• The materials you choose for your kitchen counters depend on your lifestyle and budget.clean kitchen image by easaab from Fotolia.com
  
  Choosing the type of kitchen counters to install in your home can be overwhelming. To find the best choice for your home, plan a budget and design ideas for your kitchen. Some kitchen counter choices allow you to achieve a designer look in the kitchen at a low price.
  
  

Tile

• Tile provides you with a large range of styles and colors for your kitchen design. You will find tile in a variety of materials, such as ceramic, stone, glass and metal. Tile is an inexpensive choice for kitchen countertops in comparison to some other choices, such as granite. The material is easy to clean if sealed properly. The grout can become discolored over time, and tile sometimes cracks.
  
  

Granite

• Granite is a more expensive option for kitchen countertops, but it does have a rich and luxurious appearance. The material is durable and heat resistant, which allows you to place hot pots and pans directly on the countertops. You will have to reseal the countertops once or twice a year to maintain the finish. A gentle cleanser is all you need to keep the counters clean.
  
  

Stainless Steel

• Stainless steel countertops are a sleek and modern look for your kitchen. The material is easy to take care of and will not become burned with pots and pans. Stainless counters can dent or scratch and are an expensive choice for kitchen countertops.
  
  

Concrete

• The material for concrete countertops is an affordable choice that can be colored to look like more expensive materials, such as granite. Concrete can become expensive when professionally installed. You must reseal the countertops once or twice a year to maintain the finish and prevent staining. Concrete can also crack.
  
  

Laminate

• Laminate is an inexpensive solution to kitchen countertops. A large selection of colors and designs are available for your laminate countertops, and the material is durable under normal circumstances. Laminate countertops can burn or tear, requiring replacement.
  
  

Wood

• Wood countertops are an attractive option for your kitchen. The wood gives the kitchen a rustic and natural appearance and is an inexpensive option compared to granite counters. Your wood counters can become damaged with water, burned or cut with knives. Wood counters are susceptible to bacteria if you cut meat or poultry on the surface. You always must use a cutting board when preparing meals on wood countertops.