Adding a laundry room countertop is a great way to make your space more functional. However, with various materials and styles, it can be difficult to determine which type of countertop is best for you.
In this guide, we’ll provide an overview of the most popular types of countertops for laundry rooms, including which we selected for our recent laundry room renovation and why.
What to Consider When Selecting Laundry Room Countertops?
When you’re selecting your laundry room countertops, you’ll want to consider 4 main criteria:
- Use – How are you planning on using your countertop? Do you need a smooth surface or the ability to put wet clothes on it?
- Appearance – Do you want your countertop to have a modern or traditional look?
- Durability – Does your countertop need to withstand heat from ironing? Or cuts and scratches from sewing and other projects?
- Cost – How much will your new countertops cost?
Now, as we compare the most popular types of countertops, we’ll use these criteria.
Comparing the Best Laundry Room Countertops
Laminate
Use
Laminate is a composite material consisting of two or more sheets bonded together with an adhesive. Because of this composite design, laminate has a smooth surface that makes it easy to fold clothes.
Appearance
Laminate countertops come in various colors and textures, making them an ideal choice for those who want to add a modern touch to their laundry room. The glossy finish of laminate gives it a sleek and stylish look that will complement any style. Laundry room laminate countertops were very popular in the 1980s, which is why many people associate them with being dated.
Durability
Laminate countertops are relatively durable and easy to clean, making them a good choice for a laundry room. However, they are not heat-resistant and can scratch or chip easily if not properly maintained. Never iron or cut on a laminate countertop, or you could damage them.
Cost
Laminate countertops are one of the most budget-friendly options, which makes them an excellent choice for those on a tight budget. Expect to pay between $20 and $50 per square foot for laminate countertops.
Wood / Butcher block
Use
A wood or butcher block countertop is made from hardwood, such as maple or cherry. Since the wood grain provides a natural nonslip surface, it works well for folding clothes.
Appearance
Wood countertops are available in various stains and tones, thanks to the different species of wood. Darker woods like maple add warmth to your laundry room, while lighter woods like white oak give a bright and airy appearance.
Durability
Wood countertops are water-resistant and offer a smooth surface. They can easily be stained and scratched, though, so you’ll want to make sure they’re sealed.
Cost
Wood laundry room countertops are typically affordable and can be purchased at your local hardware store (See examples here). On average, wood countertops cost $20 to $50 per square foot.
Concrete
Use
Concrete laundry room countertops are popular for their rustic, industrial look. In addition, they offer a smooth surface that can handle wet laundry, hot irons, and clothes dryers.
Appearance
The beauty of concrete is its versatility. You can customize the color, texture, and design to fit your desired aesthetic. In addition, concrete’s neutral tone makes it easy to add a splash of color with decorative accessories.
Durability
Concrete is highly durable and can withstand moisture, heat, and wear and tear. It is also resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria, making it an ideal option for the laundry room.
Cost
Concrete countertops are typically more expensive than other options, ranging from $50 to $100 per square foot.
Tile
Use
Tile is a common choice for laundry room countertops since it offers an easy-to-clean surface. But since there is grout between tiles, it doesn’t have a smooth surface. Depending on the specific tiles you select, this can make it challenging to fold clothes.
Appearance
Tiles come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. From neutral tones to bold patterns, you can find a tile that will fit any style.
Durability
Tile is a durable option that’s resistant to heat, water, and wear and tear. However, the grout between tiles can become stained over time.
Cost
The tile countertops’ cost depends on the tiles’ material and size. Generally, expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $40 per square foot for tile countertops.
Quartz
Use
Quartz countertops are an excellent option for laundry rooms as they offer a smooth and durable surface for folding clothes. However, since Quartz is only heat resistant up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, ironing directly on it may harm your countertops.
Appearance
Quartz countertops come in a wide range of colors, from classic white to bold black. As a result, they pair well with any style and can make a bold statement in your laundry room.
Durability
Quartz is durable and resists staining, scratching, and bacteria. It also doesn’t require maintenance and is easy to clean. However, quartz is only heat-resistant up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit which means you can’t iron directly on it.
Cost
Quartz countertops are a bit more expensive than other options, but they will last for years. Expect to pay between $50 and $100 per square foot for quartz countertops.
