Kitchen countertops come in a wide range of material, styles, design and cost. Considering the heavy usage every counter endures, it is important to find the right balance between functionality and appearance. Understanding the strengths and weakness of different countertop materials and looks can help to ensure your kitchen countertop is practical and beautifully at the same time.

Chefs and home cooks may want specific kinds of countertops to facilitate food preparation in creating meals and baked goodies. Butcher block countertops are good for chopping up meats and vegetables, and might suggest that the homeowner is a serious cook.

Laminate countertops are inexpensive and easily fit into any space. The color choices are nearly endless and go with just about any kitchen color scheme. Formica is a synthetic material that had a huge revival in the 1970s. It is essential to the retro creation of a 1950s-1960s kitchen.

Corian counters come in a variety of colors and fit into any kitchen. One benefit of this material is that a Corian countertop moves seamlessly into a sink and continues on in a smooth, single piece. It’s primarily used in the bathroom for homeowners who want a seamless decor throughout the house.

Stainless steel countertops may as well announce that the homeowner is a professional chef, or close to it. It is heat resistant, so go ahead and set the hot pan down, but it is not for chopping so be sure to use a wooden board. Stainless steel is easy to clean and used in most commercial kitchens. You cannot go wrong with stainless steel countertops.

Natural stone is beautiful and, well, natural. Granite comes in a myriad of colors and can be paired with granite floors in luxury kitchens. Since granite comes from a variety of places around the world, it is very expensive and must be measured and fitted very carefully, so installation adds to the cost. Granite also needs maintenance at least once a year to maintain its beauty. It will stain if not sealed, and it will crack under certain circumstances. That said, a smooth, shiny, granite kitchen countertop is quite the sight in any kitchen.

Like granite, quartz is a natural material but does not need annual maintenance. It is naturally anti-microbial and inhibits bacteria growth. Those who like gem-like surfaces may love quartz counter tops. Engineered quartz has several names like Caesarstone, Silestone and Technistone, and is also lasting and tough. It is not inexpensive, but is definitely eye-catching. There are variations of pink, orange, blue, yellow, white, beige, gray, green, black and brown in these types of engineered quartz counters.