Whether you're redoing the kitchen, enlarging your bath, or starting from scratch, selecting the right countertops means exploring assorted options in the light of budget, lifestyle, and personal taste. The choices are broad, from stone and wood to synthetics, familiar laminates and tile. You can even mix them. Integrating more than one material breaks up the monotony that may come with a single surface, and can create a distinctive look. Also different surfaces for different tasks (food prep, cooking, cleanup) can make the spaces function better. Points to consider First, check out various materials in the showroom or home improvement center where you can ask questions and make comparisons, "it's not just a matter of looking and feeling but understanding the materials and how best each can be used. Stone look on solid surface may lack richness of the real thing on close inspection; however, its quieter and warmer to work on an can be molded and integrated with sinks. Consider materials with regard to short or long term goals, if you're simply freshening up the guest bath or upgrading the kitchen before selling your house, a good laminate is an economical choice. Traditional tile or wood can add a rustic warmth to a kitchen at a moderate cost but may not be ideal if a low maintenance is a high priority. And though pricey, natural stone adds a lavish that with care, will give you pleasure for many years. Choose your countertops color wisely- while a vivid hue can be the linchpin of an eye-catching décor. It may also date more quickly than one that's more subtle. Laminate Forget about the 60's harvest gold; this affordable material now comes in many colors and patterns to choose from. Composed primarily of resin-impregnated paper bonded to a particleboard core, laminate is stain and moisture resistant but show scratches and burns. More costly color through versions feature a thicker surface layer (1/16"), allowing shallow cuts to be sanded out. For an upscale look dress up the flat edges with a custom treatment such as molding. Solid surfacing Solid surfacing is man-made like laminate, the resemblance ends there. Made of polyester and or acrylic resins and mineral fillers, it's manufactured in sheets (Typically 1/2" thick) and can be formed into a seamless design ( say a vanity sink top with an integral sink). It resists bacteria and mold and is easy to maintain. Because color run uniformly through, scratches and stains can be buffed out. Butcher block & wood A generic term for end grain maple or oak that's cut in strips and laminated together, butcherblock is a reasonably priced kitchen counter material that's ideal for cutting and general use, though not beside the sink because of the potential for water damage. Butcherblock can be kept looking fresh with minimal effort. Old pros recommend recoating it with mineral, linseed, or salad oil every six weeks. Eating only areas may be permanently finished with a marine varnish. Ceramic tile Amazingly versatile in its design possibilities and infinitely varied in color, shape, size, ceramic tile remains an excellent choice for both kitchen and bathroom counters. Its heat proof, tough, reliable, and long lasting priced to meet every budget. Select strong floor or wall grade glazed tile to withstand wear and tear and be certain to have them installed on cement mortar bed over exterior grade plywood. The backsplash is an ideal place to show off unique tiles and design mosaics. The well known downside to tile is keeping the grout lines clean, one suggestion is to keep tiles close together, seal grout with a silicone sealant about every 6 months. Natural stone The rich, timeless look has made it a prized material for centuries, but within this category some types perform better than others as countertops in the kitchen, the use of granite has increased dramatically over the last decade: the hardest and least porous of the stone, it is heat resistant and water proof and nearly impossible to scratch or stain. While marble is still a favorite in upscale baths, it must be sealed and resealed to resist water damage over time. Some softer stones are also making their way into kitchens and baths. Limestone, slate, soapstone and sandstone appeal because of their organic appearance and subtle coloration. The biggest problem is their tendency to stain - lemon juice, wine, grease and shaving lotion will all leave their mark New solvent based sealers are making stains less problematic.