Choosing a counter top for your new kitchen renovations can be tricky and overwhelming. Choose wrong and you might overspend and end up with a counter top that cuts into the wounds of all the money you spent, but also you might end up with one that you don't even like! We've broken it down very simply to give you an extra hand in differentiating them all, though keep in mind this list is not in order.

Granite

 

Pros:

•  Each slab of granite  is unique
• Variety of colors and types available
• Nearly maintenance-free
• Heat resistant

 

Cons:

• Pricey
• A professional is needed when installing
• slabs may not be n a perfect square/rectangle shape, may have connection lines
• Can quickly dull kitchen knives

Marble

 

Marble patterns have become extremely popular over the years though actual marble has remained the same 

Pros:

• Adds to real estate value of a home
• Water proof
• Heat resistant

Cons:

• Can be scratched easily
• Cannot be installed DIY
• Expensive

 

Laminate

 Laminate kitchen counter tops are plastic coated synthetics that dupe the look of more expensive counters like granite or marble 

Pros:

• Cheap
• Variety of choices
• Easy to maintain
• No need for a professional to do the work!

Cons:

• Sometimes viewed as low end
• Seams are visible
• Surfaces are not very strong

Recycled Glass

Recycled glass and glass in general isn't a popular choice for counter tops however they are aesthetically pleasing 

Pros:

• Cheap
• Easy to maintain
• Fits well with any decor

Cons:

• If lower quality if chosen , prone to accidents
• Can dull kitchen knives
• Edges can chip

Butcher Block

Pros:

• Can be cheap depending on where you live and wood availability
• Easy to maintain and fix

Cons:

• If not treated properly can be prone to fungus
• Susceptible to burn marks and knife marks ( though can be easily fixed)

Having wood as your counter top can give your home a warm rustic vibe.

Stainless Steel

To obtain a modern feel in your kitchen and feel like a professional chef!

Pros:

• Easiest to clean
• Add's real-estate value
• Almost no heat damage

Cons:

• Expensive to fabricate
• Can be easily scratched
• Noisy

 

Ceramic Tile

Adding in a unique style to your kitchen

Pros:

• Cheap, easy and fun
• Able to choose own design and pattern
• Easy to maintain and fix

Cons:

• Grout lines may stain or build up mold
• Tiles are brittle and may require constant repair if not careful

Quartz

Is simply just a fancy name for engineered stone

Pros:

• Can be custom fabricated
• Easy to maintain, little to no upkeep

Cons:

• Extremely expensive

Concrete

Cast your own countertop shape and size!

Pros:

• Can be color tinted
• Heat resistant
• Freedom of creativity

Cons:

• Cracking may occur over time
• Look may seem too industrialized