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The most common natural stones used to make countertops include granite, soapstone and slate. Here’s a brief look at each material:

Granite

Granite is often the top choice is available in a variety of colors such as blacks, whites, greens, corals and beige, and no two pieces are exactly the same. Granite is available in two finishes. A polished finish results in a shiny look and often darkens the appearance of the stone. The cost of granite counter tops is dependent upon many different variables, including color, finish and origin of the stone. Other natural stone materials, like marble, limestone and soapstone, are softer than granite and require delicate use and greater care. Granite counters are sold primarily through local fabricators, but they’re also available at many home centers and kitchen showrooms. Granite comes in a wide array of colors, ranging from vibrant blues and variegated browns, to midnight black, deep red and mottled white. The widespread popularity and availability of granite has stabilized prices somewhat, but it’s not exactly cheap. Expect to pay between $75 to more than $250 per sq ft, depending on the granite color and complexity of the fabrication.

Ceramic Counter Tops

Ceramic Counter tops are attractive and popular for country-style kitchens, favored for its texture and color selection. However, they’re also scratch, stain and moisture resistant and easy to clean; easy and inexpensive to repair. The cost for ceramic counter top varies greatly from as little as as little as $2 per lineal foot, or as high as $90 for designer tiles. Tile is an excellent choice for back splashes or for secondary work surfaces, such as islands, eat-at counters, peninsulas, wet bars or butler’s pantries. Just be sure to use tiles rated for use on floors or countertops.

Laminate Counter Tops

Laminate Counter Tops are the most popular kitchen remodeling counter top choice; laminates are among the most versatile and cost effective. They’re also stain and grease resistant, withstands high temperatures, large selection of colors, textures, and styles; impervious to water, low maintenance. Their estimated cost is between $15 and $60 per linear foot; cutting and seaming will add to cost. is a durable, hard-wearing material that can survive many years in the toughest kitchens. Considering that plastic laminate is made primarily of resins, it’s a surprisingly resilient choice. Plastic laminate is available in hundreds of colors and dozens of patterns, and in various textures

Stone Counter Tops

Natural Stone Counter Tops are the natural choice for hardcore chefs and cooks. Natural Stone Counter Tops are stunning, durable; cool non-stick surface perfect for candy making and rolling out dough. They’re also easy to clean; impervious to stains, heat, and water if sealed. A granite kitchen counter is impervious to knife cuts and ideal for kitchen upgrades especially when trying to sell your home. However, they can cost anywhere between $175 to $400 per lineal foot, depending upon stone type, to over $600 per lineal foot for imported exotic marble. Slate and quartz kitchen counter top cost is somewhat less than many other stone types; soap stone counter tops somewhere in the middle. Stainless Steel Counter Tops are the perfect and essential tool for a high end, modern looking kitchen. Stainless Steel Counter Tops are durable, impervious to stains, spills, and high temperatures; resists rust. They’re also easy to clean; seamless and can also be used in combination with other types of counter top materials. However, their downside remains to be is that the Steel Counter Tops hows nicks and scratches; requires a firm underlay, and are very difficult to instal. Many times installation requires the expertise of a reliable kitchen remodeling contractor

Concrete Counter Tops

Both modern and rustic, concrete works well with most architectural styles. In fact, if you want a natural look but don’t care for the polished hue of granite, concrete is a great alternative. True concrete tops have meshing and metal in them and are installed after they are fabricated.

This post is contributed by Jianjames, she is one of the web team member of Corian Countertops .net . Which specializes in Countertops and other kitchen remodeling accessories.