Selecting the material for a kitchen countertop is not exactly hard, but it is full of more choices than ever before. There is now a wide range of countertop materials and applications that have expanded choices in colors, patterns and textures. And in the same time mixing and matching different countertop materials and elements have gained in popularity. For example you might pair one countertop material for the island countertop and pick another material to pair with the cabinetry that runs along the walls.

Besides enhancing the function of your kitchen work surfaces, your choice of countertop materials can be the anchor for your kitchen design and decorating theme. The natural choice for a rustic or country style kitchen would be wood, while a concrete countertop will look at home in a more contemporary setting. This countertop material, concrete, is gaining in popularity as a kitchen countertop material due to the fact that it is available in a large range of colors and the fact that it is relatively easy to acquire it.

When it comes to selecting kitchen countertop materials your ultimate decision will be determined by your personal taste and the function it is intended for. Seriously, there are no hard and fast rules one can apply in order to choose a countertop material. But the one factor that is important to consider when choosing a countertop material would be the maintenance required. Before making your choice keep in mind that different materials will require different levels of maintenance, some more than others. It really won't matter how perfect a certain countertop material fits into your kitchen design if it require more care and attention that you are able or willing to give it. A good example are marble countertops, they are indeed beautiful but they need to be sealed periodically because marble is a soft and porous stone and sealing must be done in order to stop it absorbing liquids.