Nothing attracts they eye more after a kitchen remodeling project than the countertop. It sits in the center of the room, serving as the kitchen’s nerve center. This is where one chops, peels, slices, prepares, decorates, sips coffee, and more often now, eats meals.

There is a wide array of materials with which to build your countertop, and each one has its own properties. The choice of which material to use would largely depend on your budget, interior decor, and lifestyle. Below are a few of the most popular types of kitchen countertops.

Granite countertops. Perhaps the most popular material today, granite is natural stone and is therefore extremely durable – in fact, its hardness rating is second only to diamonds, and this is why the cutters used for granite slabs are either another piece of granite or diamond-edged cutters.

Granite’s elegant patterns arise from the interplay between the quartz, feldspar, and mica it contains. No two granite countertops are exactly alike because the patterns are formed by nature. Thus, do not expect to receive a slab with exactly the same pattern that you saw in a catalogue.

When treated with a proper sealant and maintained properly, granite can last longer than a lifetime. The only maintenance it requires is a regular resealing – preferably every 6 months or so – but these countertops are heat- and crack-resistant, and it can easily withstand the stresses that everyday cooking entails.

Engineered stone countertops. These may look like granite and can match them in hardness, but are actually man-made. They are similarly heat- and scratch-resistant and don’t require the regular resealing that natural stone requires. However, they are as expensive than natural stone.

Soapstone countertops. This material is called such because its surface, when rubbed, is akin to rubbing a bar of soap. It has a smooth feel and a classy look, generally gray in color, and is rather resistant to stains, but it needs to be oiled regularly as its finish may turn dull over time.

Ceramic tile countertops. Rustic and reminiscent of old-school kitchens, tiles are still all-time favorites because they cost a mere fraction of what granite countertops cost. They come in various sizes, colors, designs, and textures, and can reflect a traditional or a more modern look. Tiles are a bit more painstaking to install and can easily chip, and at times can be difficult to clean because of the grout in between the tiles which can harbor grime and bacteria.

Wooden countertops. They exude warmth and class and equally go well with a modern or old-style kitchen. Hardwood is used for countertops, and examples of these are oak, mahogany, cherry, walnut, teak, ash, and jatoba, with the last being the hardest. Their colors range from bleached to smoky and dark.

Stainless steel countertops. This is perfect if you want a high-tech and modern countertop, similar to those you see professional kitchens. They are heat resistant, easy to clean, and exude a sleek, 21st century look. However, excessive buffeting with heavy objects may cause dents on the surface and it may also be damaged by deep scratches.

Laminate countertops. The least expensive countertop alternative among all those given, laminates carry brands such as Wilsonart, Nevamar, and Formica. They have a top surface made of a thin, plastic-coated material that is easy to clean. However, it is not heat resistant and is susceptible to chips and scratches. The seams where panels are joined show, and the front edge finishing can be very expensive.

Laminates are a good choice for when you want a refurbished look but don’t have the budget for it, but if you’re looking to renovate your home, remember that a classy-looking countertop such as granite or soapstone can considerably raise your home’s market value.