kitchen counter top decisions

I saw this article today on the popularity of granite.
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/109831/whats-the-most-popular-countertop-for-kitchens?mod=family-love_money

No matter what surface you choose there are advantages and disadvantages.
Granite is a great staple and will be around for a long time. From a design standpoint, it has become a bit "ordinary" and as designers we are always looking for new things. The nice thing is that each piece of granite is unique and there is a large array of colors and textures.

The quartz is becoming more popular. While we have been having a lot of fun with texture, clean lines, less texture, and more drama are becoming more popular. Quartz also allows for a solid color with limited texture that you don't get in granite.

Concrete is also slowly gaining popularity. One of the great advantages of concrete is that you can mold it to be whatever you want. You can have a continuous sink, like you can with Corian without the disadvantages of Corian or other manmande solid surface products. Concrete can be stained and creates either a very rustic look or a very modern look depending on what you do with the color and texture.

Some people really love the look of marble. While it's pretty, it is porous so if you cook a lot, you need to be aware that it will get damaged. However if you like to bake, it is ideal. Rolling dough on marble is much easier than the other surfaces.

The "Green" movement is also gaining in popularity and it's influence is seen in kitchen countertops. There are several environmentally friendly materials that are made of recycled glass or plastic.

Stainless Steel countertops are also popular as people want "restaurant quality kitchens". It also provides a very sleek modern look.

Another fun option that I have seen at designer showrooms for that special island. It is slate with fossils embedded in the counter. Always a conversation starter.

This is a more expanded list of your choices. There are more....Whenever you do something in your home, don't do it because that's what you saw at the local home DIY center. Many of these other options cost the same as granite and give you many more options as far as the look and function that you want to achieve. Do your homework, ask some questions and decide on what the best product for YOU is, not what is easiest for your store or contractor. Ask a designer to help you with this part if you need it. Counters are very expensive and not something you want to replace very often. Better to be more informed.