If you are about to start a new kitchen remodeling project, one of the first decisions you will have to make is what the new kitchen countertops will be made of. With so many options available, from natural stone like granite to engineered stone like quartz, you’ll have so many options your head will spin! So here are some tips on choosing the best material for your new kitchen counters.

The first thing to consider is what your kitchen is for besides being the place where you prepare meals and store dishes and other kitchen utensils. Is it a gathering place for you and your family? Do you use your kitchen for hobbies like crafts and painting? Do your children do their homework there? If any of these apply to you, then you definitely want a durable stone like granite. Granite is naturally resistant to bacteria, and is also resistant to stains and burns. While you don’t want to paint or craft them, granite is still a great option no matter how big your family is or what other purposes your kitchen serves.

While granite can be a great option for your new kitchen countertops, you should probably also consider quartz for much the same reasons. The main difference between granite and quartz is aesthetics. No two granite slabs are exactly alike, so if you want a more consistent look across all of your kitchen counters, then you can go for quartz.

Another aspect to consider is the general appearance of your home. Are you more traditional or is your home more contemporary? Your new kitchen countertops should mimic your own unique style and taste. Granite and quartz kitchen countertops come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and patterns, so you may have to go to a granite and quartz showroom to find exactly what you’re looking for. You want to make sure your new kitchen countertops match the rest of your kitchen. That’s why it’s important to bring as many samples as possible to the showroom when choosing your slab. Bring paint samples, photos or samples of what your new cabinets will look like, and also photos of your new faucets and appliances.

With a little forethought and planning on your part, you are sure to find the perfect kitchen countertops for your new kitchen!