Popular choices of material for countertops today include stone (usually granite, although marble, soapstone and others are also used), solid surface (comprised of acrylic or polyester, engineered stone (a combination of quarts and acrylic), laminate, wood, ceramic tile and concrete.

If you are choosing new countertops for your kitchen, here are a few factors that you should take into consideration:

1. Appearance

Obviously you want your new countertops to look good and to complement the rest of your kitchen. It is important to balance the look that you want with other factors so that you are not disappointed with your choice of countertop materials.
For example, you may love the look of wood countertops, but not be keen on the maintenance that they require to prevent water damage. If you are not willing to provide the maintenance that your counters need, they won’t stay as beautiful as they are upon installation.

Fortunately, there are many countertop material options and it is often possible to find one that meets all of your needs plus provides you with the look that you want.

2. Durability

Most countertops will last for decades provided they are maintained properly. Granite, engineered stone and solid surface counters are the hardest surfaces and therefore the most indestructible. Other stone that can be used for countertops, such as marble or slate, is softer than granite and is more prone to staining or scratches.

Laminate and wood countertops are made of the softest materials and are the most prone to scratches and damage from hot objects.

3. Maintenance

Engineered stone, solid surface and laminate counters require the least amount of maintenance. Granite counters require less maintenance than other stone surfaces, but they may need to be resealed periodically to prevent staining.

Ceramic tiles may require extra care to prevent dirt from building up in the grout lines.

All other countertop surfaces require frequent sealing to prevent water damage, warping, staining, scratches or chips.

4. Cost

The cost of a new countertop can vary greatly depending on the type of material used, different finishes and cuts that are required. Granite counters range in price based on the popularity or scarcity of the particular granite.

Remember to consider the cost of installation as well, as it will vary significantly for different countertops.

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