Kate Hart

Kitchen renovations are sometimes the most difficult ones to undertake. The mess, disruption and choices can be just plain scary. How do you know what to choose? What's the right countertop? Which cabinets will work and look best? How much lighting do I need? And what about tiles and flooring? It seems the list of considerations is never ending.

One of the biggest choices is the countertop. Many options are available these days: laminate, granite, marble. Which do I choose? Each one has its pros and cons and budgetary considerations. So let's look at what some of those might be:

Laminate: is the most widely available, lowest cost and easiest to maintain. There are lots of colours and textures to choose. Laminate can be damaged with knives or hot pots, but resists staining and is easy to clean. Definitely a budget choice. To create a more modern appeal with a laminate countertop, forego the 4-inch back and side splashes. Tile the walls directly to the top of the counter.

Granite: is becoming more accessible and affordable. A natural durable stone, granite is easy to care for and resists stains and scratches. Remember to seal it once a year with a simple spray and wipe granite sealer ... and avoid ammonia based cleaners. For a high-end look, have the backsplash covered with the same granite in large pieces. This gives a minimalist, expensive look to the new kitchen.

Marble: is a much softer stone that stains and scratches easily. It is a luxurious stone that works well as a backsplash and pastry surface. It does need to be resealed often, but cleans with water and a mild detergent. Higher end cost. Consider building a piece of marble into the counter where you do your baking. This gives you an updated look without all the maintenance.

Solid-surface: counters are made specifically for the shape of your kitchen and come in a whole range of colours. Made from plastics, resins and other materials, they are durable, water resistant and very easy to keep clean. Scratches and nicks can be sanded out, so the top is reparable, but a solid surface top will discolour from heat. Expensive and not available to the DIY crowd.

Natural Quartz and Quartzite: counters are as strong as granite or marble, and less porous. Natural quartz has a beautiful crystalline look, with great depth of colour and a glass like surface. High temperature and stains do not generally harm this counter. Definitely on the high end of the cost scale. Quartzite is engineered from ground quartz and a small amount of resin. It is non-porous and easy to clean. There is no sealing required, and the shine does not fade over time. A bit more on the cost side than granite, but definitely worth a consideration.

There are also other options to consider like ceramic tiles (inset them into the counter right beside the stove for a quick "hot plate" effect that won't damage the countertop), stainless steel, butcher block, copper or concrete. And then there's glass.

So begin by thinking about how you use your kitchen ... and who uses it with you. This might help streamline your choices before you go out looking.