- 1). Plan your budget. Measure your countertops so you know how much material you need, and decide how much you are willing to spend. If budget is a big concern, tile or laminate are two very inexpensive options. If money is no object, go for semiprecious stone like lapis lazuli or mother of pearl for a luxurious look.
- 2). Determine how hard you are on your work surface. If you cook often, do you use a cutting board every time? How often do you place a hot pan on the counter? Do children color or do crafts on the counter? Natural stone, including granite, slate and quartz are very durable, and depending on the manufacturer and finish, do not require cutting boards or hot pads and are easily wiped clean. Wood, tile and composite on the other hand may scorch and scratch.
- 3). Consider the maintenance. If you don't see yourself periodically sanding or re-sealing your countertops, then slate or wood are likely not for you. On the other hand, composite countertops are nearly maintenance free and do not require specialized cleaners. If you have the counters installed professionally, it is worth it to spring for the highest level of sealer they offer, as it will save you upkeep over time.
- 4). Think about the style of the room. Country kitchens do well with wood, while rustic cucinas look great with quartz. Suburban contemporary homes lend themselves to a granite or composite counter, while midcentury modern types look great with a boomerang Formica. The latest trend is mixing materials - put stone where you need durability and wood or tile where you want design. Be creative.
- 5). Decide whether you will install it yourself or have it done professionally. For do-it-yourself-ers, home improvement warehouses sell premade laminate countertops that only need to be cut to size and installed. Tile or wood can be similarly easy to do. If you decide to go for a natural stone slab, however, a professional installation is better. Working with stone slabs requires special tools and training to achieve the right result.
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