Home Improvement - Remodeling - Fixing - Painting

Laminates are the least expensive, at around $10-$40 per square foot. They're relatively easy to install, but they don't hold up well against scratching and gouging. They also tend to look old fairly quickly, though occasional replacement is a more viable option at those prices.

They come in a dizzying variety of textures and colors today and they offer good stain resistance. They're easy to clean as well. Laid down over plywood, they can be replaced in a weekend, though scraping glue off for hours isn't much fun. It's sometimes easier to replace the entire plywood plank.

Ceramic tile can be another modest cost option. Some tiles are as low as a few dollars per square foot, though prices can reach as high as $50 per tile. They're easy to install in new kitchens, but fairly difficult to replace or repair. Once glued down, they form a strong bond with the surface. Replacing them requires gouging out the grout and prying up the old tile.

Grout is always a problem with ceramic tiles, since the rough surface and the type of material make cleaning a difficult chore. Tiles are often very durable, but once they crack replacing them is often not carried out. Over time, the surface looks old and shoddy.

They do offer a very easy to clean surface and can last the lifetime of the house if they're well cared for. They're heat resistant and don't stain or scratch easily.

Styled concrete is one of the newer options, and it can often be installed for $50 per square foot. It's almost impossible to scorch and can be colored to taste.

Concrete is heavy, though, and requires extensive drying time before it can be used. It needs to be properly sealed, usually more than once. Installation is generally best left to professionals.

Stainless steel is also coming into vogue again. Costing around $50-$65 per square foot, it's in the middle of the pack in terms of price. It does show scratches easily, though some pre-roughened styles help to hide this. It's easy to clean, but the surface can become splotchy over time.

Marble has been around for countertop use for centuries. It can be expensive at $75 per square foot, but it looks great new or old. Since it's porous, it will require regular re-sealing to avoid absorbing stains and becoming discolored. Marble comes in a wide variety of styles, each one unique to the source of the material.

Granite makes for one of the best countertop surfaces, though you pay a premium for that. Prices start at $80 per square foot and rise rapidly. The material is highly resistant to scratching and won't stain if sealed properly. It looks stellar, but installations almost always make seams and have to be carried out by a professional.

Combining the best of old-world looks with modern technology, engineered stone is a good option. Mildly expensive, prices start at $50 per square foot and rise moderately. Just about any stone-like pattern can be reproduced and surfaces can be made unique.

The material never needs sealing and resists stains and scratches. Heat resistance is rarely a problem with these materials. Professional installation is common, but some can be carried out by skilled do-it-yourselfers.

Whichever you choose, consider how long you'll own the house and what you intend to use the surface for. Initial outlay should not be the only factor. Think long term.