User blog comment:TehAnonymous/TehAnonymous AMA/@comment-25719426-20150220002808/@comment-1990160-20150220051740

Depends. There are a lot of factors that play into choosing a counter.

You really want your counter to work with the rest of your composition. Some counters require a lot more maintenance and upkeep than others, but result in a higher reward at the end.

You can choose to start off with a basic, low-maintenance countertop like glass or stainless steel. Granite or wood counters are on the higher end, so expect to shell out. You have to be more careful with what you allow to interact with the surfaces (hot pots and pans will burn the wood if you're not careful, acid will damage the granite, etc.), but they're far more visually and sensually appealing.

You should be asking yourself what your needs are, the size your budget, and your long-term plans for the kitchen and your home.