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So much about home design is inspired by one piece - a painting, an existing piece of furniture or a vase. Same can be said about a kitchen and bath remodel - many customers begin with one piece and work their entire design around that core. That piece is very often the countertop. 
Since many popular countertop options begin with natural stone, the variations within the chosen piece are the sought-after inspiration that everything else centers on - it's the design hub, the nucleus. The floors, the cabinetry, the backsplash and even the appliances will all fit the unique depth found in the stone that will be made into the countertop.
Let's look at a few of today's countertop options ranked by popularity by National Kitchen and Bath Association.
1. Natural Stone Countertops
Perhaps one of the reasons why homeowners gravitate toward natural stone countertops is because no two pieces of stone are alike, which makes every kitchen one-of-a-kind. Homeowners can look at the different finishes, textures and definitions that only nature can provide. There are many forms of natural stone to choose from: granite (by far the most popular), marble, soapstone, slate and limestone, to name a few.
2. Quartz Composite
Often referred to as quartz surfacing or engineered stone, quartz composite is a hybrid of two popular high-end countertop materials - granite and solid surfacing - and has the look and feel of natural stone. Homeowners are often attracted to this material because of its designed depth and clarity. Quartz composite surfaces are made from 90 percent quartz and 10 percent acrylic or epoxy binder. Natural quartz is a very hard material, which makes quartz composite an extremely durable, non-porous surface that is resistant to stains, scratches and heat. Brand names include DuPont's Zodiaq and CaesarStone.
3. Solid Surface Countertops
Like natural stone, this product is extremely durable, easy to maintain and has a clean, smooth feel to it, but it is man-made. Homeowners who like the durability of stone but don't like the natural variations that come with it lean towards these solid surface countertops because the color and texture is consistent throughout. A recognizable brand name is Corian.
4. Laminate Countertops
Over time, the greatest value in countertops in terms of durability, maintenance, relatively low cost, and ease of cleaning still continues to be laminate. There are design limitations with laminate, and it doesn't have the depth of color or the solid feeling that the other products have; however, homeowners can ignite their creativity with this option. Laminate comes in a variety of solid colors, in addition to wood grains and patterns.
These are just a few of the most popular countertop categories we see with our homeowners. Other types include ceramic tile, butcher block, stainless steel and concrete, to name a few more.
Because all four countertop choices listed above come with pros and cons at varying costs, it is a process of balancing your value decision on budget and taste. We will be happy to share our experiences and aid your research so you can make the choice that best fits your family's lifestyle.
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