GRANITE is the countertop material of choice when there are no other things to think about - like money. It defines elegance in a kitchen. As the use of granite becomes more widespread, the price comes down. The beauty of the stone contributes to the beauty of even the most modest kitchen.

Pros: Holds up to heat; comes in a range of almost 3000 colors; looks permanent and substantial; will last a lifetime; new sealers are almost maintenance-free; 2nd highest hardness rating after diamonds; has a high value to home buyers.

Cons: Expensive, but becoming more affordable; requires some maintenance; some stones absorbs stains if not sealed; knives can become dull if you cut on it; can crack if stressed or improperly installed.

ENGINEERED STONE is composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone. Some brands on the market include DuPont Zodiaq®, LG Viatera®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone®.

Pros: Resistant to stain and acid; easy care.

Cons: Expensive.

SOLID SURFACE counters are just what they're called – solid – any scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone.

Pros: Comes in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.

Cons: Vulnerable to hot pans and stains which can damage the surface; can be moderately expensive.

CERAMIC TILE is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you have a good choice for countertops for the average home. Because it's installed a section at a time, it can be done by most resourceful homeowners.

Pros: Takes hot pans; easy to clean; wide range of price, color, texture and design.

Cons: Counter surface is uneven; tiles can easily chip or crack; grout lines become stained; custom-designed tiles are very expensive.

LAMINATE counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They're made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and finished on the ends.

Pros: You can buy laminates in lots of colors; easy to maintain; durable; inexpensive.

Cons: Scratches and chips are almost impossible to repair; seams show; end finishing and front edge choices can be price.

WOODEN countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods.

Pros: Easy to clean; smooth; can be sanded and resealed as needed.

Cons: Can be damaged by water and stains over time; scratches must be oiled or sealed according to manufacturer's instructions.

SOAPSTONE is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material.

Pros: Rich, deep color; smooth feel; somewhat stain resistant.

Cons: Requires regular maintenance with applications of mineral oil; may crack and darken over time.

MARBLE has an extremely high price tag and is not often seen for whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining.

Pros: Waterproof; heatproof; beautiful.

Cons: Expensive; porous; stains easily unless professionally sealed; can scratch; may need resealing periodically as per manufacturer.

CONCRETE may be a good choice if you have unusual shapes , as it is often cast right in your kitchen. However, the high price tag may be beyond most people's budget.

Pros: Heat and scratch resistant; can be color-tinted; looks exotic and unusual; new treatments eliminate cracking; additives reduce porosity; new finishes are more decorative. It will evolve and acquire character over time, developing a warm patina.

Cons: Mid to high price range due to custom work; cracking is possible.