If you’re considering remodeling your kitchen and want to “make the room comfortable and practical,” “choosing a durable and attractive countertop” is a key ingredient. So said the Associated Press in a recent article titled “The Counters Speak for the Kitchen.”

“Durability, ease of maintenance and appearance are all important things to consider when choosing a countertop. And the nicest and most expensive countertops…can add value to your home, too.” In fact, countertops have a huge impact on the appearance of your kitchen. The many options available offer different cost, weight, durability, maintenance, and aesthetics. So what types of countertop materials best fill the bill? Choosing the right countertop for your kitchen remodeling project depends on what is most important to you as a homeowner. Here are some of the most popular countertop options, with their pros and cons:

o Laminate: “Still the most affordable counter surface,” laminate is easy to install, simple to maintain, and comes in a wide range of colors. DuPont(TM) surfaces come in hundreds of patterns and colors and can be custom cut and installed for unlimited design possibilities. Plus, the durable, seamless surface resists heat, stains, and scratches.

o Granite – The National Association of Home Builders says that granite is quickly becoming the most popular countertop material in new homes. Because it adds value to your home and can last a lifetime, granite is a good choice for kitchen remodelers who can afford it. Granite Certified by DuPont brings you the beauty of natural stone, is carefully selected and backed by DuPont’s limited warranty. The caveats: “Granite can cost hundreds of dollars per square foot, including installation. It’s porous, so it must be treated with a stain-resistant sealer, otherwise the stains can be very difficult to remove.”

o Solid Surface Countertops: Corian®, an acrylic solid surface manufactured by DuPont, is the standard for style and can be customized to create unique, uniform surfaces, intricate inlays and trivets. It is nonporous and easy to clean, but it may not hold up well to heat.

o Quartz: Gaining popularity in countertops, quartz is a natural stone that is as strong as granite. DuPont Zodiaq® incorporates pure quartz glass, making it exceptionally durable and scratch resistant, as well as beautiful. And because it’s non-porous, it doesn’t require sealing.

o Butcher Block Wood – “Handy for chefs and their knives,” this material can be difficult to keep clean.

o Ceramic Tiles: “Easy to clean and hold up well to heat,” the downsides of ceramic tiles are that “they are uneven and can chip or crack.”

When deciding which countertop surface is best for your kitchen remodeling project, look for an online resource that provides kitchen remodeling ideas and links to major manufacturers. Browse through their gallery display of kitchen countertop selections before making a final decision. The ideas, inspiration, choice, support and advice that this resource provides can help ensure that your kitchen remodel is the one of your dreams.