countertops heavily.

4. Consider Kitchen Countertop Trends for 2025

When buying a kitchen countertop, staying updated on the latest trends ensures your choice is both stylish and future-proof. When planning your project, consider 2025 design trends that offer options to suit every homeowner’s taste:

• Bold veining patterns: Eye-catching veining in quartz and marble is a standout feature, adding depth and sophistication to countertops.
• Seamless countertops and backsplashes: Countertops that flow seamlessly into backsplashes create a clean, minimalist look that’s both functional and chic.
• Earthy color palettes: Shades like sage green, terracotta, and charcoal gray bring warmth and an organic feel to your space.

Are you curious about the best ways to pair your kitchen cabinets and countertops in 2025? Discover the latest trends for stunning cabinet and countertop combinations this year in our detailed article!

5. Try Mixing Materials

Contemporary interior trends allow for a less uniform approach to interior design. Not every bathroom, kitchen, and wet bar countertop need to be congruent. Some have the same color scheme flowing throughout their house, while others have alternating hues for every room.

You might decide to utilize marble in a guest bathroom as it’s used less often, quartz in a busy kitchen, and granite outside because it’s the most durable. There’s no rule stopping you from having a mix and match countertop with one part of concrete and other quartz, for example.

6. Decide on the Countertop Edge

Once you’ve decided between granite vs. quartz vs. marble, your fabricator will want to know your preferred countertop edge style, which is something first-time buyers don’t always think about. Nowadays, square edges are standard and decorative edges like ogee, bevel, and bullnose are a bit pricier.

These are four common edge types:

• Beveled edge: A counter with an angular edge that’s approximately 45 degrees, found in more traditional kitchens.
• Ogee edge: An edge with a concave arch that flows into a convex arch and is often used in traditional kitchen designs.
• Eased edge: A squared edge with “eased” corners that’s incredibly popular in current minimalist kitchen designs.
• Bullnose edge: An edge that can be fully or half-rounded and offers a softer alternative to eased edges.

View the seven countertop edge options we offer at Granite Selection.

7. Decide on the Countertop Height

The average countertop height is 36 inches, but if you’re thinking about having a kitchen island-cum-bar countertop, then you’d increase it to 42 inches. Design ergonomic basics imply that all kitchens should be designed to achieve tasks in the most efficient way, countertop height included. Those with limited mobility might decrease their countertop to a height between 28-34 inches.

8. Consider the Sink

If budget isn’t an option, and you’re still uncertain how to choose countertop material, you might want to consider the sink. A drop-in sink is the most conventional type of kitchen sink. It has a visible lip around its perimeter that rests flat on the countertop and is compatible with all countertops.

As opposed to being dropped into a pre-cut hole in the countertop, undermount sinks are installed under the counter, so there is no rim between the countertop and the sink. Given their weight, quartz, marble, and granite work best and are highly compatible with undermount sinks.

9. Ask for Samples

When customers require advice on how to buy kitchen countertops, we always recommend them experiment with take-home samples. It’s a good idea to place the samples next to your cabinets and walls to see how they read. If you’re building cabinets and countertops from scratch, you should test different countertop and cabinet combinations together. You can also use our countertop design visualizer to preview styles and pairings before committing to physical samples.

10. Choose the Right Supplier and Installer

Here’s something many homeowners overlook: installation matters more than the stone itself. Even the most stunning granite slab can be ruined by poor craftsmanship. That’s why Reddit users often stress hiring professionals. Stone countertops are heavy and fragile in key areas like sink cutouts — one misstep during transport or installation can cause costly, irreversible damage.

When selecting your supplier and installer, consider these crucial factors:

• Watch warranty coverage: Stone countertops are durable, but a warranty is still essential to protect your investment. At Granite Selection, we offer a 1-year warranty covering material and workmanship defects — giving you peace of mind with every installation.
• Experience and reputation: Look for established companies with proven track records in your area. Check reviews, ask for references, and view previous work.
• Licensing and insurance: Ensure your installer is properly licensed and carries adequate insurance to protect your home and investment.
• Fabrication capabilities: Choose suppliers with in-house fabrication facilities rather than subcontractors. This ensures better quality control and faster turnaround times.

Quality installation ensures your countertops will withstand heavy use, resist stains, and maintain their beauty whether you’re placing hot pots directly on granite or dealing with daily wear and tear. At Granite Selection, our 1-year warranty ensures your countertop is free from material and workmanship defects and meets strict quality standards.

Essential Questions to Ask When Buying Countertops

Knowing what questions to ask when buying countertops can save you from costly mistakes and ensure you get exactly what you need. Whether you’re speaking with fabricators, installers, or suppliers, asking the right questions upfront prevents surprises later.

Here are the most important questions to ask during your countertop buying process:

• What’s included in the quoted price? Clarify whether the price covers templating, fabrication, installation, sink cutouts, edge work, and cleanup. Hidden costs can quickly inflate your budget.
• How long will the entire process take? From templating to final installation, understand the timeline and any factors that might cause delays.
• What type of warranty do you offer? Ask about coverage for materials, workmanship, and installation. Understand what’s covered and what voids the warranty.
• Can you provide references from recent projects? Reputable contractors will gladly share references and examples of their work in your area.
• Do you handle permits and inspections? Some installations require permits. Clarify who’s responsible for obtaining them and scheduling inspections.
• How do you handle seams on larger countertops? For large surfaces, ask about seam placement and how they’ll minimize visibility.

Don’t hesitate to ask these questions — professional contractors expect them and will provide clear, detailed answers. Companies that seem evasive or unwilling to discuss these details should raise red flags about their reliability and professionalism.

Making the Right Choice for Your Home

Investing in the right kitchen countertop transforms your space into a functional, stylish, and valuable part of your home. From budgeting and selecting materials to staying on top of 2025 trends, let our guide equip you with the knowledge to make an informed decision. From luxurious marble to low-maintenance solid surface countertops, there’s a perfect option for every home.

Ready to upgrade your kitchen with a stunning new countertop? Let our Granite Selection experts guide you through the process and help you find the perfect match for your style and budget. Contact us today to schedule your free in-home estimate.