Is choosing the right counter top starting to feel like a second job? Here’s our Top 5 list to help you with your decision.

#1: Natural Stone-Granite

There are a wide variety of Natural Stone countertop materials to choose from, however, our top choice for an excellent Natural Stone counter is Granite.

Pros: Granite makes for a very beautiful countertop. It has a beautiful luster and every slab is slightly unique. Granite is heat resistant, impervious to scratches, and is available in a variety of color choices. In addition to all this, granite adds an excellent resale value to any home.

While granite may seem to be the ultimate in countertop selections it does have a few drawbacks.

Cons: Granite counters will need to be sealed in order to prevent staining. It’s a very heavy material and will require the proper support from base cabinets and flooring. Granite can also be very costly.

#2: Quartz

If you’re looking for a low maintenance countertop with a contemporary feel…try a Quartz counter.

Pros: Quartz is a manufactured product that’s very durable and doesn’t have some of the same weaknesses as Natural Stone. It has the same durability as concrete and granite, but it doesn’t chip or crack easily.

Quartz is a non-porous, germ resistant material, that’s available in a wide variety of colors. Much more than what you’d see in natural stone. And because it’s engineered, it has an extremely striking appearance and a rich luxurious finish.

Cons: There aren’t too many cons associated with Quartz, but like any other material it does have a few downsides. Quartz is not as heat resistant as granite and can be somewhat expensive. And like Natural Stone counters the seams of engineered stones can be noticeable.

#3: Recycled Glass

A relatively new product out on the market is Recycled Glass.

Pros: Recycled glass counters are an eco-friendly product that can add lots of fun color to any kitchen. Each blend of glass is unique, which means no two counters will look the same. Counters can be encased in either acrylic or concrete, and depending upon the way the glass is configured, it can look very traditional or contemporary.

Recycled glass counters are durable and will not easily chip. Both the acrylic and concrete types are easy to clean, but the concrete will require a sealer as it’s very porous, where the acrylic is non porous and will not need a sealer.

Cons: Recycled Glass counters are very durable, but if a lot of weight is placed on an edge or a corner it could crack. Certain acidic solutions such as orange juice or tomato juice and even harsh cleaning products can damage the surface if not cleaned right away. Pricing for Recycled Glass counters can be expensive, but not as expensive as quartz or granite.

#4: Wood

Next to Natural Stone, Wood counters tend to be a very popular choice for with home owners. Wood counters offer a kitchen warmth and appeal.

Pros: It works with all styles of kitchens from traditional to modern. It’s available in a wide range of colors and finishes. It’s easy to clean and can be sanded and resealed as needed.

There are many types of hardwoods to choose from like maple, cherry, teak, oak, and birch.

Cons: While having a wood counter can add warmth and charm to your kitchen, it does have a few disadvantages. Wood counters must be sealed. It is a very porous material that can be damaged or stained by water and can harbor germs and bacteria. Wood is a very soft material and can scratch and dent easily, which means it will show wear and tear over time, and will need to be refinished at some point over its lifetime.

#5: Stainless Steel

When you think of Stainless Steel you probably think about a commercial kitchen in a restaurant. But Stainless Steel is an excellent material choice for any home.

Pros: Stainless Steel can give a kitchen a very sleek modern look. It’s a very durable easy to clean and maintain material. It’s heat resistant and germ resistant, but like any other material it is not impervious to damage.

Cons: Stainless steel can scratch and dent. It also shows lots of finger prints on its surface, and some acidic liquid like coffee and juice can cause discoloration if it’s not cleaned quickly. Due to its custom fabrication it can also be quite costly.

We want to hear from you! What are your top 5 countertops?