They say the kitchen is the heart of your home, and there’s one element that makes or breaks the kitchen: your countertops.

When it comes to choosing countertops, it’s easy to make your final decision based on looks alone—but it’s important to think bigger picture. Instead of picking the colors and the shades you like the most and forgetting the rest, it’s time to learn the ins and outs of countertop upkeep and the pitfalls and perks of each material. That way, you can make an informed decision that’s right for you and your family and how you use your kitchen (that also looks great in the space).

Granite

Granite countertops are super popular, and for good reason. The highly durable material comes in a wide range of colors and is fairly low maintenance, giving you the luxurious look you want even on a budget. Granite is naturally heat- and scratch-resistant, and though it is more porous than other stone options, it’s a fairly low-maintenance choice that only needs resealed occasionally. One of the most modern options for granite is black leathered granite, which will give your kitchen a sleek and sophisticated look. Be careful which granite you choose because some slabs have too much pattern, which can instantly age your home.

Premade slabs of granite are the most economical option when it comes to pricing, but are often limited in both supply and color. The high-end granite slaves can run the same price as marble, at anywhere from $3,000-$8,000 per slab.

Quartz

Quartz countertops are made of engineered stone, giving them the look of natural stones like granite but without some of the headaches. The man-made material is non-porous and won’t absorb stains as easily as natural stones, so it’s safe for red wine drinkers or avid at-home chefs. Plus, because it’s manufactured instead of mined, it’s available in a wide range of colors and styles that you won’t find with other options.

One of the major upsides of quartz is its cost. Premade slabs are super affordable (though are usually available in a limited supply). Depending on which type of quartz you choose, the price can range dramatically, and details like waterfall edges can impact the final price tag.

Concrete

Concrete countertops instantly give a sleek and modern feel to your kitchen, while also delivering on durability. The hard material is some of the strongest out there, ensuring you don’t have to worry about dents, nicks, or scratches. Concrete can, however, fracture as your house settles and shifts. But don’t worry—it’s usually a quick and affordable fix.

Like stone, concrete needs to be sealed every few years to protect against stains and bacteria. But that’s really the only downside, especially because concrete countertops are an incredibly affordable option if you’re interested in a DIY project. Professional concrete countertops, however, can run up the price because of the craftsmanship and skill needed to execute the project properly.

Wood

Wood is an amazing way to add some warmth and depth to your kitchen. Because there are a wide range of different wood finishes, you can choose from the likes of maple, cherry, oak, or birch to get the hue and tone you’re looking for. Depending on the wood you choose, the cost per square foot hovers around $40, which means it’s an affordable alternative to stone.

When it comes to durability, wood can be damaged more easily than its stone counterparts, but you can easily get rid of scratches or nicks in the wood by refinishing it. You’ll also need to frequently seal wood countertops to protect against water damage and other wear.

Like with a wooden cutting board, wooden countertops are a great option for cutting and meal prepping. Instead of full wooden countertops, consider mixing wood or a butcher block with other countertop materials to stretch your budget. You can even use it on your island for a pop of color.

If you’re ready to make the all-too-important countertop decision, learn exactly what to expect next during countertop installation with our comprehensive guide.