If you’re trying to create your dream kitchen and have no idea where to start, look no further than your kitchen countertops— yes, the countertops. Countertops are usually the focal point of any kitchen, especially if you have an island (which naturally draws the eyes in that direction).

Updating your kitchen countertops is one of the best ways to increase the aesthetic of your home and increase overall property value without having to remodel the entire kitchen. Of course you want your countertops to be beautiful, as well as functional, and here are some of the best options to choose from.

Granite

Granite is the most popular choice when it comes to kitchen countertops, and it’s one of the most affordable types of material. It’s a very durable material and each piece of granite is unique so you’ll never have to worry about it looking exactly like someone else’s. Other benefits of granite countertops include include:

• Heat resistant
• Moisture resistant
• Scratch resistant
• Stain resistant

Keep in mind that granite countertops must be sealed each year in order for it to stay durable and resistant. Granite countertops that aren’t properly sealed can become extremely porous, meaning that it can harbor bacteria from moisture and oils that seep into it.

Marble

Marble countertops are normally seen in bathrooms, but they can add a touch of elegance in kitchens too. It’s also a natural stone, meaning that it’s very durable and resistant to a lot of elements. Marble (and granite and quartz) are NSF certified (National health and Safety Foundation), meaning that it’s safe to come into contact with food. It’s also one of the longest-lasting materials— especially if it’s sealed properly— it can last a lifetime.

Though marble is durable, it’s not as durable or as resistant to certain elements than other types of materials. Marble has to be sealed often to last longer, and it can actually wear down faster if it isn’t sealed properly. This is why marble is typically used for bathroom countertops rather than kitchen countertops.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are a very popular option among homeowners, and for good reason. It’s one of the most low-maintenance countertop materials, making it really easy to clean up spills. It’s also non-porous, meaning that they won’t hold any bacteria, mold, or mildew. Quartz countertops are also some of the strongest materials you can find— even stronger than steel!

Other benefits of quartz countertops include:

• Heat resistant
• Scratch resistant
• Stain resistant

The downside of quartz countertops is that not all types are fully heat resistant, there’s not that many natural-looking options, and this is one of the pricer materials. Other than that, it’s still one of the top choices.

Stainless Steel

Although they may not be as strong as quartz, stainless steel countertops are still very durable. They are, however, more resistant to heat and stain (like the name suggests) than quartz countertops, and they’re an easy D.I.Y. installation that doesn’t require a professional contractor. Stainless steel is also a very environmentally friendly option if you’re going for a greener home because they’re 100% recyclable.

On the other hand, having stainless steel countertops can get pretty noisy and they aren’t scratch resistant like quartz countertops are. Still, with the many benefits of stainless steel, it will be in your best interest to get the thickest material possible to get the most out of your steel gray countertops.

Other Materials

You can choose just about any material of your choice as kitchen countertops. Just keep in mind that some materials are more porous than others, and not all materials are as durable or as resistant to elements as the materials listed above. Other examples include:

• Concrete
• Glass
• Laminate
• Onyx
• Recycled material
• Silestone
• Soapstone
• Tile
• Travertine
• Wood

Your choice of kitchen countertop material depends on how much you’ll use your kitchen. If you cook a lot, you’ll want to go for more durable and non-porous options, such as quartz. Stainless steel is the best choice for an eco-friendly home, and a nontraditional material (such as wood or laminate) if you’re going for a more aesthetically pleasing look, rather than aesthetics and function.

The overall design of your kitchen may also influence your choice of countertop material. For example, a Modern Farmhouse decor style may use wooden countertops, whereas an Industrial decor style may use stainless steel. Overall, you should aim to choose the material that works best for the way that you use your kitchen.