6 Best Countertops for Rental Properties

As a landlord, it’s important to consider the durability and functionality of each element in your property. This includes countertops: high-quality countertops should be able to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. But because there are so many options to choose from, from stainless steel to marble, we’ll help you choose the countertop that best suits your property and your tenants’ needs.

The best rental property countertops include:

• Laminate Countertops
• Quartz Countertops
• Butcher Block Countertops
• Granite Countertops
• Marble Countertops
• Stainless Steel Countertops

How We Selected the Best Rental Property Countertops

In selecting the best rental property countertops, we considered a variety of factors to ensure that they would meet the needs of landlords and tenants. This is the breakdown:

• Landlord recommendations: We considered recommendations from our network of landlords, property owners, and even the tenants themselves.
• Online reviews: We also took a look at reviews online for each type of countertop on our list.
• Durability: Rental properties are subjected to heavy use and countertops need to withstand wear and tear over time.
• Maintenance requirements: We chose materials that minimized upkeep and repair costs while still maintaining a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Affordability: We tried to balance quality with cost-effectiveness.
• Aesthetic appeal: More than functionality, attractive countertops can increase the value and appeal of rental properties to potential tenants.

The best rental property countertops are:

1. Laminate Countertops

For a popular and affordable option, try laminate countertops. They are made of a thin layer of plastic material bonded to a particleboard or MDF base. Forget the laminate countertops you remember from the past: modern laminate is available in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that suits the style of your rental property.

Additionally, laminate countertops are extremely low-maintenance. They are easy to clean and are resistant to stains and scratches, making them a durable choice for high-traffic areas like the kitchen.

Remember that laminate countertops are not as durable as some other countertop materials. They can chip or scratch more easily, and they may not last as long as more expensive options like quartz or granite. Laminate countertops are also more susceptible to water damage if not properly sealed.

And if you don’t want to replace your existing countertops, you can update them by using peel and stick vinyl sheets. These laminate sheets come in a wide variety of styles, like the granite style featured above. One sheet can often cover a long countertop, and their peel and stick style means you can do it yourself.

Because they aren’t as durable as a regular countertop, invest in a high-quality product like the Instant Granite Countertop Vinyl Laminate Sheet from Amazon. These sheets are fade-, water-, stain-, heat-, and tear-resistant, so you can use them in your kitchens or bathrooms.

2. Quartz Countertops

‍

Made from a combination of natural quartz and resin, quartz countertops are highly durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, and come in a variety of colors and styles. Because they do not require sealing like natural stone options, quartz countertops are also easy to maintain.

Their durability, low maintenance requirements, and resistance to wear and tear make them a practical choice for busy rental properties. They also provide an attractive finishing touch. However, they’re often more expensive than materials like laminate or tile. And while they’re resistant to heat, extremely high temperatures do damage quartz, so tenants need to be made aware of that fact.

Aside from the high shipping fee, these kitchens are your best bet for an affordable kitchen that includes beautiful quartz countertops.

3. Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops are a classic and rustic option that can add warmth and character to rental properties. Made from strips of hardwood, these countertops are highly durable and can withstand cutting and chopping without damage. They also provide a comfortable surface for food preparation and are naturally antibacterial.

Butcher block countertops are available in a range of wood species, including maple, oak, and cherry. We love the Consdan Butcher Block Counter Top that’s available in different sizes and two finishes (maple or black walnut). Get it on Amazon or at the Consdan website.

Butcher block countertops are a cheap alternative to stone, and yet can look more expensive than laminate. However, they should be oiled regularly to prevent drying and cracking, and stains should be cleaned up promptly to prevent discoloration. Butcher block countertops are also susceptible to damage from water, heat, and scratches, so provide trivets and cutting boards for your tenants.

4. Granite Countertops

For a classy aesthetic, you can’t go wrong with granite. Granite is one of the most popular materials for countertops because of its natural beauty and durability. Granite is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, though it is a porous material and can absorb liquids like oils and acidic substances which can cause discoloration.

Its biggest downside is its price: there’s no getting around it, granite is pricey and will set you back hundreds to thousands of dollars. This doesn’t include shipping or installation costs either. Granite also requires more maintenance than other materials and must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and bacterial growth.

If you’re set on providing only the best for your rental, you can’t go wrong with granite. There are a ton of different colors and styles you can choose from as well, like the Ashen White granite available on Granite Liquidators. While this will definitely be noticed in the budget, it can increase the value of your property, so consider granite as a long-term investment.

5. Marble Countertops

Elegant rentals need elegant materials, and what’s more elegant (and sophisticated) than marble? Though marble is extremely expensive and is considered a luxury, and thus may not be practical for all rental properties. 

For tenants looking for a high-end aesthetic, marble will surely impress. And it’s not all about the looks either; marble is also highly heat-resistant, which is ideal for cooking and baking.

However, marble scratches, chips, and stains easily. Like granite, marble is porous and can be damaged by acidic substances like citrus, vinegar, and wine. It also requires regular sealing to prevent stains and bacterial growth. Because marble is such a finicky and expensive material, consider offering a rental insurance policy that covers damage to the countertops as part of the lease agreement.

If that doesn’t scare you off, get your marble from Granite Liquidators. They offer marble slabs in different finishes, like the beautiful white Venatino slab above that will add subtle luxury to your kitchens and bathrooms. However, be prepared to fork up the cash. Marble is definitely not for the faint of heart, but it can be more than worth it.

6. Stainless Steel Countertops

For serious chefs, nothing can be more impressive than stainless steel. These countertops are often found in commercial kitchens, and you can expect them to be durable, heat-, and stain-resistant, as well as extremely easy to clean.

Tenants with a passion for cooking will love these countertops, while others may be a little more on the fence. We’ll be the first to admit that stainless steel can often have a more industrial and cold look, which might not fit into the aesthetic of your property. Stainless steel is also noisy and cold to the touch, and will need to be replaced every so often as it shows scratches and dents very easily.

Surprisingly, stainless steel is also expensive, often costing as much as marble. However, stainless steel doesn’t have to cost thousands of dollars, and you can find more affordable options online like the ones from Stainless Supply.

Key Takeaway

Investing in quality countertops is an essential aspect of rental property management that can increase the value and appeal of your property. Choosing the right countertop material can not only enhance the aesthetic of your space but also improve its functionality and durability. While it seems like an unnecessary expense, expect that this investment will lead to long-term benefits and returns.