Your kitchen countertop is like a craftsman’s workbench: it is perhaps the most important piece of equipment in your kitchen. It’s the place where most food preparation and serving is done, where you keep many of your tools readily accessible, and where you put down your bundles upon returning from the grocery.

The countertop has a powerful impact on the overall look and feel of your kitchen. Nothing spruces up and adds a feeling of elegance to your kitchen better than new countertops.

The options and possibilities for countertops are far greater than what was available in even the recent past. You may find yourself overwhelmed by all that is available on the market today.

“Where should I begin?” you may ask.

Let me offer you a suggestion: start right here! This article provides you with the most practical options, listing the pros and cons of each material. Hopefully, you will receive some general guidelines that will send you in the right direction.

Granite
This is the most popular choice for homeowners today. Highly durable, granite is chip, scratch, and heat resistant. Made entirely of natural material, granite is easy to clean and maintain; stains and marks are easily removed with a mild household cleaner.

By applying a topical sealer once a year, you will enhance the sheen of the countertop. Even years from now, the granite will appear as if it was installed yesterday.

No two pieces of granite look exactly alike. Each piece has its own elegantly unique and distinctive appearance. Of all the materials listed in this article, granite requires the largest initial investment; but in the long run, you may find that you are a very happy camper.

Solid Surfaces
Best known by trade names such as Corian, Avonite and Gibralter, this man-made material is one solid piece of what appears to be marble or granite. Each countertop is custom made to your specifications. You can have your sink made out of the solid surface and it will be molded into one piece with your countertop.

These surfaces come in a rainbow of colors and designs. If your countertop develops a scratch or a nick you can easily sand it out. The only downside to this material is its vulnerability to permanent stains from hot pots and pans.

Ceramic Tile
Countertops made from ceramic tile are highly durable, easy to clean, and capable of taking high levels of heat. The possibilities of color, patterns, and texture are endless – you are only limited by your imagination.

Ceramic tiles are relatively inexpensive. The biggest downside of ceramic tiles is the grout. Dirt and grease tend to accumulate between the tiles, creating an unsightly appearance that requires periodic maintenance. You may also need to periodically change the grout in order to prevent moisture from seeping into your lower cabinets.

Laminates
Best known by the trade name Formica, laminates are plastic-coated synthetics that are perfectly smooth and easy to clean. Each piece is cut to size and finished at the ends. Laminates come in a wide range of colors, and are durable and easy to maintain. In addition, the material is very affordable. The downside? Chips and scratches in the laminate are inevitable, and they are difficult to repair.

Stainless Steel
This type of countertops creates a contemporary and industrial look to your kitchen. You can have your counter top custom made so that there are no seams. Stainless steel is a non-porous material; it does not absorb stains, odors, or germs. It is not damaged by high temperatures, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on the counter top. However, you cannot cut on the surface, and you may find it to be noisy.

Wood or Butcher Block
These countertops add a beautiful and warm look to any kitchen. Made of hardwoods, such as oak or maple, they can be stained in a wide range of colors and finishes.

A wood countertop is smooth and easy to clean. As the need arises, it can be re-sanded and sealed. It makes a fantastic surface for cutting, dicing, and chopping.

Over time, however, the surface tends to be damaged by stains and water. It does not stand up well to hot pots and pans. If you are in love with the idea of wood on your counter, have a small part of your counter made out of wood. You can have it set into a portion of any other counter top and use that surface area for cutting.

Concrete
This material can be poured in place for custom countertops of unusual size and shape. It can be dyed almost any color, or given a distinctive blended look. Concrete withstands heat very well. It should periodically be resealed in order to withstand stains, water damage, and bacterial growth.

In Conclusion
These are not all of your options for countertops, but what we presented here should provide you with a good start. Of course, you will need to assess your needs and budget. Shop around, speak to friends, and turn to a professional installer who has experience and expertise in kitchen design and installation.

Remember; do not rush to make any quick decisions. A kitchen countertop is something that you should expect to enjoy for many years to come. For many, it is a once-in-a-lifetime investment.

Enjoy!