Values and Value: Sustainable Counter Options That Offer Both

Choosing the right countertops can offer long-term sustainability and budget benefits.

Like many home design options, countertops go through phases of popularity. For a time, only granite would do, but for the past decade or so, engineered quartz is the number one choice of remodeling homeowners, according to the 2025 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study. The top priority (cited by 91% of respondents) when remodeling is replacing the kitchen countertops.

The Houzz study found that 90% of homeowners choose at least one sustainable option during kitchen renovations. Cost effectiveness in the long run is the leading motivator (72%), followed by environmental friendliness (55%). 

Three Factors to Consider When Choosing Counters

While the obvious drivers of countertop choices are your budget and whether the color and style match your tastes, you’ll want to compare the sustainability of various materials. Before you delve into the manufacturing of each option, consider these factors that can influence how green your choice is:

1. Durability. When you buy a countertop that is durable and resistant to heat, stains, scratches and mold, you’re less likely to need to replace it anytime soon. That’s better for your budget as well as to avoid adding to the landfill if you purchase a product that can’t be recycled.

2. Location. If you can find products manufactured locally, you reduce the fossil fuel consumption needed for transporting it. That may also save money for freight expenses that can be embedded in the cost of the product.

3. Maintenance. Before you buy, check out the maintenance needs of your counter material. Low maintenance materials are less likely to need chemicals that can impact your indoor air quality.

Countertop Features to Compare

Among the most popular countertop materials are granite, quartz, marble, stainless steel, laminate, soapstone, butcher block, concrete, solid surface and tile, according to data from Angi , a consumer review and information site for home maintenance and improvement.

“When thinking about the sustainability of countertop materials, the source of the material is usually the first thing that comes to mind,” says Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi. “For example, butcher block countertops are usually considered to be more sustainable than laminate countertops because wood is a natural material. However, there are other things that factor into how sustainable a countertop material is. Durability is also an important sustainability factor because durable countertops don’t need to be replaced as often.”

Look for products that include pre-and-post-consumer recycled materials, and those made without VOCs and harmful chemicals.

According to the Houzz survey, 39% of homeowners choose engineered quartz counters when they remodeled, which are manmade, while 19% choose granite, 11% choose quartzite, which is natural stone, 9% choose butcher block or wood slabs and 4% choose marble.

While engineered quartz counters are often made with recycled materials, a downside of the product is that it’s made with crystalline silica, which can be harmful to people during the manufacturing and installation process if inhaled. Once the silica is embedded in the counter, it’s not dangerous during use or maintenance. Several manufacturers offer alternative products without silica, including Lapitec , an Italian provider of engineered stone counters; GEOS , Glasi and IceStone , who manufacture counters with recycled glass, and PaperStone , which makes durable counters with recycled paper.

Intersection of Affordability and Sustainability

To choose the countertops that are right for your kitchen or your bathroom vanity, you’ll need to cross-check the price, the manufacturing process and durability of materials you like.

Here’s a comparison based on price, sustainability, maintenance and durability of various countertop materials, according to Hicks:

• Quartz: Quartz countertops are extremely durable and easy to maintain. However, quartz countertops tend to be on the pricier side, ranging from $60 to $200 per square foot. 
• Granite: Granite countertops are durable and easy to clean, but they need to be sealed regularly to stay in top condition. They’re also an affordable option, ranging from $40 to $100 per square foot. 
• Recycled glass: Recycled glass countertops are made from sustainable materials and don’t require much maintenance. Expect to pay between $65 and $140 per square foot for recycled glass countertops. 
• Bamboo: Bamboo countertops are sustainable, antibacterial and low maintenance. They’re also one of the most affordable options, costing between $50 and $125 per square foot.
• Concrete: Concrete countertops are durable and extremely long-lasting, making them one of the most sustainable options. However, they stain easily and require frequent sealing. Expect to pay between $50 and $150 per square foot for concrete countertops. 
• Recycled paper: Recycled paper countertops are made of resin and recycled materials. These countertops are durable, easy to clean, and low maintenance. On average, recycled paper countertops start at $30 per square foot. 
• Natural stone: Natural stone countertops are durable and long-lasting, making them a great sustainable option. Quartzite, granite and marble are all popular materials in the natural stone category. Natural stone countertops are usually porous, so they require regular sealing to stay in good condition. Expect to pay between $40 and $200 per square foot for natural stone countertops. 

Green Builder Media Sustainable Countertop Product of the Year 2024

Green Builder Media regularly researches building materials and products to identify those that are innovative and meet high standards for sustainability, then develops an annual list of the top performers.

In 2024, IceStone’s countertops and bathroom vanity surfaces were named the sustainable counter product of the year. Made from three simple ingredients—recycled glass, Portland cement and non-toxic pigment—IceStone does no harm to the earth and contains zero resins, glues, petrochemicals, plastics or chemical binders. Workers can install the crystalline silica-free product without fear of contracting silicosis, a lung disease that is often fatal.

A major environmental problem that IceStone helps solve is what to do with waste glass. To date, the company has kept more than 20 million pounds of glass—roughly 1 million per year—from being dumped in landfills. IceStone gets its recycled product from third-party commercial recyclers, who buy defective or excess glass from manufacturers of items such as bottles, auto glass and windows.

IceStone is 75 percent recycled content, stain, mold and bacteria resistant, and almost impossible to burn. This results in a surface that is easy to care for and environmentally responsible. There are no VOCs emitted, and the product is eligible for LEED credits.