Before purchasing natural stone countertops, take a large sample home to verify you’ve found the perfect piece.

Additionally, unlike natural stone, quartz countertops are available in uniform colors and patterns.

Solid-surfacing countertops mimic the look of natural stone without the cost or required maintenance.

kitchen with concrete countertops

Credit: Jeff Herr

It can also resemble glass or concrete countertops.

Becauselaminate gets its look from high-quality printed paper, it is inexpensive and widely available.

Wood is a great prep countertop material.

kitchen with black subway tile and marble countertop

Credit: David Greer

They pair easily with any decorating style, from modern to traditional, because they complement many kitchen appliances.

Other metal countertop materials include copper, pewter, and zinc, but those are more style-specific.

Recycled-glass countertops offer a unique look well-suited to contemporary kitchens.

connecting granite counter and backsplash in kitchen

Credit: Rett Peek Jr

Some eco-friendly countertop materials might be harder to find in certain areas of the country.

modern white kitchen with black accents

Credit: Brie Williams

blue tiled kitchen

Credit: Edmund Barr

kitchen sink subway tile backsplash

Credit: Emily Followill

glass-front sage kitchen cabinets blue midcentury chairs

Credit: Edmund Barr

Laminate Kitchen Countertops black lemons

Credit: Jay Wilde

Laminate tile sink flowers window

Credit: Philip Harvey

Kitchen with dark blue cabinets and wooden countertops

Credit: Stacy Goldberg

white kitchen with wood counters and island

Credit: Jason Donnelly

Concrete Kitchen Countertops kitchen sink

Credit: Brie Williams

Metal Kitchen Countertops

Credit: Michael Partenio

Metal Kitchen Countertops olive oil

Credit: John Granen

Kitchen with wood countertop

Credit: Edmund Barr

tomatoes spice drawer

Credit: Michael Skott

white and black kitchen

Credit: Kimberly Gavin

Ceramic Tile Counter spice rack

Credit: Alise O’Brien