The cabinets may be the face of the kitchen but the countertops are where all the action happens. A countertop will have to cope with hot pots and pans, knives, dirt and therefore needs to be durable.

So it is usually best to make your choice based on the performance of the material and ease of maintenance, as well as the sink mounting option.

Notes on edge styles and backsplash options are given at the end of this page (click here).

The countertop choices are listed below very roughly by price (least to most expensive). If you are replacing countertops measure the tops at the wall edge (not the front edge) and make a rough drawing when you go to the kitchen store to get a quote. Also measure the depth and indicate how the ends need to be finished, meaning whether there is a wall, an appliance or a walkway. Draw your plan from above, as if you were on the ceiling looking down.

Laminate

Laminate is a very popular choice for kitchen countertops [...]

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