Did you know when you go to sell your home, you may be able to recoup upwards of 80 percent of the cost of a major kitchen remodel? That's not to mention the fact that well-done improvements increases your home's curb appeal, making it more likely to sell -- and sell quickly. But, best of all, gorgeous kitchen countertops can transform the room from "just a place to cook" into a wonderful place to live.

When choosing what countertops to put on top of your kitchen cabinetry, there are many things to consider. Here's where you can begin:

Cooking:
In order to get the most out of the countertops that you select, consider the following questions first. Do you cook every day? Do you cook once in a while when you cannot avoid it? Are you the type of chef who likes to place hot pots on the countertop without the benefit of a hot plate or thermal barrier? Do you use a lot of roughly designed cookware that may scratch unprotected surfaces? You will need to take all of these things into account when selecting the type of countertop that you want for your kitchen. Engineered stone and granite provide excellent scratch-and heat-resistant surfaces.

Make your kitchen shine! Choosing kitchen countertops | Sheknows.com