Countertop Options

Granite was in last year but out this year.

Concrete, glass and stone are gaining ground as popular materials for countertops. Concrete's biggest advantage is that it can take any shape and it's not as pricey as some other natural stone materials. Because it is cast in molds, it can include subtle texturing and decorative objects such as pieces of metal, fossils or glass. If you are using concrete in the kitchen, consider placing raised strips of metal cast into countertops to support pots and pans near the sink and cooking areas.

For those who crave ultra-modern design, another option is glass, which comes in nearly limitless colors, shapes, thicknesses and textures. And because it is norporous, it is stain-proof and hygenic and can handle hot pots without cracking. Since it's translucent, it can be combined with other design elements, such as glass over aluminum or decorative tile embedded into the slab. Installing lighting under the counter creates added drama and elegance.

Finally, consider engineered stone, which is slightly cheapter than granite. It's made from quartz crystals and polymer resin, so it's nearly maintenance-free. Plus, it's heat and cold-resistant, mildew-free, stain-resistant and harder than most things you put on it, so it won't scratch. Finally, it comes in dozens of colors--some mimic the real thing while others are made to match a designer's palette. The cost ranges from $70 to $120 per square foot with installation.