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First time buyers won’t have an easy time making up their minds about what kitchen countertop to buy. There are many varieties out there… many styles, many colors, many layout options. The tips below should help you make an informed purchase that will prove to be one of the best home improvements you’ve ever made.

1. Consider investing in a natural stone countertop that’s not only practical to use, but also elegant and eye-catching, especially if you invite guests to your kitchen often. Natural stone is the best material you can choose, whether it’s granite, marble, onyx, or travertine.

2. Rather than buying a cheap laminate, wood, or metal countertop, save up money for the much more durable and beautiful natural stone countertop. Although the latter will require a significant first time investment, in the long term it will prove to be worthwhile. And make sure you avoid products made from manufactured stone, as these have generally a poor quality.

3. Buy a granite countertop if you want a material that’s solid and requires little to no maintenance. Granite countertops are available in many styles and colors, which is why they are at present the most popular type of countertops. They are remarkably resistant to scratches and stains, and endure heat as well. And certain varieties don’t even require the yearly sealing that marble or travertine countertops need.

4. Consider the edging style that your countertop will have. Most countertops have beveled or straight edges, but you might prefer a rounded edge, which is compatible with any design, looks great, and is less likely to chip. Sometimes a manufacturer will let you personalize the edging.

5. Get a new faucet and sink that will fit in perfectly with the new countertop. The material from which your countertop is made, as well as its style, will obviously determine the type of sink and faucet you can get. All natural stone is easy to cut, however, and integrating a new countertop in an older kitchen should not be a major problem.

Finally, before buying a new kitchen countertop, make sure you read the product description, and ask about the maintenance requirements.

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