If you're building a home or remodeling your existing kitchen, the countertops will play an important part in your finished room. Countertops can change the entire look of a room when they are purchased in unique colors or textures and are often the center of kitchen activity when food is being prepared and cooked. A number of surface options are available.

The surface you choose will depend on a number of factors including the size of your kitchen, your budget, and how you will be using your kitchen countertops when they are installed. Here are six options to consider.

Wood or Butcher Block

Wood and butcher block countertops blend in nicely with a warm and open kitchen. They're very natural-looking and add character to a room that's often used as central command for busy people. These countertops are very easy to clean and can be sanded to freshen up their look. Be aware that they can become stained over time so they may not be ideal for households with small children.

Granite Countertops

If money is of no concern to you when you're adding countertops to your kitchen, granite will probably be your top choice for a countertop surface. Granite is actually an igneous rock that contains many different kinds of minerals. The result of all of these minerals is that granite has a speckled appearance. The best thing about granite countertops is that they're extremely durable. They hold up well under heat and you can usually cut right on the counter without using a cutting board or other protective surface.The two most common problems with granite is that it comes in limited color choices and that they must be sealed every few years for best results.