Installing new kitchen countertops is one of the most dramatic ways to express your sense of style in your home. Whether made from a natural stone such as granite or quartz or another such as laminate or solid surface, countertops can enhance your lifestyle and add equity to your home. This buying guide explains the features and maintenance requirements for each type of surface so you can feel confident you?re selecting the countertop that will work with your lifestyle for years to come. Your Countertops at a Glance Factors to Consider ? Budget, Maintenance & Lifestyle Materials ? Granite, Quartz, Solid Surface, Laminate, Wood, Stainless Steel & Copper Other Considerations ? Corners, Edges & Inlays, Sinks & Faucets, Custom Shape Start With How You Use Your Kitchen To find the countertop that works best for your home and lifestyle, start by taking a look at how you use your kitchen. If yours is like many households, you want a countertop that complements your overall kitchen d¿cor while standing up to everyday use for your family without too much maintenance. On the other hand, if you entertain guests often, you may prefer a countertop with all of these features plus a more elegant look and finish. By offering a wide range of countertop materials, styles, finishes and colors, the Home Depot makes it easy for you to match your countertop to your lifestyle. Factors to Consider Budget There?s a countertop to match almost any budget, with laminate countertops at the lower end of the spectrum and wood or metal countertops among the more higher-priced materials. If cost-effectiveness is an important factor for your project, consider sturdy and easy-to-care for laminate or even solid surface countertops. If visual appeal and style is more important, explore the look and features of natural stone countertops like those from Stonemark¿ Granite or Silestone¿ Quartz. Maintenance Some countertop materials and styles require little maintenance. When it?s time to clean up, just use a soft cloth and mild soap or detergent and they're ready for use again. On the other hand, those made from specialty materials like marble and other natural stone surfaces, may require more maintenance. Lifestyle How you use your kitchen plays an important role in the type of countertops you choose and how they are integrated into your kitchen as a whole. For some, the kitchen is more of a "work" area than a "show" area. If you plan to use your kitchen more as an area for entertaining, there are options in each of our unique surfaces that show off your unique style.