A countertop is a horizontal work surface in kitchens or other food preparation areas, bathrooms or lavatories, and workrooms in general. It is frequently installed upon and supported by cabinets. The surface is positioned at an ergonomic height for the user and the particular task for which it is designed. A countertop may be constructed of various materials with different attributes of functionality, durability, and aesthetics. The countertop may have built-in appliances, or accessory items relative to the intended application.

Countertops can be made from a wide range of materials and the cost of the completed countertop can vary widely depending on the material chosen. The durability and ease of use of the material often rises with the increasing cost of the material but some costly materials are neither particularly durable nor user-friendly. Some common countertop materials are as follows:

• Natural stones
  • Granite
  • Limestone
  • Marble
  • Soapstone
  • Gabbro
  • Slate
• Silicate mineral
  • Travertine
  • Quartz
• Wood
  • Hardwood
  • Softwood
• Metals
  • Stainless steel
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Aluminium
• Crafted glass
• Manufactured materials
  • Concrete
    • Cast-in-place
    • Precast
    • Processed slabs
  • Compressed paper or fiber
  • Cultured marble
  • High-pressure laminates
    • Post-formed high-pressure decorative laminates
    • Self-edged high-pressure decorative laminates
  • Quartz surfacing or engineered stone is 99.9% solid @ 93% aggregate / 7% polyester resin (by weight), colors and binders
  • Recycled Glass surface either with concrete or polyester resin binders
  • Solid-surface acrylic plastic materials
  • Solid-surface polyester acrylic
  • Terrazzo
  • Tile
  • Cast-in-place materials
    • Natural stone suspended in a resin
    • Post-consumer glass suspended in a resin
  • Epoxy
  • Phenolic resin