Are you sick and tired of looking at the ugly countertops that you have had to live with since you moved in to your house?  Countertops rank among the most common home improvement projects.  Chaning the work surface in your kitchen or bathroom can literally transform the entire room.  So what are your options?

Ceramic tile has been a longtime choice for homeowners.  I is made from clay and then glazed and/or painted into any number of colors and designs.  It is heat proof, almost impossible to scratch, water resistent, and keeps its lustre for decades.  However, because it is so hard, it can break delicate china and crystal if you are not careful.  It is also difficult to have installed correctly.  Make sure if you go with this option that you do not skimp on your labor budget–or worse–attempt to do it yourself if you have little experience.

Another option is laminate countertops.  These are counters that have a compressed particle board center and then a coating of resin that is available in almost any color under the sun.  It can be very easy to install, and fairly inexpensive; but the surface is NOT heat resistent, and it can be easily burned, scratched, and stained–all of which is bound to happen over the course  of time in a kichen.

Similarly, wood countertops (also known as butchers block) has a gorgeous, natual appearance and is easy to install–but it is as vulnerable to marks and burns as laminate.

If you need something that can resist any wear and tear, consider granite countertops.  It is as tough as you can get when it comes to heat resistence, stains, and dents.  It is a hard surface, so again, you have to be careful with your delicate flatware.  It is also extremely expensive and very, very heavy.  Some cabinets are not able to carry granite countertops without having additional supports installed.  Still, for many people, there is no subsitute for this beautiful countertop option.

Whatever you choose, make sure you research the best way to maintain and care for your new countertops, so that you can keep them looking like new for years to come.