Offers low-maintenance durability and high heat resistance. “I always say that the house could burn down, but the granite would be left standing,” says Sandya Dandamudi, president of GI Stone in Chicago. $40–$200/square foot

Can be poured into nearly any shape, says Lisa Cini, an interior designer and author who specializes in living spaces for older adults. But “stains can be a nightmare unless you apply a water-based wax sealant each year.” $50–$150/square foot

Known for being durable, heat resistant, lightweight and strong, Cini says. But it’s expensive and needs regular cleaning. “If you cannot stand a water drop on things, it shows all that and it can show handprints,” Cini says. $70–$225/square foot

Provides a warm feel to decor. Some food can be chopped on the counter. “If someone has arthritis and doesn’t want to haul out a huge cutting board, butcher block would be good,” Cini says. But without careful cleaning, the wood can “look yucky,” she adds. $50–$150/square foot

Is man-made from quartzite and known for its beauty. But it’s expensive. And because the compound includes resin and some dyes, production results can vary, says Dandamudi, who advises that buyers stick to a well-known company or brand. $75–$150/square foot

Offers stain resistance yet is aesthetically stunning and easy to maintain. Cini also cites its heat resistance and durability. “If I had to pick a material that’s good for almost all conditions, it’s quartzite. It is low maintenance.” But it can be a bit more expensive than granite. $60–$200/square foot

Has the look of natural stone. “It is an aesthetic,” Dandamudi says. “But be prepared for what goes into preserving it.” It’s prone to stains and degradation. “Then you become that neurotic person who puts coasters under everything,” Cini says. $50–$120/square foot —Maisy Fernandez