While redesigning your kitchen, the countertop choices continue to be one of the largest sources of debate.

With thousands of styles, colors, and materials it’s no wonder why something as simple as a counter could be such a difficult choice to make. Your designer is there to help you every step of the way and whether you’re stumped on cabinet hardware or kitchen surface selections, you can be confident that the right product is out there. We put together some of our favorite tips and tricks for selecting countertops and kitchen surfaces, to help you narrow down your options and bring you closer to the best fit for your family.

Unexpected Countertop Options

If granite or laminate doesn’t quite impress you, the sky is the limit when it comes to your alternative options. Zinc is a stainless steel alternative that is significantly cheaper, however, is a softer material and more susceptible to finger prints and dents than stainless steel. Copper adds an unexpected warmth to the space and is fairly low maintenance. Copper can also be used in spaces that have unusual angles where stone customization could become more expensive. Concrete is a relatively popular countertop material and can even be customized in different colors and finishes.

Popular Types of Countertops

Granite and Natural Stone

Over the past decade, granite countertops have become the luxury staple of the design world. Depending on what you choose, a slab can cost you anywhere from $25 per square foot for modular pieces of very basic stone purchased at a home center to upwards of $1,000 per square foot. Thickness drives the cost of granite and natural stone countertops and choosing a thinner countertop can dramatically reduce the price and keep your resale value high.

Laminate

Laminate is a popular choice because of their extensive color selections, easy install and low price point. Laminate is fairly durable, easy to clean and comes in just about every color variation you could think of. It doesn’t tend to add much value to your space and some buyers even consider laminate a countertop that will need replacing. With a tight budget for a kitchen overhaul, laminate countertops are always a good option.

Tile

Tile can be underutilized in a kitchen. It’s not just for gorgeous backsplashes and can be used to create a durable surface just about anywhere in your kitchen. Tile is easy to clean minus any grooves where the grout lines would be and make a nice surface for kitchen islands. Ceramic and glass tiles are something to consider if you’re looking for a more cost effective alternative to natural stone.

No matter what countertop you choose, you should make sure that it fits comfortably into your budget and lifestyle.

If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen with the kids doing homework on the island, a tile surface might not be the best writing surface. If you spend lots of time prepping meals, a durable and easy to clean material should be at the top of your list. Talk to your designer about your different options and get your hands on some samples!