As a property manager or landlord, you want countertops in your rental properties that are durable and affordable. Counters that last will save you money on maintenance and keep your rental profits up.

But countertops are more than just practical: quality countertops can make an old kitchen look modern and beautiful. The countertops are a staple of every home and a detail you should not overlook.

Here is you guide to determining which countertops will go best in your properties:

Butcher Block

This type of countertop is not for the fainthearted. While butcher block-style counters can add a rustic and natural look to your property, maintaining them is difficult.

Butcher block counters are created by a combination of wooden slabs, commonly maple or bamboo, neatly arranged and glued together. While these countertops can look great, professionals recommend you leave the wood unsealed. This keeps the look natural and your food safe from chemical exposure.

However, you’ll want professional help in oiling and maintaining the wood so that it doesn’t get stained and damaged.

Unless you’re prepared to schedule professional help in maintaining your property’s countertops every six months, you want to avoid butcher block at all costs. You do not want to leave care of these counters up to your tenants.

Granite

Granite is a popular stone countertop material, high in durability and variety. This option is on the higher end when it comes to cost, but the price tag comes with longevity and ease of maintenance.

Some lighter granite styles may require more maintenance and sealing depending on density, while darker granite is nearly as resistant to damage as quartz. Contact manufactures for details on the upkeep and style of the varieties you are interested in to make the most informed decision.

Laminate

This plastic countertop coating is popular due to its affordability and variety. Made from compressed paper and resin material, these countertops are a good choice if you need to cheaply replace countertops on the fly or don’t mind replacing this non-recyclable material semi-frequently.

Laminate will melt and scratch with relative ease, so if you’re looking for durability, you’ll want to look elsewhere. But if cost is your top priority, laminate might be the material for you.

Marble

For an ornate and sophisticated look, nothing beats marble. On the cost scale, it usually falls lower than granite, making this beautiful material relatively affordable.

However, marble is also porous. This means that the wrong foods and liquids seeping into its surface can become permanent stains—not something you want when showing off your rental. If you are confident that you can trust your tenants to keep your countertops clean, you shouldn’t have any problems with marble.

Quartz

Quartz is an increasingly popular material for countertops because of its durability and relative affordability.

Due to its composition of heavy-duty minerals and resins, quartz countertops are highly resistant to scratches and chips. In a price category below marble, quartz is also accessible and practical. Some people find its usually uniformity of pattern uninteresting, but depending on the manufacturer you can find quartz options that a bit more unique and stylized.

Solid Surface

For affordability and ease of maintenance, there are few better options than solid surface countertops.

These countertops, composed of synthetic polymers mixed with resins and mineral dust, look as good as more natural stone counters while keeping the price tag low. You don’t need to seal solid surface countertops and maintaining them is easy. However, like laminate, this material is vulnerable to burns and scratches.

Keeping solid surface countertops looking new may require regular professional maintenance, but for the cost, you might still find this your ideal option.

Tile

When it comes to easy maintenance and variety, ceramic tiles are the best choice. Cost will vary depending on style, but tile remains an accessible option that will last.

Despite the damage—cracks and chips that can occur—you can inexpensively make repairs and keep tile looking new. Consider darker grout options to keep the in-between areas looking nice and clean.

Making Your Countertop Decision

No matter your rental property—single-family home, apartment building, or anything in between—there is a countertop style to meet your needs and budget. From the unlikely butcher block to versatile tile, you can customize and prepare your property with some durable, beautiful options that can raise your property values and attract eager tenants.

For more tips on managing rental properties, contact 208.properties today.