How to choose

Get a glimpse of the future by visiting friends and quietly noting how their countertops have held up. Then think about your tolerance for stains and other signs of wear and tear. Are you a perfectionist? If so, over time you probably won't get past marble's stains and nicks to notice the patina. Consider upkeep and these tips:

Think big

Those tiny samples don't make it easy, so try online design tools from manufacturers such as DuPont and Formica. DuPont also has a free mySurface app for swatches of its quartz and solid-surface counters. Natural stone's color and veining can vary considerably by slab and even within a slab, so a visit to the stone yard is a must. Pick a piece you love and reserve it. Whatever you're considering, pay attention to seams. They should be virtually invisible in solid surfacing and stainless-steel counters. For other materials, 1/16 inch or less is standard, says Andy Graves, president of the Fabricator Network, a trade group. Fat joints indicate sloppy work, he adds.

Factor in finishes

Quartz and granite are sold with polished or honed (matte) finishes. They performed about the same at fighting stains that were allowed to dry overnight. Granite with proprietary sealers, such as Stonemark, performed no better than regular granite. Matte and grain finishes help conceal scratches in stainless, but expect fingerprints. Butcher block and concrete performed differently depending on the sealer used.

Select a sink

Top-mount sinks, also called drop-ins, sit on top of the counter. Undermounted sinks are installed under the countertop and require a waterproof material such as quartz, stone, stainless steel, solid surfacing, or concrete. Stainless and solid surfacing can be used for the counter and sink, creating a seamless look.

Pick an edge

It's a small detail that can affect the overall look. Rounded edges fit many styles and are less likely to chip. Straight and bevel, or slanted, edges are contemporary; ogee is traditional. Some edging costs extra, so ask.

Be precise

Have the fabricator make final measurements so that he's responsible for accuracy. Insist that the estimate state fees for cutouts, undermounting a sink, and edges. Be home during the counter's installation and carefully examine it—that is the time to find mistakes.