The Countertop Choices That Are Excellent For Resale Value

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen for your benefit or with the thought of putting your home on the market, the eventual resale value your new countertops can bring to the table should always come into consideration. But which countertops appeal the most to new home buyers, and which will give your house the highest possible resale value? Almost across the board, the most popular, most durable, and most attractive countertops are made from natural or engineered stone products like quartz, marble, and granite, and realtors and designers alike recommend them most for your kitchen counter upgrade.

The cost of a kitchen remodel is an expensive one, so it might be tempting to try to cut costs where possible, but countertop material is not the best place to do that. While budget is a factor, you also want to consider the design aesthetic of your home, as well as the upkeep required. Picking a countertop that is durable and attractive is the best choice no matter how long you plan to use it because it will ensure that when it's time to sell, your home will fetch the best price possible.

While quartz is a naturally occurring material, quartz countertops are engineered with other stones and resins into a compressed, non-porous material that is incredibly long-lasting, making it extremely popular. Quartzite, on the other hand, is a type of sandstone formed when quartz grain comes into contact with magma deep beneath the earth's surface. Used as a countertop, quartzite has a look very similar to marble but is much more resilient, which is a huge selling point.

Because of their high resistance to most damage, both quartz and quartzite countertops are in high demand among remodelers and home buyers. They are also easy to clean with mild, non-abrasive, or disinfectant cleansers. Of course, you should always use barriers against knives, heat, or other sharp materials, but for the most part, these countertops will hold up against almost anything a family can dole out.

You can expect quartzite countertops to be priced from $65 to $150 per square foot installed, while quartz has a wider range of $50 to $200. Both are available to DIY if you have the tools and the expertise, though installation by certified professionals is preferred since mistakes can be quite costly. You should also keep in mind that quartzite is porous, unlike quartz, so it will need to be sealed upon installation and periodically thereafter.

Marble and granite have been used for kitchen countertops since the early 1900s, and although their popularity has waxed and waned over the decades, they remain durable, popular, and beautiful choices. Because they are porous natural stones, however, they both require regular sealing to keep stains from setting. Of course, if maintained correctly, marble and granite can last for literally centuries — probably far longer than your home will stand.

Aside from sealing, regular care is as simple as gently dusting or wiping away spills with mild soap and water. Never use acidic or abrasive compounds on the surface, and avoid scratching it with either rough sponges or sharp tools, as any of these can wear away the seal and damage the stone underneath.

The costs of these two similar countertop surfaces will run anywhere from $40 to $150, installed, with granite countertops being the slightly more expensive option on average. If you have straight countertops, a DIY installation should be fairly straightforward and, therefore, less expensive, but most kitchens will require some cutting, which you may feel more comfortable leaving to the pros.

Both natural and engineered stone surfaces can be susceptible to chipping or cracking if impacted with a heavy force, with the edges and corners most at risk. For this reason, it's often recommended that instead of having your countertops installed with flat, square edges, you opt for a more rounded look. Both full and half bullnose options feature a rounded top that is popular with families, while the ogee and triple pencil edge offer a more stylish, stepped appearance. These rounded edges are stronger than the flat ones, lowering the likelihood of chips happening. If your countertops have exposed corners, you can also widen the radius to further create a rounded appearance.

In addition to edges and corners, you will also choose the type of finish your countertop will have, from polished to matte, with a few options in between. Polished is the shiniest and most popular, but also the most likely to bring attention to dull spots, fingerprints, or stains. Matte countertops can hide these imperfections but may be more apt to succumb to them because of the more porous nature of the final product. Of course, every option has a cost associated with it, so be sure to include those numbers in your budget.

According to a 2022 study by the National Association of Realtors, the cost of your kitchen countertop upgrade will be recouped by an average of 67% when you resell your home or 75% if you opt for a full kitchen remodel. That means for the average stone countertop upgrade, at a cost of around $100 per square foot or $3,750 for the average kitchen size, you can expect your resale value to increase by about $2,500.

On average, a full kitchen upgrade of a cost of approximately $27,500 could increase your home's value by over $20,000. Those numbers constitute a significant change and could make a big difference in your capital, so it's important to weigh the pros and cons of your situation and budget extensively to decide on the best course of action.

Thankfully, there are many resources available for you to do your research on the matter. In addition to numerous specialty retailers and wholesalers, general home improvement stores like The Home Depot and Lowe's have departments dedicated to kitchen remodeling with experts on hand to answer all your questions.

Moreover, sites like Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Thumbtack all offer access to local contractors, pricing, and ratings from actual buyers to help you make your decision. Shop around, check reviews, and get several quotes before diving in, and your countertop upgrade will be a valuable investment.