Best for busy kitchens. The nonporous surface is both stain- and heat-resistant and needn't be sealed, unlike stone. It's available in colors and styles that mimic natural stone as well as vibrant colors not found in nature.

But seams are visible and edges can chip. Compare countertop materials: Stone finishes can appear more uniform than natural.

Price $45 to $90 per square foot, installed; $2,500 to $5,000 for an average-sized kitchen.

Best for a stone look that can withstand heavy use. Granite resists heat and scratches, as well as stains when properly sealed. Honed and polished finishes offer similar stain resistance.

But needs periodic resealing to protect it from stains. Compare countertop materials: Color and grain can differ from samples, so visit the stone yard to pick your own slabs.

Price $40 to $100 per square foot, installed; $2,200 to $5,500 for an average-sized kitchen.

Best for a wide variety of colors and patterns at a budget-friendly price. Laminate is good at resisting stains and heat damage and is simple to install.

But it's easily scratched and isn't repairable. Most have visible seams, though post-formed (seamless) options are available.

Price $10 to $30 per square foot, installed; $550 to $1,650 for an average-sized kitchen.

Best for a sleek, professional kitchen look. Compare countertop materials: Repels stains and heat and doesn't rust or discolor. Can be made with an integral sink for a seamless look.

But it shows fingerprints, and it dents and scratches easily. To make damage less visible, choose a matte or grain finish.

Price $70 to $120 per square foot, installed; $1,950 to $4,400 for an average-sized kitchen.

Best for seamless installations. Many color and style options available, including those that mimic stone, concrete, and quartz. Nonporous and stain-resistant, and small nicks and scratches can easily be repaired.

But it scratches easily. Stone-look finishes can appear more uniform than natural.

Price $35 to $80 per square foot, installed; $1,950 to $4,400 for an average-sized kitchen.

Best for a traditional look in medium-traffic areas. It's available in a wide range of natural colors and is heat-resistant.

But not as stain-resistant or tough as granite. Also requires periodic sealing.

Price $40 to $100 per square foot, installed; $2,200 to $5,500 for an average-sized kitchen.

Best for use near stoves because it's heat-resistant. Easy to install and available in a wide range of colors, patterns, and prices.

But it chips easily, and grout between tiles stains. Sealant or colored grout might help.

Price $10 to $30 per square foot, installed; $550 to $1,650 for an average-sized kitchen.

Best for a modern, high-tech look. It can be dyed, textured, or customized.

But it requires periodic sealing and is easily damaged by heat, knives, and rough objects. Compare countertop materials: Durability depends on the fabricator's skill and type of sealant. Can develop cracks.

Price $80 to $120 per square foot, installed; $4,400 to $6,600 for an average-sized kitchen.

Best for a stone look without heavy veining. It withstands heat without damage.

But it's a very soft stone that is easily sliced, nicked, and scratched. Limestone also stained even when properly sealed.

Price $60 to $100 per square foot, installed; $3,300 to $5,500 for an average-sized kitchen.

Best for a country-look kitchen, as well as cutting produce. It's easy to install and repair.

But it requires regular cleaning, periodic sealing, and refinishing to remove cuts, dings, and scratches.

Price $40 to $65 per square foot, installed; $2,200 to $3,600 for an average-sized kitchen.