Granite
Use
Granite is a natural stone material that provides a smooth surface for countertops. Because of this smooth surface, Granite is great for folding clothes. And since it is also heat-resistant, you can iron directly on granite countertops.
Appearance
Granite countertops provide a luxurious and unique look to your laundry room.
Granite is available in various colors and patterns, from classic neutrals to bold hues. It adds a luxurious look to any room and can be a functional and decorative piece.
DuIt’slity
Granite is incredibly durable and resistant to scratches, staining, heat, and bacteria. It’s also easy to maintain and clean, making it ideal for the laundry room.
Cost
Granite countertops are one of the more expensive options, ranging from $50 to $100 per square foot. However, they will last for many years and can add value to your home.
Marble
Use
Marble is an excellent option for laundry room countertops since it offers a smooth surface for folding clothes. However, since marble is only heat resistant up to 350 degrees, you can’t iron directly on it.
Appearance
Marble countertops come in various colors and patterns that can add a luxurious touch to your laundry room. Neutral tones are popular, but you can also find bold hues if you want to make a statement.
Durability
Marble is durable and resistant to moisture, stains, and bacteria. However, it can be prone to scratching, so you may need to seal it periodically for added protection. Marble is heat-resistant to 350 degrees, so you will want to avoid ironing directly on it. Still, marble can be beautiful as laundry room countertops.
Cost
Marble laundry room countertops are among the most expensive options, ranging from $75 to $150 per square foot. But they will last for many years and add great value to your home.
Which Countertop Did We Choose?
For our recent laundry renovation, we decided to install wood countertops. Our solid butcher block countertop adds warmth to our space, as shown in the image below. And in total, our wood countertop cost less than $1,000, including installation.
Read more in our complete laundry room renovation guide.
Laundry Room Countertop Comparison Summary Table
Countertop Type | Use | Appearance | Durability | Cost |
Laminate | Smooth surface for folding | Various colors, glossy finish | Not heat-resistant, can scratch | $20 to $50 / square foot |
Wood / Butcher Block | Smooth surface for folding | Light to dark woods available | Water-resistant when sealed, but can be stained, or burned | $20 to $50 / square foot |
Concrete | Smooth durable surface for folding or ironing | Grey, industrial appearance | Heat, moisture and stain resistant | $50 to $100 / square foot |
Tile | Grout between tiles causes non smooth surface | Various colors, sizes and shapes available | Heat, moisture and stain resistant | $10 to $40 / square foot |
Quartz | Smooth durable surface for folding | Various colors, with veining available | Moisture and stain resistant. Heat resistant to 300 degrees (can't iron on it) | $50 to $100+ / square foot |
Granite | Smooth durable surface for folding or ironing | Luxurious looking stone available in various colors | Heat, moisture and stain resistant | $50 to $100+ / square foot |
Marble | Smooth durable surface for folding | Luxurious looking stone available in various colors | Moisture and stain resistant. Heat resistant to 350 degrees (can't iron on it) | $75 to $150+ / square foot |
Bottom Line
For most homeowners, solid countertops like wood and laminate offer the best value in terms of durability, function, and cost.
If you’re building a high-end laundry room, you may want to opt for quartz, granite, or marble countertops. These stone countertops provide a luxurious feel that adds value to your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a laundry room countertop?
The best material for a laundry room countertop is granite, followed by wood and laminate. Since granite is heat, water, and scratch resistant, it is perfect for a laundry room where you can fold and iron directly on it. If granite is out of your budget, we recommend wood countertops that add a warm appearance to any laundry room.
Are laminate countertops good for a laundry room?
Laminate is an affordable option for laundry room countertops; however, depending on the specific print you select, it can look inexpensive or dated. To keep costs down while giving your laundry room a high-end look, try wood or butcher block countertops.
Is quartz OK in laundry room?
Yes, Quartz countertops work well in a laundry room since they are smooth for folding and moisture-resistant. Since quartz is only heat resistant up to 300 degrees, you can’t iron directly on it.
Should I put a counter over my washer and dryer?
Yes, adding a countertop over a front-loading washer and dryer adds functional space for folding and organizing clothes. After we moved from top-loading to front-loading appliances, we extended our countertop and love how useful it is.