First, think about how much you can spend. If you’re on a budget, laminate, tile and stainless steel are excellent choices.

If your budget is larger, consider granite, natural stone and glass.

Then think about how you use your kitchen. That will help guide your choice of countertop material, too. If you have a family that’s always in the kitchen, you’ll need a very durable surface that is easy to keep clean. If you love to entertain in your kitchen, you’ll want something with style.

Finally, think about your personal style. Are you someone who loves classic lines, warm textures, or a modern look? Is your house a 50’s ranch, a log cabin, a century-old Victorian or a vacation condo? These considerations will also guide you to the “look” you want in your kitchen, which will be brought out in your countertops.