Plastic laminate tops known better by the brand name Formica have been available for roughly the past 50 years. These counters are typically durable, colorful, and moderately priced, laminate is the most surfacing material for builders and remodelers. From wood and granite motifs to splashy graphics and metallics, laminate is available in a range of patterns and textures. Pick your color, there are literally hundreds on the market.

Custom laminate counters typically use 1/16" thick laminate and can be built in a variety of ways. Laminate countertops can be given a square edge or a rolled edge. The rolled edge type is typically called post-form tops, available in many different profiles. The square edge type can be beveled on the edges, have wood inserts, or custom edging to create a rich unique look.

Laminate resists grease and stains and cleans up with soap and water. Abrasive cleaners should not be used. However, it won't stand up to sharp knives or hot pots and pans. Prolonged exposure to water may dissolve glue lines and cause warping of the sub-surface. Some laminate finishes are more durable than others, so you may want to take home a sample to test which one works best for you. Once damaged, laminate is difficult if not impossible to repair.

These counters are made from thick sheets of acrylic plastic. This thick plastic when assembled properly has very inconspicuous seams which many times are invisible. These thick sheets allow complete customization of counters with almost limitless possibilities.

These counters come in many different colors and patterns and can be shaped with many decorative features. Solid surface counters also have the added design option of integrated sinks built into the counter. These built in sinks provide a smooth "seamless" transition between the counter and the bowl. Solid surface materials are water and stain resistant, nonporous and easy to clean.

Although knife cuts and scratches can be removed with an abrasive pad and household kitchen cleanser, these tops are not designed to be cutting surfaces or landing pads for hot pots and pans. The one drawback to solid surface materials is that they are not designed to handle extremely hot temperatures. The material can also be buffed to either a semi gloss or high gloss polished finish. These finishes may amplify the beauty of the counter material. But also tend to show more scratches and require more maintenance.

Natural Quartz Surfaces are 93% pure, natural quartz. One of the hardest and most common minerals on the earth, quartz has superior strength and beauty, and the natural radiance of diamonds.

Natural Quartz comes in various thicknesses. Its depth, clarity, strength and durability comes from Dupont.

Natural Quartz is completely care-free! There's no sealing, buffing, polishing, or reconditioning required. The surface naturally maintains its luster. It is extremely heat, crack, chip and stain resistan. Virtually non-absorbent, reducing the potential for bacterial growth.

Natural Quartz products are resilient to stains caused by fruit juices, liquid food coloring, coffee, tea, wine, grapes, soft drinks, paint, nail polish and remover, automotive fluides, and permanent markers. The surface has a high gloss finish and extremely low moisture absorption provides maximum resistance to staining and fully eliminates the need for any sealing.

Butcher Block and other kinds of woods will give your countertops natural warmth and elegance. Thick butcher blocks are made of hardwood strips glue together. It is the ideal countertop for the cook who does plenty of slicing and dicing. Butcher block is generally made from hard rock maple or beech. Countertop units come in thicknesses ranging from 1-3/8" to 3" inches and can cut in any shape.

As with all wood products, warping can occur under prolonged exposure to water. With proper care, wood counters can last a lifetime. Periodic rubdowns with mineral oil protect the finish and preserve luster. Scratches and nicks add character to the wood, or you can smooth them with sandpaper. If you like the benefits of wood but want something requiring less care, a butcher-block insert may be a better choice. Insets in food preparation areas are handy for chopping and carving. Butcher block can turn black if located near water or improperly sealed.

Glazed ceramic tile comes in the widest range of colors and patterns and is both durable and easy to clean. Heat, stain and scratch resistant, it can chip if hit with heavy objects. If a fragile object hits it, expect the object to break. The type of tiles and grout used will also impact the overall durability of the finished product. Using colored grouts and grout additives decreases (but not eliminates) the problem of stained grout lines.

A practical and attractive combination for a kitchen might be laminate countertops with a ceramic tile or marble back splashes and butcher block or stainless steel inserts.

Counters can be made of solid stone materials such as granite, marble, and limestone or man made stone products such as concrete or granite composite materials. Yet some materials may be more prone to staining and structural problems than others may. Natural stone counters tent to be among the most expensive kinds of counter tops and typically carry no guarantee.

Granite comes in an extraordinary palette of colors ranging from subtle to dazzling in intensity. Each granite color comes from a different quarry, and no Two quarries in the world yield the same color. Granite provides a worry-free surface and requires few special precautions.

Most granite is impervious to scratches, staining and heat blistering or cracking. Hot pots and pans won't damage it. Warm water and a soft cloth can be used to clean up most spills and semi-annual application of a non-yellowing paste wax will preserve the original color. Marble, however, is not recommended for kitchen countertops. Oils, alcohol, coffee, tea, wine, tomatoes and citrus stain marble and tend to etch the surface.