Granite in the kitchen serves many purposes. The beauty, elegance and durabillity of stone make it a natural for a high-end kitchen design as well as a modest one. Since granite is nature's product, it comes in 1000's of colors and patterns to choose from. It is the hardest substance, next to diamonds - new sealers make it practically maintenance-free, won't scratch, and lasts indefinitely with minimal care. Polished granite also looks beautiful as a backsplash - reflecting your good taste.

Don't overlook manmade materials, though. Engineered stone, like DuPont Zodiaq®, LG Viatera®, Cambria Quartz, and Silestone® are composed of 93% quartz particles. It is available in a larger range of colors than granite and has a nonporous surface that resists scratches. It's easy to maintain, without the annual sealing required by natural stone.

You may also take into consideration solid surfaces - any scratches can be sanded out because they are "solid". The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone. They also come in a rainbow of colors and patterns; seamless; stain resistant.

Ceramic tile is durable and easy to clean. Add to that inexpensive and you've got a really good choice for countertops for the average home although they are not as hard and need some maintenance to keep clean.

Laminate counters bear trademarks such as Formica, Nevamar, and Wilsonart. They're made of plastic-coated synthetics with a smooth surface that's easy to clean and can be a good budget-wise choice.

Wood countertops offer a beautiful warm look and are available in a wide range of colors and finishes. Hardwoods such as maple and oak are most often used as countertop woods. They also require maintenance to keep them clean and rich-looking as they can stain and scratch over time.

For a really contemporary and industrial look for your kitchen, stainless steel is a good choice. They are heat resistant and durable. Because they're constructed to your specifications, you can have a seamless countertop.

Soapstone is generally dark gray in color and has a smooth feel. It is often seen in historic homes but is also used in modern homes as both a countertop and sink material.

Because of it's extremely high price tag, marble is not often seen on the countertops of whole kitchens. To get the luxurious look, use it on an island or inset at a baking center. Marble requires constant maintenance, as it easily stains. Some new sealers retard staining.

If you have countertops in unusual shapes, concrete may be a good choice, as they're often cast right in your kitchen.

Talk with Merrick Design and Build about the different countertops' pros and cons. They will help you make the right choice for a simple countertop update or an entire kitchen remodeling project.