Aesthetics and Performance Drive Countertop Material Choices

Aesthetic appeal and performance are key factors that homeowners prioritize when selecting countertop materials, according to 2025 Principia research surveying 750 homeowners with countertop replacement projects in 2024.

Here’s what building product manufacturers need to know about consumer preferences:

Top Importance:

• Aesthetics & Performance: Homeowners heavily favor countertops that combine visual appeal with high performance. Durability, low maintenance, and scratch/stain resistance continue to be crucial features.
• Quartz Dominance: Quartz, known for its balance of performance and beauty, is the leading countertop material, recently surpassing granite due to strong growth since the 2010s.

Lower Importance:

• Cost: Homeowners are willing to invest in premium materials that meet their performance and aesthetic needs. Cost tends to be a secondary concern, especially among those replacing countertops for discretionary rather than necessary reasons.
• Brand: Brand name holds minimal influence over homeowners’ decisions compared to material features and attributes.

Principia recently launched Residential Countertops, the latest addition to the demand assessment product category lineup.  Stay ahead of market trends and meet growing demand with our latest insights. Contact us today to arrange a product demo!