Your kitchen is the heart of your home, so when choosing the best countertops, you want something that is both pleasing to the eye as well as functional. Two of the materials most commonly used in countertops today are granite and stainless steel.  Each of these materials has its pros and cons which you’ll need to be aware of before making a decision about what would be best for your kitchen.

Many people are accustomed to seeing stainless steel countertops in commercial kitchens, but this material has been making headway in the residential market as well.  One of the advantages to stainless steel is its durability.  You’ll never have to be concerned about heat damage caused by a hot pot mistakenly placed on a countertop or a water ring from a glass that has been left out too long.  One drawback that many people find with this type of material is that fingerprints and other smudges are very prominent which may make it unsuitable for homes with children or for people who don’t have a lot of time to spend on additional cleaning.

Granite countertops add a stylish and unique look to any kitchen which is why they’ve become such a popular choice for many homeowners.  This material also has many advantages.  One special benefit this type of countertop offers is that it will increase your home’s value should you decide to sell at a later date.  In addition, granite offers you a broad array of colors and patterns to choose from which will add warmth to your kitchen, and allow you to express your own personal style.  The major disadvantage to granite is the price involved.  It is costly to install due to the material’s weight and due to the fact that some additional structural support may be necessary in order to insure that it is securely installed.

If you are in the market for new countertops, consider the pros and cons of each material and use this information to help you make a decision about what works best for you.