Key Takeaways

Marble countertops, while beautiful, are high-maintenance and prone to damage from spills, scratches, and moisture.

Butcher block countertops are also challenging to maintain.

Designers recommend quartz for its low-maintenance, non-porous surface, or quartzite for a natural stone look with added resilience.

Picking a countertop isn’t just about aesthetics—it has to work for your lifestyle, too. And if you’ve got kids or just a busy household, some materials can end up being more trouble than they’re worth. According to interior designers, a few popular options are best avoided unless you’re ready for the upkeep . Here, two pros share which countertops to skip—and what to choose instead if you want something that’s both stylish and kid-friendly.

The Kitchen Countertop

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