How to choose

Kitchen counters are often sold by the linear foot, but we indicate price by the more accurate square foot. (The average kitchen has 56 square feet of counters—about 23 linear feet—according to the Fabricator Network, a trade group.) Consider these buying tips:

Pay attention to the look

Tiny samples make it hard to visualize how the finished counter will look. Check manufacturer Web sites for brochures that help you match counters to cabinet colors or online guides that let you put different materials and colors in virtual settings. If you’re set on stone, go to the stone yard. Color, veining, and pattern can vary enormously by slab and even within the same slab. If you find one you like, put a deposit on it.

Incorporate the sink

Most counters work with most sinks. But waterproof materials, such as stone, quartz, solid surfacing, stainless steel, and concrete, are essential if your sink is undermounted. With the exception of quartz and stone, each of those materials can be used for the sink and the counter to achieve a seamless look.

Consider the finish

Granite and engineered stone are sold polished or honed; in our countertop tests, honed finishes were no better than glossy ones at fending off stains that were allowed to dry overnight. Stainless offers brushed and random-grain finishes, which tend to hide scratches, but if fingerprints are an issue, consider fake-stainless laminate instead.

Don’t neglect the seams

With solid surfacing, pieces are fused to get rid of seams. Stainless seams can be welded, ground, and buffed away. But laminates typically require seams on the front edge and between the backsplash and counter. Post forming melds the backsplash, counter, and front edge into one laminate-wrapped unit, but offers fewer color choices.

Ensure precision

Final measurements and templates for sinks, cooktops, and faucets should be done once the base cabinets are installed and level, and their tops are free of gaps. The fabricator should do the measuring; then mistakes are the professional’s responsibility, not yours.

Make sure your estimate states the fees for cutouts, faucet holes, undermounting a sink, and any special treatments, such as an integral drainboard or decorative edge. Note that custom edges like bullnoses, ogees, and bevels can give low-priced counters added flair. But edges can cost up to $50 per linear foot. (Learn more about edging and backsplashes.)